Things to do Wine tasting....
The cool sea breezes off Walker Bay and ideal soil in the Hemel en Aarde Valley combine to produce some of the top wines in the country.The cellars are all open for tastings and sales and make for an ideal afternoon or morning's excursion. More......
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Day trips from Hermanus Caledon....
Caledon encapsulates the mood of the Overberg. Flora, hot springs and hiking trails are its hallmarks. Victoria Wild flower Garden and Reserve, Caledon Museum Shop, Hot Springs. Venster Rock, Caledon Gardens. More......
Daytrips from Hermanus
Hermanus is a good base from which to explore the Overberg and the Cape Peninsula. Some interesting places to visit are:
Arniston
Arniston, also called Waenhuiskrans, is the only town in South Africa with two official names. It is known by the locals as Waenhuiskrans after a nearby cavern, only accessible at low tide and so large that early inhabitants boasted that an ox wagon and team of oxen could turn full circle inside it.Others call it Arniston, after the British troopship that was wrecked in 1815 on the needle-sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef, with the tragic loss of 372 lives. Only six of 378 civilian passengers, servicemen and crew on board managed to struggle to safety, making this one of the worst disasters in the history of South Africa.
Arniston / Waenhuiskrans is best known for the 200-year old restored fishing village of Kassiesbaai. The cottages are still inhabited by present-day fishermen. A national monument in its entirety, this historical village with its inhabitants has stolen the hearts of numerous artists and photographers.
Betty's Bay
Betty's Bay is situated along the scenic Clarence Drive route. Formerly a whaling station, it is now home to the beautiful Harold Porter National Botanical Garden and a colony of endangered jackass penguins at the Stony Point Reserve. The African penguin colonizes offshore islands and nests on the mainland only at three places in South Africa. The site at Stony Point is one of them and for this reason it is protected and treasured. The first nest was noticed in 1982. The Municipality erected a fence and a viewing platform for the conservation of the penguins. The number of penguins you may see from the viewing platform will depend on time of day. The best viewing times are early morning and evening, particularly from April to June. The Harold Porter Botanical Garden lies in the mountains behind the village. Walk, hike, stroll or just visit the tea garden. Here, the visitor is able to wander over smooth lawns, bridges and water features, identifying the indigenous flowers on the way or walk on the mountain slopes between natural fynbos. For the more adventurous there is the choice of two trails, both leading to waterfalls. Visitors can view the beautiful red orchid Disa uniflora during the month of January in its natural state.
At Stony Point the remains of the old whaling station, which was in operation from 1912 to 1930, can still be seen. Each year, Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate into our coastal waters to calve and nurse their young. These gentle giants are now protected and provide unsurpassed whale watching opportunities between May and December. Stony Point is known to be a local and tourist hotspot for land-based whale watching.
Bontebok National Park
The Bontebok National Park is situated along the Breede River about 6 km south of Swellendam and 220 km from Cape Town.
The bontebok, a medium sized, dark brown antelope with distinctive white markings, once roamed the southern Cape Plains in their thousands, but by the 1930's hunters and the growing number of encroaching farmlands had reduced the bontebok species to the point of extinction. The 2 786 hectare Bontebok National Park was established in the Bredasdorp area in 1931, with a breeding herd of just 22 bontebok. In addition to the bontebok, grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, steenbok, common duiker, red hartebeest and Cape mountain zebra as well as a variety of smaller mammals are found in the park. The area abounds with over 200 bird species.The Bontebok National Park is host to more than 470 plant species.
The park has a 25-km road network and for the slightly more energetic, there are two short walking trails. Game viewing is done from your own vehicle.
The park's accommodation area and camp sites are situated along the bank of the Breede River with the blue Langeberg Mountains in the background. Other visitor facilities include an information centre and shop and barbecue facilities are available for day visitors.
Bredasdorp
Bredasdorp, South Africa's first town, is a sleepy agricultural town in the midst of a peaceful landscape of sheep farms and wheatfields at the southern-most region of Africa. The town of Bredasdorp is clean and pleasant, situated on the slopes of a 368 m high hill called the Preekstoel (pulpit), on the ridges of which grow a profusion of giant proteas. Wheat, wool and wild flowers are the principal products of the Bredasdorp district. Of special interest is the Shipwreck Museum, Heuningberg Nature Reserve and Garden and Milkwood tree at Renosterfontein.
