Whale Coast and Overberg

The Overberg sits in the most southerly region of South Africa, approximately one hour from Cape Town, with the Garden Route to the east and the Cape Peninsula to the west. Often referred to as the bread basket of South Africa, the region’s countryside is marked by rich pastures, fruit orchards and huge wheat fields.

The Whale Coast is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in South Africa, and undoubtedly the best whale watching.

The main towns in the region are Swellendam, Hermanus and Caledon. Hermanus occupies an enviable seaside location and offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Swellendam, one of the oldest towns of European settlement in South Africa, boasts a rich history and stunning examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

The region is home to a rich diversity of plant life and of course, Cape Fynbos. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, generally regarded as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, is home to approximately 1,600 plant species, 150 of which are endemic.

In and around Overberg and the Whale Coast, South Africa
Whale watching in Hermanus is best from July to November. During this period you can watch the South Right Whale play in the bays along the coast, in some places as close as 30 metres from the cliff paths.

The whale coast also offers excellent opportunities for water sports, including shark diving at Gansbay. Cape Agulhas is the southern most tip of Africa and the dividing point between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is worth a visit for the stunning views alone.

If time allows, a visit to the Bontebok National Park is well worth the effort, while to the north you will find Route 62 towards the Little Karoo and the vineyards of Robertson and Montagu.