Barrydale is indeed the Gateway to the Overberg and Klein Karoo. Today the timeless countryside charm welcomes you with the friendliness of its people. Sunny days prevail for most of the year, with a little frost in winter. As the valleys are filled to the brim with fertility and the excellent climate, it makes Barrydale a winemakers' dream with premium wines and brandy produced here.

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• Grapes, apples, quinces and all manner of deciduous fruit also flourish here, as well as sheep and cattle. 

Betty's Bay is a coastal town situated between Kleinmond and Pringle Bay. Just off the R44 lies the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens . This piece of land was bought in 1938 to preserve its beauty for future generations. Lovely walks can be taken here and there is also a restaurant within the Gardens that could be visited for light meals or drinks.

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A visit to Stoney Point is a must. This is a breeding colony to the Jackass Penguin. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk and watch these cute little birds going about their daily business and if you are lucky you might spot a whale or two swimming in the ocean too!

To the average visitor, Botriver might seem dull and boring, with nothing to do. Au contraire, my friends. This sleepy little town is fast on its way to becoming a mecca of activity. The movie production company Studio City has just signed a thirty year lease in the area and claims that it will become one of the largest companies in the country!

Until such time, though, there are multiple draw-cards for this little village.
Besides the horse-riding, hiking trails and quad biking, there are also wine tours to take. With no less than twelve wine farms in the Botriver District, your choice is endless. Many of the wine farms also offer accommodation, so if you find you have had one too many of their fine wines, you can collapse onto a homely bed on the estate. Perfect!

Bredasdorp is an agricultural town in the heart of the Overberg – known as South Africa's first “dorp”. The rolling hills surrounding the town are home to many sheep which are farmed for their wool. Wheat is also farmed on a large scale.

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The area lays claim to the De Hoop Nature Reserve which covers 60 000 hectares of endangered fynbos. This reserve is home to South Africa's largest population of Bontebok and also the endangered Mountain Zebra. An ideal spot for game viewing and birdwatching (South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, can be seen too).

Caledon is known as the 'Capital of the Overberg'. Even though to some it is a simply another town along the N2, it does lend itself to some extraordinary history. Lying a mere 120 km from Cape Town heading towards George, it owes its origin to the hot water springs on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg.

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• The hot mineral baths today form part of the Caledon Casino Hotel & Spa, an elegant establishment, known the world over for its warm hospitality, well appointed conference centre, a variety of sporting amenities, beauty clinic and excellent personal service.
  

As you are travelling along the winding road towards Napier through the Overberg, you turn right down a dusty dirt road, heading towards Elim. This quaint little village is found half way between Gansbaai and Bredasdorp – definitely off the beaten track!

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The History of Elim

On entering Elim, the historical charm of the town will be immediately evident with the lime washed cottages and fig trees welcoming you.

Danger Point Peninsula - an area ruled by the sea and floral abundance. It is here where you will find South Africa's only town boasting the “Big 2”.

Between the working fishing village of Gansbaai and the secluded ocean community of Buffeljachtsbaai, there is an area to explore that is full of secret wonders. 

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Gansbaai is an area of contrast. It is situated in the centre of a number of small bays with miles of unspoiled beaches, nature reserves with over 1500 species of Fynbos, ancient Milkwood forests, rocky inlets, caves and spectacular views across Walker Bay. It is a well-known whale watching and great white shark viewing destination.

Welcomed by a timeless feeling when entering this town. Genadendal ('Valley of Grace') was established in 1738 by George Schmidt, who was sent by the United Brethren (Moravian Church) to preach the Gospel to the Khoi people. The focus of the town is the museum complex, which lies in nearperpetual shade under gracious oaks.

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The Moravian Church is known for its talented choir and brass band performances. Mission Museum, Genadendal's museum collection has been declared a National Cultural Treasure and is definately worth a visit.

Grabouw is one of the most scenic areas in South Africa with a beautiful mountain range and diverse fynbos vegetation.

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For hiking enthusiasts there are many trails to pick from, ranging from day hikes to more gruelling ten day hikes. These include kloofing, cliff jumping and navigating some of the many mountain pools.

The charm of this town is immediately evident upon driving down the narrow streets. The cottages which line the roads were built by semi-skilled labourers when Greyton was first established as a little agricultural village some 150 years ago.

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It is an artists mecca, with its many trees and country ambience. Horses and oxen still draw ploughs and cars share the roads with donkey carts.

Hermanus is built along the beautiful shores of Walker Bay. The official whale watching capital of the world and a popular holiday destination, Hermanus is surrounded by majestic mountains, indigenous fynbos and spectacular natural beauty. Its residents are the heart and soul of the town, however, providing an unforgettable holiday experience.

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Known as the heart of the whale coast, this coastal resort offers the best land based whale watching in the world. Southern Right Whales visit Walker Bay from July until December every year.

Kleinmond has grown form a holiday destination to a vibrant little town. This is no surprise as it has beautiful beaches (Kleinmond Main Beach repeatedly obtains Blue Flag status), a lagoon, wonderful hikes and walks as well as mouthwatering restaurants.

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Harbour Road is the place to be.  There are the cutest little shops, awesome galleries and craft stores and the seafood restaurants serve the freshest fish in town. Taking a stroll around here makes you feel like you are on the set of a movie. The wild west meets seaside village.

