Locality

The Overberg, literally meaning over the mountain, lies between Cape Hangklip in the west and the Breede River mouth (Witsands) in the east and includes the rolling hills of the coastal plain south of the Hottentots, Riviersonderend and Langeberg mountains to the southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. It can be accessed via the N2 from the east and west or along the magnificent coastal pass, Clarence Drive, from Gordons Bay.

History

Initially inhabited by the Khoisan the area was first explored by European settlers in the early 1660’s. Trade for cattle started up between the local inhabitants and the settlement in Cape Town, a period of interaction that was short lived. Fighting between the two groups and European diseases to which the locals had little resistance resulted in close to their total demise. The 1700’s saw European farmers settling permanently and farms first opening up along the Riviersonderend. The Overberg is still mostly a farming area being one of the Western Capes largest grain and fruit growing areas with a burgeoning wine industry.

A number of spots along the coast became popular with the farmers when, at the end of the year, they would hitch up their wagons and trek down to the coast for their annual holidays. With the advent of the motor vehicle and the opening up of the coastal region by road at the beginning of the 1900’s, the coastal resorts became more accessible to the folk from Cape Town. By the mid 1900’s many of the villages started to mushroom with fishing and associated industries playing a major role in their growth.

Attractions

The Overberg is now possibly better known for its seaside resorts, pristine beaches, fynbos clad mountains and the many and varied attractions which bring numerous tourists to the area. The southern right whales at Hermanus and San Sabastian Bay, Great White sharks at Gansbaai, a number of nature reserves i.e the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Bontebok National Park, Grootvadersbosch, Marloth and Greyton to name a few, add to its unique appeal.

Activities

There is plenty to do in the Overberg. For the less athletic there is whale spotting, a museum in just about every town, bird watching, angling, a cruise down one of the many estuaries and gentle walks on the beaches. The more adventurous can partake in shark cage diving, white water river rafting, deep sea fishing, mountain biking, surfing and kite surfing. Every town has its place to eat and the locals are known for their friendly service.
The Overberg is a great destination and even better place to stay.