JUST over the mountain pass from the busy city and its environs lies the Overberg with its mountain ranges, fynbos, canola fields, bird life and huge ocean vistas.
The Overberg is a hidden gem and the ideal place for eco-adventurers and nature lovers. The Overberg District Municipality is one that governs the Overberg region in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is divided into four local municipalities, which include the major towns of Grabouw, Caledon, Hermanus, Bredasdorp and Swellendam.
The Overberg was explored as early as 1663. The reason for these expeditions was to buy ca le and take them back to Cape Town. These explorers mapped the Overberg out, breaching the mountain barriers that divided it from the rest of the country. Dutch names were a ached to the rivers and mountains, ones that remain in use today.
The area, always been considered the breadbasket of the Cape, is largely given to grain farming, mainly wheat. The wheat fields are a major breeding ground for South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane. Another important crop in the Overberg is fruit, with the Elgin Valley producing most of it.
Birdwatching is a great pastime, with species such as the Cape Sugar Bird, Sunbirds, Rock Thrushes and Rock Jumpers most commonly spo ed. There are many raptors to be seen,
including Jackal Buzzards and Black Eagles.
The ocean is also a major attraction for tourists, and several whale species can be seen in the area all year. But viewing Southern Right Whales from Hermanus is world-renowned; the best time for whale watching in Hermanus is from June to December, when large numbers of Southern Right Whales congregate here for mating.
Known as the Great White Shark Cage Diving Hot Spot of the world, Gansbaai offers unrivalled encounters with one of the world’s most-feared predators alive.
This area also offers many markets, world-renowned events and festivals. Some of these include the Whale Festival in Hermanus, FynArts Festival in Hermanus,
Nampo in Bredasdorp, the well-known Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Walk, Wines2Whales event, Greyton’s Art Walk and Rose Festival, and much more. For the experience of a lifetime the Overberg with all its activities is a must on anyone’s bucket list.
• Destinations in the Overberg: Baardskeerdersbos, Barrydale, Be y’s Bay, Botrivier, Buffeljagsrivier, Caledon, Cape Agulhas, De Hoop, De Kelders, Elgin, Elim, Fisherhaven, Franskraal, Gansbaai, Genadendal, Grabouw, Greyton, Hawston, Heidelberg, Hermanus, Kleinbaai, Kleinmond, Malgas, Onrus, Pearly Beach, Pringle Bay, Riviersonderend, Rooi Els, Sandbaai, Stanford, Suurbraak, Swellendam, Tesselaarsdal, Vermont, Villiersdorp and Witsand.
Kayaking:
Kayaking is a way to explore the ocean and to come up close and personal with seals, dolphins and whales. Expert guides will accompany you to connect with the ocean and glide through the seas. This is a great way to experience the Overberg’s unique sea life.
Paragliding:
To experience Hermanus from above solo or in tandem. The breathtaking coastal scenery and beautiful mountains make this an experience of a lifetime, one that will leave anyone with plenty of stories for the future.
Sandboarding:
The dunes in the Overberg are ideal for sandboarding. From gentle slopes for beginners, to steeper gradients for the more experienced sandboarder.
Kitesurfing:
Whether a seasoned kitesurfer or not, and you're feeling inspired to give kitesurfing a try, the Overberg is absolutely the place for water sports.
Sailing:
With its unique location excellent water sports conditions, good infrastructure and picturesque setting the Theewater Sports Club has grown from humble beginnings. The Hermanus Yacht Club, on the northern shore of the Kleinrivier Lagoon (Stofvlei), is also the perfect place to enjoy sailing.
Scuba diving:
Various spectacular reefs may be explored by scuba divers. Reef depths vary from 9 m to 40 m. This is the ideal region to explore the underwater world.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve:
Considered by many the most beautiful of CapeNature's protected areas, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve earns that reputation largely due to the fact that it occupies an area with minimal human interference. It has an exceptional diversity and quality of fynbos and is considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve presents perhaps the finest examples of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape and is a world-renowned World Heritage Site.