Botriver
The small village of Botriver or Botrivier as it is known in Afrikaans is situated en route to Hermanus and Caledon at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Houw Hoek Mountains. The Bot River meanders through one of the most fertile regions in the southern Cape. The river flows into a large lagoon, forming a marsh near its mouth, known as the Bot River Lagoon. The Bot River wetlands are home to thousands of waterfowl and you can catch a glimpse of South Africa's only herd of wild horses that roam a wetland habitat.
Caledon
Caledon is known as the 'Capital of the Overberg'. The town of Caledon owes its origin to the hot water springs on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg. The early Khoi-Khoi people discovered the springs long before Europeans came to the Cape. Only after the settlers arrived did the Caledon springs become increasingly famous. Are you seeking an opportunity to relax, unwind and indulge in the pleasures and benefits of the refreshing country atmosphere of South Africa's oldest hot springs resort? Then visit the Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa, which is the main attraction for visitors to Caledon.
The other major asset of Caledon is the world-renowned wild flower garden and reserve. The 56 ha garden is notable for its wonderful variety of indigenous flowers, superb examples of one of the richest flora in the world.
Caledon is also well-known for its wheat fields, barley, onions and wool. Southern Associated Maltsters have in the town the largest malt-producing plant in the Southern Hemisphere, processesing 140 000 tonnes of barley annually.
A wild flower show is held every September and a Beer and Bread Festival in March.
Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain or take a scenic drive to Cape Point along the spectacular Chapman's Peak.
Clarence Drive scenic route
The scenic R44 Clarence Drive starts at Gordons Bay and winds past Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond along a steep coastal road carved from rocky sea cliffs. There are magnificent views across False Bay to Table Mountain and the rest of the Cape Peninsula. Clarence Drive provides pleasant whale watching spots. All along the route you can stop and watch the Southern Right whales visit the sheltered shallow bays of the South African coastline each year. Clarence Drive leads through the Kogelberg Biosphere, the first and only Biosphere in South Africa to be proclaimed by United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It also leads to Kogel Bay, where long lines of surf break on the shining white sand, famous among surfers and topless sunbathers for its pleasant atmosphere and sheltered cove against the occasional howling southeaster.
The dangerous, rocky peninsula with a lighthouse on it extends for about 8 kilometres out to sea. Birkenhead Rock was named for the British troopship Birkenhead which came to grief in 1852, with the loss of 445 lives, most of them soldiers. Heroes to a man, they stood at rigid attention on the tilting decks as the civilian passengers were ferried to safety. Visit the Birkenhead Memorial.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated east of Bredasdorp, near the southern tip of Africa approximately 260 km from Cape Town. The reserve may be approached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The last 50 km of either route is along gravel roads. De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. The adjacent De Hoop Marine Protected Area, which extends three nautical miles (5 km) out to sea, is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa and provides a sanctuary for a vast fascinating array of marine life.
De Kelders
De Kelders lies spread out above a rough coastline, varying from rocky beaches to awesome cliffs and flattens out onto the sandy stretches of the Plaat. The coastal area is one of the greatest cultural and natural assets of the Western Cape and Strandveld. Between 50 000 and 60 000 years ago, when the sea level was lower than it is today, Middle Stone Age people first lived in the Klipgat Cave and left remains of their food, fires and stone tools. Some of the oldest pottery found in South Africa comes from the Klipgat Cave, where pieces of 2 000-year-old pots were left by San hunter-gatherers.
The tall, rocky cliffs of De Kelders provide some of the best vantage points in this area from which to observe the Southern Right whales as they come to Walker Bay between June and November each year.
Gansbaai
Gansbaai is the world capital of the Great White Shark, with Dyer Island presenting the best place in the world to discover, observe and dive with these elusive and wonderful animals. An unspoilt fishing village which boasts a modern harbour and a canning and fishing factory, Gansbaai is renowned for good fishing, fine boat-based and land based whale watching. The village itself has quaint fishermen's cottages and a number of interesting shops and restaurants.
