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Arrival & Departure
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Activities and Adventures Nearby
Van der Stel Pass:
Just an hour outside of Cape Town, the Van der Stel Pass offers a scenic journey between Botrivier and Villiersdorp. The drive takes you past Theewaterskloof Dam and through picturesque landscapes filled with wildflowers, birdlife, and vineyards. Discover the history of the pass and its namesake, Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel. Be sure to explore the beautiful Bot River Lagoon wetland, home to numerous waterfowl and a herd of wild horses.
Cycle the Van der Stel Pass from Underhill to Botrivier, rewarding yourself for a 20km cycle with a snack and drink at the Botrivier Hotel or Shuntin Shed.
Cape Overberg Beaches:
While the Cape Overberg is renowned for its mountains and fynbos, it also boasts some stunning beaches. Visit the coastal town of Hermanus (60 km away), known for whale-watching and excellent beaches such as Onrus Beach (53 km) and Grotto Beach (64 km away). Nearby, Pringle Bay Beach (71 km away) and Betty’s Bay Beach (63 km away) provide serene, less crowded alternatives. Kleinmond Beach (48 km away) offers Blue Flag status and an array of watersports and whale-watching opportunities. Don’t forget to explore Cape Agulhas (113 km away), the southernmost tip of Africa, and enjoy its unique beaches.
Cape Whale Coast Region:
Witness the annual migration of whales along the Cape Whale Coast, 106 km away, known for its incredible whale-watching opportunities between June and November. Learn about the Southern Right Whale, Humpback Whale, and Bryde’s Whale. Explore towns like Hermanus, Gansbaai, and De Kelders, which offer some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Join the Hermanus Whale Festival and enjoy a spectacular celebration of these magnificent creatures.
Elgin Valley Wine Estates:
Discover the Elgin Valley, an area celebrated for its cool climate and fertile soil. This region is not only famous for its fruit orchards but also for its vineyards and olive groves. Spend a day exploring wine farms, such as Arumdale (35 km away), Beaumont (28 km away), Oak Valley Wines (36 km away), and more. Enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and the opportunity to purchase wines directly from the farms.
Nature Walks, Hiking Trails, and Birdwatching
Green Mountain Eco Route:
Explore the Green Mountain Eco Route, which takes you through the picturesque Overberg region. Discover beautiful gardens in Elgin during Open Gardens weekends, visit local wine estates, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the Groenlandberg Conservancy. Enjoy mountain bike trails, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities in this lush landscape.
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens:
Located between the mountains and the sea, Harold Porter Botanical Gardens (60 km away) in Betty’s Bay offers 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos gardens and 190 hectares of natural fynbos. Explore nature trails that wind through the gardens, take in the stunning views, and observe a variety of bird species. The gardens also host educational boards on plant and animal life.
Venster Kloof Nature Garden (Caledon Wildflower Garden):
In Caledon, Venster Kloof Nature Garden, also known as the Caledon Wildflower Garden (111 km away), offers a peaceful natural space. Stroll through fields of daisies, explore rocky kloofs with aloes, and hike in the mountains surrounding Caledon. Enjoy views of the garden’s little dam and discover beautiful indigenous flora.
Hike at Porcupine Hills
Hike one of the various trails at Porcupine Hills, a private farm just a 10 minute drive down from Underhill. The fynbos covered trails vary from easy to challenging and offer incredible views of indigenous fauna and flora, including eagles nesting on the cliff faces. Entrance is R75/ head. If you wish to bring your dogs along, simply call the owner Cha on 074 106 7972.
Local Attractions and Landmarks
Houwhoek Pass:
Travel through the picturesque Houwhoek Pass, which connects Villiersdorp and Grabouw. This scenic mountain pass offers a beautiful descent into the Overberg and provides a dramatic change in scenery. It’s a perfect route for a day trip, with the option to return via Clarence Drive through the Kogelberg Biosphere.
Theewaterskloof Dam:
Located on the Sonderend River near Villiersdorp, Theewaterskloof Dam (35 km away) is one of the largest dams in South Africa. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the dam and surrounding landscape. The area is a hub for water sports, including sailing, canoeing, jet skiing, and fishing. You can also camp near the dam and experience the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Walker Bay Wine Route:
Explore the Walker Bay Wine Route, where over a dozen wineries around Hermanus offer excellent wine tastings. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (51 km away), known for its cool climate, produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Visit wineries such as Bouchard Finlayson, Whalehaven Wines, and Hamilton Russell Vineyards to savour their fine wines and enjoy scenic views.
Whale Watching in Walker Bay:
Discover the renowned whale-watching opportunities in Walker Bay. Hermanus is famous for offering some of the best land-based whale watching globally during the Southern Right Whales mating season from August to September. Gansbaai, also known as the Big 2 Town, offers boat-based whale watching tours and shark cage diving experiences. De Kelders provides stunning shore-based whale spotting, and the whale-watching season lasts.
Arrival & Departure
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