Sandberg Fynbos Reserve: Sandberg Fynbos Reserve is located on the R43 between Baardskeerdersbos and Elim, about 30 minutes from Gansbaai. It is a 700-ha property located in the heart of the Cape's floristic region and is home to many bird species, including the rare Hottentot buttonquail.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve:
Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve in the south-western Cape, just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches from Klein River to De Kelders at Gansbaai. Die Plaat is the area's white sandy beach with rocky limestone outcrops and the occasional southern right whale offshore.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: De Hoop is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature. This reserve is a favourite for hikers, cyclists, bird and whale watchers. The reserve, which is 34 000 ha, is three hours from Cape Town.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve: Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 18 km² in the Kleinrivier Mountains in Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 824 m.
Rooisand Nature Reserve: Rooisand Nature Reserve is a beautiful bird watching vlei area bordering on the Botrivier lagoon. Access to Rooisand is via a dirt road off the R44 en-route to Hermanus.
Groenlandberg Nature Reserve:
The Groenlandberg or Green Mountain is a mountain range beyond the Hottentots-Holland Mountains in the heart of the Cape’s fruit country, the Elgin Valley.
De Mond Nature Reserve:
De Mond is a beautiful coastal nature reserve at the mouth of the Heuningnes River. It lies about 26 km south-east of Bredasdorp on the south-western Cape coast, between Arniston and Struisbaai and is a World Heritage Site.
Greyton Nature Reserve: The Greyton Nature Reserve is on of Greyton’s greatest asset. The reserve is 2 200 ha in extent.
Reserve:
The Caledon Wildflower Trail is a 10 mountain fynbos, up to the summit of the Swartberg. Not to be missed.
Grape to glass
Your Overberg wine journey
The Overberg is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions in the Western Cape.
The Botrivier Wine Route: This credo of the Botrivier Winegrowers Association describes the unspoilt, down-to-earth, sociable character of the farmers – “our wines are for lovers of the road less travelled”. Within a 10 km radius the wine traveller can experience real country hospitality and taste wines made from the oldest vines in the region as well as the latest, most innovative varietals from new plantings. From historic and traditional wineries to the most modern, state-of-the-art cellars, the common denominators are a warm welcome; handcraftes, top quality wines; a commitment to biodiversity and the desire to share hours of sociable snippient with fellow wine lovers. (www.botrivierwines.com)
The Walker Bay Wine District’s most important road, the Hemel-en-Aarde Road (R320), aligns South Africa’s premium cool-climate wine region. Not only does it offer visitors to the area the opportunity to experience world-renowned and award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also some of our country’s best Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and innovative blends. For more information, visit www.hermanuswineroute.com or contact Hermanus Tourism on 028 312 2629. The route unites the passion and reputation of many wineries, each producing small volumes of uncompromising wines.
Stanford Wine Route: This Wine Route includes large wellknown wine estates and boutique-style micro-establishments set in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Top winemakers produce wines, many of which are winning awards and receiving accolades. Boschrivier, Maanschijn, Misty Mountain, Raka, Sir Robert Stanford, Stanford Hills, Springfontein, Vaalvlei,
Walker Bay and Welgesind invite you to a viticultural experience not to be missed. The Stanford Wine Route includes wineries, craft breweries and distilleries.