Genadendal
Just outside Greyton lies the quaint old Moravian Mission Station of Genadendal. Genadendal, six kilometers outside Greyton, is the first and oldest mission station in South Africa. Genadendal ('Valley of Grace') was founded by George Schmidt, an early worker of the Moravian Missionary Society in 1738 who settled in Baviaans Kloof (Ravine of the Baboons) in the Riviersonderend Valley. An artist's and photographer's dream, the entire village has been declared a national monument, including the Moravian clock and church and old watermilI (1833).
Grabouw
Grabouw is the commercial centre for what is the largest single export fruit producing area in Southern Africa. The town originated on the farm Grietjiesgat acquired on 22 November 1856 by Willem Langschmidt, who named the place Grabau, after the village of his birth in Germany. His wife opened a little trading store and he was the bookkeeper. Later he sold parts of his farm and so began the farming community of Grabouw as it was later spelt. The district, with Grabouw at its centre, is better known as the Elgin Valley, internationally known as the place in South Africa 'where the apples come from'. At present, the Elgin valley produces 65 % of South Africa's export apples, resulting in one of the richest fruit growing regions in South Africa.
The Elgin Valley borders the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of magnificent fynbos. More than 1600 plant species occur here, of which 150 are endemic. Also known as a forest town with its pine plantations, the pristine environment of Grabouw / Elgin Valley offers a rich and varied experience to visitors.
Greyton
A peaceful village at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains. Greyton village, with its oak-lined lanes, lei-water furrows and original thatched cottages lies in the afternoon shadow of some of the finest peaks of the Riviersonderend Mountains. Greyton's beauty has resulted in it becoming a popular weekend hideaway for city folk, many who have bought homes here and spend weekends among more permanent country neighbours. It is also home to many renowned artists, writers and other free spirits who value tranquillity and have been attracted by the gentle, rather old-fashioned character of Greyton. Greyton offers splendid opportunities for nature-lovers to explore the area. Visitors will enjoy walking around the village and into the close-by Greyton Nature Reserve.
Kleinmond
Kleinmond lies beside a small lagoon on the narrow coastal belt between fynbos-covered mountains and the Atlantic ocean and forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Kleinmond is conveniently situated in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, where sea and mountain meet and is the most urbanized town in Hangklip - Kleinmond area, providing most amenities.
Of special interest are the wild horses, roaming free in the marshlands surrounding Kleinmond. Believed to be South Africa's only herd of wild horses in a wetland habitat, you might catch a glimpse of them at the Bot River lagoon area, next to Rooisands Nature Reserve.
Whales are easily visible from May to December along the magnificent Hangklip - Kleinmond coast. Any inlet or small sheltered bay allows visitors some of the best land-based whale-watching views.
Kleinbaai
About four nautical miles from the Kleinbaai harbour, you'll find the pristine Dyer Island, primarily a bird sanctuary with penguins, cormorants and many other marine birds. Next to Dyer Island lies Geyser Island / Rock that hosts a colony of more than 30 000 Cape fur seals. Between these islands lies 'Shark Alley', where the mysterious and graceful Great White Sharks have drawn visitors from across the globe.
L'Agulhas
L'Agulhas is the southern-most town in Africa. Being located at the very tip of the legendary foot of Africa, it is a prime tourist destination. As determined by the International Hydrographic Organisation, the strong Agulhas stream of the Indian ocean and the cold Benguela stream of the Atlantic ocean meet south of Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. The koppie (hill) behind the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the point where the two oceans meet. In the shallow gullies near the lighthouse, the remains of ancient fish traps (made by packing layers of rocks around the pools) where the original Khoi khoi inhabitants collected their fish can still be seen. Numerous shipwrecks of the early explorers attempting to conquer the wild seas off the southern tip of Africa, dot the coastline.
Known as the "Graveyard of Ships". Of special interset - Lighthouse Museum and Soetendalsrand Nature Reserve.
Napier.
Napier, surrounded by rolling wheat and barley fields, is situated under the Soetmuisberg. Napier was established in 1838, when Michael van Breda and his neighbour, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl could not agree where the church of the community should be. The dispute resulted in two separate churches and two separate towns, Bredasdorp and Napier, being established. Napier was named after the then Governor of the Cape, Sir George Napier. Napier offers visitors true peace and tranquillity in a unique scenic setting amidst a genuine kind-hearted, hospitable country community.
Pearly Beach
A fisherman's and diver's haven. Its biggest attraction is the beautiful white unspoilt sandy beach which is perfect for sunbathing.
