Top Things to Do and See in South Africa's Overberg Region
There’s no shortage of amazing road trips that start in Cape Town—The West Coast and the Garden Route may be two of the most popular routes to follow—but the Western Cape’s Overberg region is perhaps the most scenic, accessible, and diverse of the lot. Just 90 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, end up at the foot of dramatic mountains, drive through endless fields of canola, and get up close and personal with the best nature and wildlife that the Cape has to offer.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Zipline between spectacular mountain cliffs in Elgin
Whether looking for a spike of adrenaline or simply wanting the chance to take in some of the Cape’s most stunning and unspoilt scenery, head to the Cape Canopy Tours. There are 13 elevated platforms set on the cliffside of a pristine valley. Whip between them attached only to a thin wire. Adrenaline junkies can push their limits on some of the country’s longest and fastest zip line routes while the more timid can limit their speed and take in the remarkable views instead.
The once sleepy town of Grabouw is positioning itself as the mountain biking epicentre of the Cape. As a regular feature on the world famous Cape Epic route, it’s hardly surprising. The Trail’s End Bike Hotel is an adventure centre in the heart of the action and they rent out bicycles, offer advice on routes for all skill levels, and provide warm, comfortable accommodations to clean up in following an incredibly muddy ride through the hills.
Hike to waterfalls in Swellendam
Set at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is the perfect retreat for outdoor lovers. There are endless hikes up into the mountains just a short drive from the quaint town, but the most accessible and beautiful may be those that wind their way through Marloth Nature Reserve. Hikes there go past waterfalls and offer panoramic views of the Overberg coastline.
Ride Fat Bikes down vertical dunes in Gansbaai
Gansbaai may be best known for its white shark diving, but those who aren’t fans of getting close to the large predators, there’s an equally exhilarating activity to embark on—cycling on the isolated dunes on Fat Bikes. Guided tours go along secluded paths and down near vertical drops until the end of the route at one of the most secluded beaches on the coastline.
Taste wine and dine out at dozens of estates
There is no shortage of wine farms in the Overberg region. Each offers something unique, from vast tasting menus at Creation to the classic high-end cellars of Bouchard Finlayson. It’s worth seeking out several estates on a guided or self-drive wine tour. Those who don’t want to drive, Hermanus Wine Hoppers goes between the most popular of these on a custom tour.
Whale watching in Hermanus
Hermanus is the largest town in the Overberg region, and much of its popularity stems from its legendary whale watching opportunities. Between June and December each year, it’s common to spot these magnificent beasts frolicking in the bay. It’s one of the most celebrated locations for whale watching in the world. There are several companies that offer boat excursions to get you close to the whales, but it’s also one of the best places to experience land-based viewings.
Cheese tasting in Stanford
The small, family style atmosphere at Klein River Cheese may make it seem low-key, but they supply some of the country’s biggest supermarkets and retailers with their various cheeses. They are open to the public and visitors can pop in to purchase directly from the factory, taste a selection of their products, or picnic on the lawns in the idyllic surroundings just outside the small town of Stanford.
Sample abalone at a fascinating abalone farm
Abalone is one of the most sought-after delicacies around the world, and as a result, it’s become increasingly endangered. Illegal poaching has placed this sea snail in the spotlight in South Africa, but at Heart of Abalone in Hermanus, learn more about these unique creatures in a fascinating tour and legally sample a dish that many consider the most exceptional in the world.
Take an exhilarating boat ride around the southernmost point of Africa
The most southern tip of Africa is at Cape Agulhas, and it’s possible to visit the rough location where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans are presumed to meet. The sleepy seaside towns in this region are fascinating to visit, but for a truly thrilling way to experience their beauty, head out to sea in a speedboat operated by one of the many local companies.
Drive the quiet backroads of the Overberg
Perhaps the best thing to do in the Overberg is to simply drive the spectacular rolling hills through vast fields of canola. The roads in the region are high quality, and there’s also a chance of stumbling across some lesser-driven dirt roads that offer even more atmosphere. But as far as weekend road tripping from Cape Town goes, there are few drives better than those through the Overberg.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