Elgin Wine Route: Elgin, just a stone throw from the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, rises between 250 m to 400 m above sea level and this coupled with prevailing southerly winds contribute to the cool climate that characterises its terroir and wines. Proximity to the South Atlantic Ocean, just 12 km away, means lower average temperatures over summer and refreshing early-morning mists. This combination of climate-moderating factors makes for slower ripening and thus more-balanced wines with great depth. (www.wine-searcher.com)
Cape Agulhas Wine Route: This wine route is a one-of-a-kind wine-growing location on SA’s southernmost tip. The majority of the vineyards are located around Elim. This town is a historic site and is situated on a peninsula that is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the wine community Cape Agulhas has become a sensation due to its distinctive terroir. The dominant south-westerly and south-easterly breezes are cold and strong, resulting in a very mild ripening season that is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and promising for Semillon and Shiraz. (https://www.winetourism.com/wine-appellation/cape-agulhas/)
Emergency Services
Hermanus Day Hospital 028 312 2722
Hermanus Public Protection Control Centre 087 550 5295
Hermanus S APS 028 313 5300
Overstrand F ire Department 028 312 2400
Overstrand L aw Enforcement 028 313 8000 / 8111
National Sea Rescue Institute 087 094 9774
Ambulance 10177
Overstrand Provincial Ambulances 028 492 0032
CMC 066 222 7219
F ire (Overberg) 028 425 1690
L aw Enforcement (TWK) 0800 214 730
Police (TWK) 028 435 6440 / 10111
TWK Toll-free Emergency Contact Centre 080 021 4730
Enquire within or call to find out which Saturday /Public Holiday we are open
MBChB (UCT) MP 0635928 PR no: 1055941 for appointments or walk-in 028 054 0068 ndlovucruzmed@gmail.com Shop B10, Gateway Centre, Main Road, Hermanus
A state of the art private hospital facility in Church Street Hermanus, being in their Seventh year of Operation. Die wêreldklas Hermanus Daghospitaal maak gebruik van die gevorderdste tegnologie en mediese fasiliteite om ‘n wye reeks chirurgiese prosedures aan te bied.
EIGHT YEARS OF MEDICAL EXCELLENCE
Thank you to our dedicated staff • Dankie aan ons toegewyde personeel
Prosedures tot hede uitgevoer sluit die volgende in Procedures carried out to date include the following:
• Algemene Chirurgie/ General Surgery Oftalmologie/ Ophthalmology
• Ortopedie/ Orthopaedic Surgery
• Urologie/ Urology
• Ginekologie/ Gynecology
• Oor Neus Keel/ Ear Nose and Throat
• Tandartse/ Dentists
• Mond en Kaak Spesialis/ MaxilloFacial & Oral Surgeon
• Neurologie/ Neurology
• Plastiese Snykunde/ Plastic Surgery
• Narkostiseurs / Anaesthetists
• Pain Management
Skakel ons gerus op /
Please contact us on: Tel. 028 312 2722
Besoek ons / Visit us at: 44 Church Street Hermanus
Nursing Manager: Sr E Ellis
Admin Manager: Mrs W Bothma
Facility Manager: M Evans
Your local newspaper
The heartbeat of the Overberg
Hermanus Times, the regions’s lively free weekly local newspaper, has been part of the history and heritage of the community for more than 76 years.
Since its first edition in 1949 the then-named Hermanus News has grown with local residents and made its mark as a trusted source in the local, social, economic and political fields.
With more than 500 distribution points in the circulation area, this free weekly newspaper is available in Hermanus, Kleinmond, Be y’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Grabouw, Villiersdorp, Botrivier, Greyton, Myddleton, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, Caledon, Napier, Bredasdorp, Elim, Gansbaai, Pearly Beach and Stanford. The bilingual readership consists of people from all races and age groups, and serves the LSM market from 1 to 10.
Hermanus Times’ mission is to deliver reliable, hyper-local news in print and online that informs, engages, and empowers our communities. We are commi ed to accountability, cultivating and supporting our staff, and building lasting relationships with our readers and clients.
At Hermanus Times we are commi ed to supporting and upli ing the community through in-depth reporting, feature stories and investigative pieces that shine a light on both the challenges and triumphs of the valley.
Hermanus Times is proud to be part of the Novus Media Network, which connects local communities across South Africa. Read your weekly publication for free on www.hermanustimes.co.za
Complete guide to kids’ activities
LOOKING for fun and engaging activities for kids? Whether you’re planning a day of creative crafts, educational games or exciting outdoor adventures, there’s a world of possibilities to spark your imagination and energy!
Stony Point Nature Reserve: Located in Betty’s Bay, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins. Stony Point offers the public the chance to see these flightless birds up close, via the boardwalk through the colony, which allows the public to observe the penguins go about their daily activities in their natural habitat, without disturbing or disrupting them. This is an experience not be be missed.
