Within driving distance of one of South Africa's busiest cities, lies a region of contrasts and wonder. The Overberg has rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, as well as splendid coastal vistas. It is for you to reflect, discover and maybe even have the adventure of a lifetime.
Driving southeast on the N2 from Cape Town, visitors will climb the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass just after Somerset West. Fortunately, modern travellers have the luxury of a well-built highway, not like the early settlers who struggled over the mountain with ox and wagon.
OVERBERG
ABOUT HERMANUS
The Greater Hermanus area is situated between two large lagoons namely the Botrivier Lagoon on the western side and the Kleinrivier Lagoon to the eastern side, with the small Onrus Lagoon in the middle. It consists of various settlements namely, Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont, Onrus, Sandbaai, Hemel en Aarde Valley, Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle and Hermanus. A diversity of peoples live harmoniously in this exquisitely beautiful heart of the Cape Whale Coast.
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Hermanus, also referred to as the Riviera of the South, is attractive to travelers not only because of its wondrous setting, quaint fisherman's cottages and unspoilt natural beauty, but also because it offers a myriad of Activities all year round. The sun and pristine beaches (Grotto Beach has Blue Flag status) in summer and land-based whale watching in the green months; fishing, diving, hiking, cycling, fly-fishing, boating, bird-watching, paragliding, golf, bowls, quad biking, mountain biking riding, and great white shark cage diving close by at Gansbaai...there is always something to do. The beautiful Hermanus Golf Course sports 27 holes and meanders along the base of the Raed-na-Gael mountain range, below up market area called Hermanus Heights towards the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
WHALE WATCHING
Southern right whales are highly visible along the Cape south coast, making this the perfect spot for a whale-watching trip.
You don’t even have to go out on a boat to see them because Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay, is considered to be the best land-based whale-watching spot in the world. Southern rights often come in close to the shoreline, sometimes appearing only metres from the shore. Hermanus's cliffs offer an incomparable viewing point.
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​Certain areas, like the secluded bays off De Hoop Nature Reserve, are well known as 'whale nurseries'.
WHALE WATCHING
Southern right whales are highly visible along the Cape south coast, making this the perfect spot for a whale-watching trip.
You don’t even have to go out on a boat to see them because Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay, is considered to be the best land-based whale-watching spot in the world. Southern rights often come in close to the shoreline, sometimes appearing only metres from the shore. Hermanus's cliffs offer an incomparable viewing point.
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​Certain areas, like the secluded bays off De Hoop Nature Reserve, are well known as 'whale nurseries'.