Hermanus & Overberg
Why go?
Within easy reach of Cape Town - Hermanus is just an hour and a
half's drive - is a wonderfully wild landscape of rolling hills
(the Overberg) and wave-washed beaches (the so-called Whale Coast).
For much of the year you can have huge stretches of gorgeous,
surf-pounded coast all to yourself; then head back to the
bustling upscale resort town of Hermanus, or one of our
chosen hideaways tucked amidst fynbos landscape.
North of the Swartberg Mountains, the region sweeps into the
semi-arid plains of the Klein Karoo, which hide all manner
of unexpected wildlife (including elephants and the occasional
rhino), and cave paintings. And don't overlook the historic,
charming town of Swellendam, too often bypassed as people
whizz down the N2 on their way to the Garden Route. There's great
riding, cycling and fishing round here, too.
Any Downsides?
The sea is cold - alright for a brief swim during January-April (if
you don't mind occasional breakers), but too cold the rest of the
year (go for bracing beach walks instead!).
Some of the fynbos landscapes around Bredasdorp and Agulhas
are rather bleak and tree-less, though impressive in their own
way.
Hermanus can get crowded and expensive in high season
(December-March).