Get close to the big cats: Panthera Africa – Big Cat Sanctuary offers you the unique opportunity to learn about the big cats and their heartfelt stories. For more information on the sanctuary phone 071 182 8368.
The crocodile experience: Afrikanos just outside Gansbaai is home to Nile crocs, the biggest and most feared crocodile in the world. Submerge yourself into their aquatic world and observe them in their pond.
For more information contact 082 220 3344.
Petting Zoo: Step into a world of cuteness and wonder at the Rocklands Petting Farm. This special zoo set up for petting is perfect for kids and animal lovers of all ages, offering a hands-on experience with friendly animals such as goats, sheep, bunnies and more. The farm is on the R43 between Stanford and Hermanus, phone 076 319 7446.
BMX tracks: BMX tracks in Hermanus are exciting, specially-designed areas where young riders can develop their biking skills in a fun and safe environment. These tracks feature a series of jumps, turns and obstacles that challenge children to improve their balance, coordination and control while riding their BMX bikes. For more information phone 064 785 9417.
Roadhouse Cinema at Whale Coast Mall: Hey there, little movie fans! Are you ready for a fantastic adventure? Movies are more than just stories; they’re windows to exciting worlds where anything can happen! From brave heroes and funny animals to magical lands and incredible journeys, movies give us an experience of things we’ve only imagined. So, let’s grab our popcorn, because the movie magic is about to begin! For more information: www.roadhousecinem.co.za
Wonderland Nursery: Get ready for an exciting adventure at the play area! Whether you’re climbing to new heights on the jungle gym or making new friends, there’s so much fun waiting for you! For more information phone 028 316 4006.
Museums
A trip down memory lane...
THE importance of preserving the history of our society must not be overlooked. That is why museums play such a big and important role in the Overberg.
Old Harbour Museum: The museum in the Old Harbour in Hermanus contains several exhibits depicting the history of the fishing and whaling industries of the area. The museum’s staff update the history of Hermanus on an ongoing basis so anyone researching information on historical buildings or old local families has easy access to it. Many guided tours and walks start from this spot.
For more information phone 028 313 0418.
Whale Museum: Daily at 10:00 and 15:00 an audio-visual presentation is given at the Whale Museum. This presentation takes you below the surface for a face-to-face encounter with the visiting Southern Right whales.
For more information phone 028 313 0418.
De Wet’s House Photo Museum: This picturesque and historic co age was once the school house situated near the Dutch Reformed church in Westcliff. It was dismantled brick by numbered brick and painstakingly re-erected on Lemm’s Corner in 1986. The sepia-coloured photographic exhibition it houses takes one on a journey through time to when Hermanus was a quaint fishing village.
For more info phone 028 312 1475.
The Caledon Museum consists of two buildings with exhibits depicting many different aspects of Caledon’s history and culture. Collections on display include memorabilia such as antique clothing, vintage medical equipment and historical militaria, which all make for a fascinating visit that highlights the Overberg town’s strong Victorian roots. In line with this, the Caledon Museum has recreated an authentic Victorian home, staged to allow a true-life glimpse into the past.
The Caledon Museum also has a section dedicated to Khoisan history, with incredible artefacts collected from the area. Talented storyteller and museum docent Marlon Sauls will enthral you with interesting stories about the items showcased in the Caledon Museum.
Bicycle Museum in Grabouw: Not only is Trail’s End the first Bike Hotel in Africa, but it also plays host to the first Bicycle Museum in Africa. Curated by Professor Mike Bruton, it consists of two galleries: Gallery I, The History of the Bicycle, and Gallery II, Celebrating Bicycles in Africa. The gallery also has a display of some of the greatest cyclists to come out of South Africa through the years and finishes with a photo gallery of the many uses of bicycles in Africa. For more information phone 021 859 5193.
