Home. Overberg

Overberg is municipality district just east of Cape Town along the Eastern Coastline in the Western Province of South Africa, that include the famous Boland. Read more about the Overland travel and tourism , places and tourist attractions below.

Coastal Route South East: Cape Overberg Route:

Driving distance: Approximately 250 - 400 km.
Suggested minimum travelling time: 2 Days

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There's no doubt that Africa's southernmost point is one of the world's most dramatic places. And it's a real traveller's destination with ghosts - like the Flying Dutchman whose ship is condemned to spend eternity trying in vain to round the Cape - and tragedies - like the wreck of the Birkenhead on which the tradition of women and children first began.

Fortunately, though, the journey by road is a lot less dangerous - in fact, the Coastal Route South East through the Cape's Overberg district is one of South Africa's most scenic and interesting drives.

Cape Town - Somerset West:

From Cape Town, follow the N2 eastwards to Somerset West to look for disas and proteas at the Helderberg Nature Reserve, play golf in the shadow of the mountains or have a safe swim at the wide, flat beaches of The Strand.

Stellenbosch:

A short detour along the R44 will bring you to Stellenbosch, the centre of our wine industry and a beautiful, tree-shaded university town. Visit historic Dorp Street for its restored Cape Dutch buildings and its brandy, military and period furniture museums.

Gordon's Bay:

Return to The Strand and drive along the beachfront to Gordon's Bay, stopping at the harbour for a cruise of False Bay.

Betty's Bay:

Clarence Drive - the road from Gordon's Bay via Rooi Els and Cape Hangklip to Betty's Bay - is a spectacular route with many viewpoints offering excellent sea and mountain gazing, and, in season (June to November), great whale watching.

Visit the African penguin colony at Betty's Bay or discover the fynbos (the macchia - the unique vegetation of the Cape) at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden before continuing to the holiday and golf resorts around Kleinmond.

Hermanus:

Drive via the fishing community of Hawston to Hermanus - which boasts the world's best land-based whale-watching (and where else can you watch whales from the comfort of your hotel bed). Hermanus is the only town in the world that has a Whale Crier. He will make sure you do not miss any opportunity to see these gracious mammals.

Gansbaai:

Now the road turns inland again to the village of Stanford before returning to the coast at De Kelders and Gansbaai, one of the best locations for cage diving in the world and beach based viewing great white sharks.

Elim Mission Station:

Turn left at Franskraal for a detour via Baardskeerdersbos to the Elim Mission Station, where the Elim Brass Band performs at Sunday Service (10:30 a.m.), and a tea-room serves traditional local fare throughout the week.

Agulhas National Park:

Return to the coast and the R43 (gravel road) at Quoin Point and drive to Molshoop, turning right onto the R319 to Struisbaai - a holiday town with a 14 kilometre-long white sand beach. And finally you'll pass through L'Agulhas and come to the Agulhas National Park - and Africa's southern tip. This is the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Visit the museum and climb the tower at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse before returning to Struis Baai.

Bredasdorp:

Now follow the R319 inland again to Bredasdorp to see the country's only shipwreck museum or to search for giant proteas on the slopes of Preekstoel Mountain. Also, do not forget to visit the Kapula Candles gallery for a range of hand-made candles and homeware accessories.

De Mond Nature Reserve:

A 25-km detour will bring you back to the coast at Waenhuiskrans (Arniston), a restored, 200 year-old fishing village. Stop at De Mond Nature Reserve for beach walks, picnicking and birding before returning to Bredasdorp.

Back to Cape Town:

Return to Cape Town on the R316 via Napier and Caledon, or take the R317 to join with the Coastal Route East (N2 Garden Route) at Stormsvlei. Alternatively, take the R319 to join the Coastal Route East (N2 Garden Route), to travel east on the Garden Route.