Cape L'Agulhas is the southern most town in Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. For this reason it is a prime tourist destination. L'Agulhas also boasts the oldest working lighthouse in South Africa, which has an interesting museum to visit.

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This coastline is extremely ominous and many ships have floundered here. L'Agulhas gets its rich heritage from the shipwreck survivors of many nationalities who settled in this desolate place. The name L'Agulhas means Cape of Needles (referring to the jagged rocks of the coastline and also the fact that a compass shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north at this spot).

This is a sleepy town situated on the banks of the Breede River. Each little house which lines the banks of the river has its own jetty and motor-boat. The river is recognised as the best fishing estuary in South Africa and is also home to an abundance of bird species and wildlife.

Malgas is home to the only river ferry in South Africa, which serves as a vital link between the east and west bank communities of the Breede River. Taking a trip on this pontoon leaves one with a feeling of nostalgia and also in awe of this incredible river.

This beautiful little town was originally seen as an “Afrikaans Dorp” but has in the recent years established itself as an “Artist's Community”- thought of as a “Second-Greyton”.

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Many of the old houses have been bought by city dwellers and been lovingly restored to their former grace. With its narrow streets and quaint architecture, Napier is a town full of charm. Along the main road you will find many restaurants, galleries and interesting little shops. I would recommend trying some of the local “Patat-koek”, a yummy cake-like pudding made out of sweet potatoes.

This peaceful little coastal village is situated just outside Hermanus, a perfect escape from this busy town, but a mere five minute drive away. Onrus is called home by many famous artists and authors who revel in the tranquil lifestyle this village has to offer. Nestled between the mountain and the ocean and with the Onrus River flowing into the lagoon at Onrus Beach, this sleepy hollow is exceptionally beautiful with an abundance of wildlife and bird species calling it home. It also beckons the Southern Right whales who visit the ocean meters from shore. The arrival of the whales also brings forth the annual Kalfie Fees in August. A festival celebrating art, music, good food and wine.

Riviersonderend is a small farming community which developed out of a service to the farms in the surrounding area. It has a very peaceful and rural atmosphere with cattle and sheep lazily roaming the green pastures. The mountain water is brown in colour (caused by organic plant material) and originates from the southern slope of  the Riviersonderend mountains. It is believed to be the purest drinking water in this country.

There are many beautiful walks and hikes to take and nature lovers will delight  in the breathtaking views across the valley.

Stanford is a sweet little village just outside the coastal town of Hermanus. It is full of charm and was established as a farming community. The roads are narrow and the majority still gravel. The houses are full of character and many have been restored to their former glory.

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• The Kleinriver passes through Stanford and his home to an abundance of birds and wildlife. There are boat cruises and kayak trips down the river and it is probably the ideal spot for birdwatching. During the month of October there is an annual Bird Fair. Sunset is the ideal time to spot birds, so why not take advantage of the Sunset Cruise, where you can sip on a drink whilst floating down the magical river.

Struisbaai is situated just four kilometers from Cape L'Agulhus (the southern most tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet). The beach here is exquisite, with an almost subtropical feel. The water is crystal clear and its brilliant colour is exaggerated by the colourful boats which reside in the harbour. There is a lovely little seafood restaurant at the harbour where you can dine on some freshly caught fish whilst watching the picturesque scene of the locals bartering with fishermen for their daily catch.

History of Struisbaai 

Struisbaai is believed to have gotten its name from one of three sources. “Straw bay” - because of the thatched roofs of the fisherman's cottages. “Struisvogel”, meaning ostrich, or named after an old Dutch word meaning “huge” - in reference to the size of the beach.There is a 24km sandy coastline extending from Struisbaai to Arniston, named Struisbaaiplaat (believed to be the longest uninterrupted beach in the Southern Hemisphere).

Swellendam is a lush town at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Many of the buildings in the oak lined streets are colonial and Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa. With a moderate temperature the gardens are green and luxuriant and walking through the streets of this town is a joy.

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The Buffeljachts Dam allows for much entertainment. Taking a sunset cruise on the sparkling water aboard a fully kitted-out double decker wooden raft is an unforgettable  experience. A catering service is available and a braai on board can also be arranged.

Otherwise know as “The Pearl of the Overberg”.
This town was given the name De Villiers Dorp in order to reflect the French influence of its early inhabitants (many were descendants of the French Huguenots). Thus much of the architecture is colonial and the streets are lined with towering oaks and a variety of fruit trees.

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The climate is Mediterranean and this allows for many outdoor activities and also plays a huge role in the fruit farming industry. This beautiful village is surrounded by orchards and vineyards and is also very near the Theewaterskloof Dam which is a source of endless entertainment.

Witsand is a little seaside resort situated at the mouth of the Breede River. It has unspoilt beaches and a small harbour from where you can go sailing or fishing. This is regarded as one of South Africa's top fishing locations and offers spear-fishing, deep-sea and river-fishing, as well as fly-fishing and snorkelling.

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It is also an ideal swimming spot with 4km of unspoilt beach leading to well known Moodie's Well. Parents with small children prefer the calm swimming areas along the river's banks and can also enjoy canoeing trips and river cruises.