Genadendal Mission Museum: A visit to the Genadendal Mission Museum is a must. Be transported back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like hundreds of years ago. The museum is located on the site of the original mission station and consists of various buildings that were used since the mission was established. The buildings, which were declared a national monument in 1980, contain exhibits telling the story of Genadendal. There is a water mill that is still used to make ground flour. The printing exhibit houses the actual Gutenberg printer, one of the first printers in the country and which Genadendal started printing with.
Meander among the authentic huts at the Khoikhoi kraal, imagining what it must have been like to live in one. See where the founding missionary Georg Schmidt’s house was and where the pear tree he taught under once stood. See where his faithful follower Magdelena was laid to rest. For more information phone 028 251 8582.
The Drostdy Museum: The Drostdy Museum in Swellendam was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1747 to serve as the residence and official headquarters of the Landdrost (magistrate). The first Landdrost to be appointed to this district was Johannes Theophilus Rhenius. From 1827 the Drostdy was occupied by the civil commissioner who, with the resident magistrate, replaced the board of Landdrost and Heemraden that were abolished by the British colonial government. For more information phone 028 514 1138.
Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum: The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum opened in the 1960s and was proclaimed a museum in 1975. It is the only Shipwreck Museum in South Africa and pays tribute to the 150 ships that met an untimely end along the Cape’s tumultuous coast. Besides a handful of replicas, almost all the artefacts in the museum are original. Along the Cape coastline, there are a reported 150 shipwrecks that represent various nationalities, ranging from Denmark, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany and more.
For more information phone 028 424 1240.
Festivals and markets
Region’s festival favourites
Hermanus FynArts: Hermanus celebrates the best of South African art, wine, food, music and film. Stimulate and upli all your senses with visual art, talks, demonstrations, music, workshops, wine tastings and pairings, films and more. (www.hermanusfynarts.co.za).
Passion Play: Hermanus’ own Oberammergau has been performed since 1995 in its unique rocky se ing in the Old Harbour as the moon rises. Enjoy this celebration of the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Kalfiefees: The Kalfiefees, which brings top theatre productions at affordable prices, takes place during the Women’s Day weekend in August and comprises several elements. (www.kalfiefees-hermanus.co.za)
Hermanus Whale Festival: This popular eco-marine festival takes place in September.
Visit (www.hermanuswhalefestival.co.za)
Greyton Genadendal Classics for All Festival takes place in May. Classical music lovers can again enjoy a weekend of beautiful music, comfort food, warm fires and the amazing ambience of the neighbouring villages of Greyton and Genadendal.
Greyton’s Wine Festival: Raise a glass on the stoep with some of SA’s best winemakers.
Greyton Rose Fair: What started as a small fair has grown over the years to an enormous event that is a fixture on the Western Cape social calendar. This festival will be held in September.
Nampo Cape: Grain SA, together with Bredasdorp Park NPC, is grateful for the more than 30 000 guests who visited Nampo Cape each year. With the possible future involvement of other organised agricultural institutions, the Nampo Cape platform promises to meet everyone’s needs.
Toy Run® Overberg is held on the last Sunday of November. Bikers will gather at four points over the Overberg, ending in the quaint village of Stanford. Event Courtesy of www.facebook.com/OverbergToyRun.
Regular weekend markets:
The Hermanus Country Market is held from 09:00 to 14:00 every Saturday at the Hermanus Cricket Grounds. Get there early to buy farm-fresh veggies and artisan bread, have coffee and some breakfast, meet up with friends, share a bo le of wine, enjoy live music, shop for hand-made handcra s and more.
The Onrus Market, on the first Saturday of each month at the De Wet Hall in Roos Street, Onrus from 09:00 to 12:00. It offers arts, crafts, home-made goodies and much more.
Greyton’s Saturday Morning Market is renowned for its fresh, scrumptious fare and other close-to-nature products. Every Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:00 Greyton’s Market Square is abuzz with activity, where people flock to buy home-made and home-crafted goods.
Stanford Saturday Morning Market: Come join on the stoep of the historic Stanford Hotel and have your fill of delights that are part of Stanford’s heritage! Frankfurters, pickles, eclairs, brownies, pork crackling, fired oven ciabatta breads and giant pizza slices as well as Stanford slices (custard), fresh garden vegetables and preserves, goats cheese and homespun wool.
