The Western Cape is a place of exceptional beauty with few areas in the world to rival it.
The Cape is the home of the fynbos. The smallest of the world's six floral 'kingdoms', it is nevertheless one of the most varied and considered to be in botanical terms the richest area on earth. Of more than 8500 plant species found in the fynbos, 6000 are endemic to specific areas.
Game is well represented and nature reserves and national parks in the Cape are home to the Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Baboon and Cape Fox to mention only a few of the many wildlife species to be found. The southern coastline is an important breeding ground for the Southern Right Whale providing some of the best whale watching in the world.
The Western Cape is an absolute pleasure to visit, offering endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this province. From flora and fauna to fossils and rock art, crystal pools and caves to mountains and pristine beaches, the Western Cape is a delight for all.
Overberg Western Cape South Africa
Land of wild flowers, wine estates and whales, the Overberg region is home to both the Bontebok and Agulhas National Parks. The most southern point in Africa, Cape Agulhas, attracts many whales and dolphins and provides whale watchers with perfect viewpoints along the coastline. Nature reserves, wild flower gardens, country farm stalls, vineyards and the impressive mountains make this region an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, perfect for hiking, bird watching and plenty of peace and relaxation.
Area Attractions:
Cape Agulhas, Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Fynbos Route, Caledon Wild Flower Garden, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Sabona Wildlife Reserve, Villiersdorp Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, shark diving, whale watching.
Top 3 Camping Listings in the Overberg:
1. Hessequas Guest Farm Tel: 023 616 2886 Swellendam, Overberg, Western Cape
2. Bontebok National Park Tel: 028 514 2735 Swellendam, Overberg, Western Cape
Swellendam, Overberg, Western Cape Information
The picturesque little town of Swellendam is just off the N2 about 240 km outside of Cape Town and connects the Southern Overberg with the Garden Route.
Swellendam lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has become popular in recent times as a place to retire and as a retreat for artists seeking a lifestyle outside of the city rat race. One of the oldest settlements of colonial times, Swellendam is seeped in history and buildings such as the Drostdy date back to the time when Swellendam was declared a magisterial district in 1743 and named after Governor Hendrik Swellendgrebel and his wife, Helena Ten Damme.
The Tourism Bureau in Swellendam provides a brochure, aptly entitled 'Swellendam Treasures', full of appealing snippets of information about the various National Monuments in Swellendam and the surrounding area and the Drostdy Museum is definitely worth a visit to ogle the amazing collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.
Swellendam is the largest youngberry growing area in the world, due mainly to the unique microclimate of the Hermitage valley just a few kilometres outside of Swellendam, and includes farms such as Wildebraam Liqueur farm, which offers liqueur tasting and a cellar tour. The foot of the Langeberg is home to a number of fruit and dairy farms whilst the dryer and flatter region, further in from the mountain, is predominantly sheep and grain farming.
Only 6 km outside of Swellendam is the Bontebok National Park, home to the rare and beautiful antelope of the same name and dedicated to saving it. 126 different species of bird have been identified here and there are other small buck and charming picnic spots on the banks of the Breede River. The Marloth Nature Reserve offers gorgeous examples of the local wild flowers and fynbos and the hiking trails alone make it worth the visit. The 81 km Swellendam trail provides a number of stopover huts at regular intervals and there are several day walks.
3. Warmwaterberg Spa Tel: 028 572 1609 Barrydale, Overberg, Western Cape
Barrydale, Overberg, Western Cape Information
The little town of Barrydale lies nestled at the foot of the beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley, close to where the northern exit of the Tradouw Pass winds through the mountains to meet Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, en route to Swellendam.
Barrydale is one of those beautiful little villages that beckon one to linger. It lies on the border between the Cape Overberg and the succulent Klein Karoo, which starts just north of the town. It is no surprise to learn that Barrydale's history began when farmers moved into the valley to search for fertile arable land with water. The climate here is nigh on perfect for growing fruit trees, and apples, pears, oranges, apricots, figs, peaches and grape orchards lie scattered across the valley.
Any time of year in this valley is beautiful. Summer is ripe with fruit, autumn heralds in the protea season, and winter is a tapestry of colour as the surrounding Klein Karoo, renowned for its aloes, milk-bush, concertina plant and succulents, breaks into flower.
The little village is also easily accessible. One can approach Barrydale from the Garden Route along the Tradouw Pass, from Montagu or from Oudtshoorn across the relentless plateau of the Klein Karoo - each of them beautiful and scenic. The town's cellars are set in their very own region of origin, the Tradouw valley - the smallest in the country - that produces incredible brandies and wines.
Visit the farm known as the Manger in nearby Lemoenshoek to walk the labyrinth and the peace pagoda; walk through Barrydale's heritage garden; restore body and soul at the Warmwaterberg hot springs or hike in the surrounding hills.
We hope you fall in love with Overberg like we did.
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