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Whale Coast and Overberg
(South Africa)
The Overberg sits in the most southerly region of South Africa, approximately one hour from Cape Town, with the Garden Route to the east and the Cape Peninsula to the west. Generally regarded as the bread basket of South Africa, the region’s countryside is largely dominated by rich pastures, fruit orchards and huge wheatfields.
The Whale Coast is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in South Africa, and without doubt, the best whale watching.
The main towns in the region are Swellendam, Hermanus and Caledon. Hermanus occupies an excellent seaside location affording some of the best land based whale watching in the world. Swellendam, one of the oldest towns of European settlement in South Africa, boasts a rich history and stunning examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
The region is home to a rich diversity of plant life and of course, Cape Fynbos. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, generally regarded as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, is home to approximately 1,600 plant species, 150 of which are endemic.
In and around Overberg and the Whale Coast
Whale watching in Hermanus is best from July to November. During this period you can watch the South Right Whale play in the bays along the coast, in some places as close as 30 metres from the cliff paths.
For the more adventurous, there are a number of possible water sports, including shark diving at Gansbay. Cape Agulhas is the southern most tip of Africa and the dividing point between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is worth a visit for the stunning views alone.
We would also recommend that you visit the Bontebok National Park while you are in this area. To the north you will find Route 62 towards the Little Karoo and the vineyards of Robertson and Montagu.
Accommodation in Whale Coast and Overberg (South Africa)
Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay and the Overberg mountains, Birkenhead House is a wonderful coastal retreat, offering luxurious accommodation in an exclusive coastal setting.
Situated between mountain and sea, less than 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos offers stylish 5-star accommodation, international / African cuisine, warm hospitality and nature based tourism activities that could only be described as world-class.
Located just outside the town of Swellendam, Klippe Rivier is the best preserved manor house in the region, dating back to 1820.
The Auberge Burgundy, set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus, is a charming three star Provençal style guesthouse, complete with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces.
Situated in the beautiful Swellendam region of South Africa's Garden Route, this small country guest house radiates an old-world charm and rustic elegance that has made it famous the world over.
Situated right on a cliff edge overlooking Walker Bay, The Marine Hermanus is a stunning 5 star property and a member of Relais & Chateaux.
Other regions in South Africa
Situated on the south-western tip of Africa, Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world, boasting a rich past, stunning location, and a host of city attractions.
The Eastern Cape is one of the most diverse regions of South Africa, geographically and culturally.
A scenic coastal region also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Despite being the smallest province in South Africa, Gauteng is one of the most densely populated regions of South Africa with a number of major cities situated in the region.
South Africa's most well known and largest game reserve.
KwaZulu Natal is a major cultural hotspot on the east coast of South Africa.
A region north of the Swartberg mountains home to the largest Ostrich population in the world, as well as the well known route 62 tourist route.
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most unique destinations. The region is divided in half by the Drakensberg Mountains, with expansive grasslands to the west and savannah to the east.
The North West province of South Africa is home to the Pilansberg National Park, Sun City and the Cradle of Mankind world heritage site.
The Northern Cape is the largest yet most sparsely populated region of South Africa, known for its desert, rocky coast, endless flatlands and rugged mountain ranges.
Generally regarded as the bread basket of South Africa, the Overberg's countryside is largely dominated by rich pastures, fruit orchards and huge wheatfields.
The famous towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, the heart of the Winelands, are full of delightful vineyards and manor houses where you may spend a night or two exploring the region.