The Elgin Railway Market is within an old apple warehouse converted into a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco venue. The market offers local food and craft vendors and live music. The Ceres Rail company with its stable of 80-year-old steam trains operates a Cape Town to Elgin weekend return trip.
Botrivier Country Market: The market is based at the Shuntin Shed Diner. The Shuntin Shed is based on the railway tracks of the Bot River Train Station.
Sport Annual sporting highlights
Hot Summer of Touch: The Hot Summer of Touch series gets underway early in December in Kleinmond before heading to Cape Town, and Camps Bay in particular, followed by events in Strand, Macassar and then Struisbaai and Stilbaai, the final event being Hartenbos and Diaz Beach. Beach touch rugby-loving fanatics can look forward to seeing their favourite team in action. This series has been ever-growing since its first inception in 2001. Teams can register on the newly updated Hot Summer of Touch series website (h ps://hotsummero ouch.co.za/)
Bodyboarding: The IBC Bodyboarding World Tour came to the sleepy li le seaside village of Onrus, just outside Hermanus. The Walker Bay Pro showcased the best bodyboarding talent from South Africa versus the best the rest of the world has to offer via live-streaming. Naturally local support lining the beach front during the events is what South Africans re famous for.
Trans Agulhas Boat Race: The “Worlds Toughest Inflatable Boat Challenge begins at the end of December in Ple enberg Bay and is considered among the competitors as the Cape Epic of Boat Races. On the final two stages of the four-day gruelling boat race will open their thro les from Struisbaai Main Beach with checkpoints at Die Damme, Pearly Beach and midway finish at Uilenkraalsmond. Thirty minutes a er the last boat arrives at Uilenkraalsmond they will re-start and continue to fly by check point at Gansbaai Harbour. From Gansbaai Harbour the boats head towards Hermanus Old Harbour fly-by safety boat, with a beach check point at Hawston Beach, Kleinmond fly-by safety boat, another beach check point at Pringle Bay and from there continue to Gordon’s Bay and Strand Beach to finish the challenge.
Wines2Whales: The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class three-day stage race in the Western Cape. Since their inception in 2009 the three events, aptly named a er the wines of the area, have become a mustdo event on the mountain-bike calendar.
The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is gees, a truly South African phrase that is understood only once experienced. The race’s biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past years. In 2022, the race followed the traditional route and took teams from the wines of Lourensford to the whales of Hermanus. Hermanus offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world: the magnificent creatures flock to Walker Bay every year and can be observed only metres away from the cliffs and paths lining the shore. In recent years Hermanus has also become something of a mountain biking mecca, with trails springing up on the nearby hills and valleys.
The THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN 1-Day and 3-Day XPERIENCE: This trailrun delivered exciting trail running at Paul Cluver Wines (Grabouw). Synonymous with magnificent trails, spectacular views, mouth-watering food, a relaxed atmosphere and great vibe, the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN featured Paul Cluver’s most iconic trails, including those usually closed to the public. Based on various terrain, comprising views, climbs and descents, this route could be considered trail running heaven!
Walker Bay Outdoor: Celebrate the great outdoors in Hermanus in April. HI-TEC and Walker Bay Outdoor, together, host a long weekend of mountain biking, trail running, triathlons, open-water swims, cliff jumps and the exhilarating HI-TEC Dash4Cash. This is set to become South Africa’s most eagerly anticipated outdoor festival, the HI-TEC Walker Bay Xtreme combining six events for the serious athletes. There is also a plethora of choices for the less avid sportsmen and -women. Off the trails and out of the ocean the Walker Bay Festival will provide unique dining experiences, ranging from five-star meals to gourmet street foods. It will also showcase the region’s award-winning wines, a chance to sample burgeoning local craft beer and celebrate with several of SA’s most famous sport icons. There’s an activity for everyone at the HI-TEC Walker Bay Outdoor.