Pringle Bay
Pringle Bay, situated along the scenic Clarence Drive route, is a quaint seaside village famous for its rocky shores and the cave, "Drostersgat", which was used by prisoners and runaway slaves as a hide-away in the 18th century. The cave is on private ground. It is difficult to find, in a steep inlet washed by the sea and entrance can only be gained by letting yourself down by rope between the slanting rock walls - an isolated and daunting place. The present Jewish holiday camp, Netzer Maginim, served as a prison for Italian prisoners-of-war who were used as labourers to build (without bulldozers, only spades and picks) the scenic coastal road, today known as Clarence Drive.
Riviersonderend.
Riviersonderend is the centre of a thriving grain and sheep farming region. The town itself has a unique rural atmosphere and for those seeking outdoor fun, Riviersonderend and its surrounds offer something for everyone. Remember to look out for the blue cranes, South Africa's national bird.
Robben Island
Embark on a boat trip from Cape Town to Robben Island and visit Mandela's prison.
Rooiels
Rooiels is a small seaside village, famous for its magnificent views over False Bay. Rooiels forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Situated along Clarence Drive route, reputedly the finest marine drive in the world, Rooiels is the first village to be explored along the stretch of coastline through to Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond. These four towns are commonly known as the Hangklip - Kleinmond area.
Rooiels is a favourite angling and shellfish diving spot, with a rich variety of seaplants along its coast. The unpolluted beach of Rooiels offers safe swimming to all family members. The Cape clawless otter occasionally comes ashore to drink and wash its fur. It is a shy creature and only seen by some lucky people.
Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Salmonsdam Nature Reserve lies 20 km east of Stanford, at the foot of the Perdeberg mountains. Salmonsdam's mountainous landscape is renowned for its bird life, mountain fynbos and beautiful waterfalls, and attracts bird-watchers, hikers and other nature enthusiasts.
The reserve was established in 1962 and comprises an area of 834 ha.
The vegetation in the area is predominantly mountain fynbos, with species such as ground proteas, disas, everlastings and waboom. Forest patches occur in many of the kloofs, with tall Cape beech and spoonwood trees. In the low-lying vlei area one finds fountain bush, reeds, water heath and various geophytes.
The reserve hosts various antelope, including bontebok, klipspringer, grey duiker and grey rhebok, as well as baboons and numerous small mammals. More than 120 bird species have been recorded, notably various sunbirds and kingfishers, Cape rockjumper and black eagle
Stanford
Stanford, situated on the Klein River, is a village known for its rich history in the true South African tradition, but with evident British influence. It dates back to 1729 when a farmer from Caledon discovered the land and made application and received a grazing permit to graze his cattle and sheep on the land. The grazing permit changed hands several times until Robert Stanford bought the land in 1838. Klein River for boating and canoeing, fynbos flower cutting and drying, birdwatching.
Coastal resort with a 14 km stretch of white sand coastline, is the longest in the southern hemisphere. According to legend,it is named after the "Vogelstruise" (ostriches) which were abundant in the area.
Swellendam is the third oldest magisterial district in South Africa after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Nestling in a valley beneath the spectacular peaks of the Langeberg Mountain, is a charming town with a fascinating history. Visit the Drostdy Museum Complex and spend some time at the Wildebraam Liqueur Farm for tasting and berry picking in season. Swellendam offers attractions rich in heritage and culture, architecture, wildlife and outdoor adventure. Ancient oak trees and stately white washed homesteads add charm. Of special interest - Drostdy Museum, The Ambagswerf, Mayville, Marloth Nature Reserve, Tradouw Pass.
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina.
Villiersdorp
Known as the "Sleeping Beauty" of the Overberg or "The Pearl of the Overberg", it is a tranquil town graced by oak trees and surrounded by fruit and wine orchards. Villiersdorp is the center of a prosperous apple-growing region, which also produces grapes, onions, peaches and apricots. It is surrounded by mountains and the magnificent Theewaterskloof Dam. The dam, which derives its name from the farm on which the wall is situated, is the seventh largest dam in South Africa. It supplies the Cape Peninsula and the Overberg with water. Its full supply capacity is about one-tenth of that of the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam, which is the largest dam in South Africa. Rural Villiersdorp is worth a visit. It has much to offer visitors seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation in a beautiful country town.
