Just over the mountains and approximately one hour east of Cape Town, lies the Cape's most jealously guarded secret... The Overberg, sometimes referred to as the Whale Coast. The Overberg ("the other side of the mountain") was the original name given by Dutch colonists in the Cape when referring to the land that lay east across the Hottentots Holland mountain range.
The region is an all year round destination, excellent for beach holidays. It is a playground of the earth and sea, a nursery of the Southern Right whales and a garden of delight, from its rare floral tapestry, to the fields of grain and orchard of fruit. For beach holidays and to enjoy the sun of South Africa at its best December - February is the time to visit. The busiest time, however, is December which is the traditional holiday period for South Africans. A quiet period is March - May, when the weather is moderate and the area is fairly quiet. For the best land-based whale watching in the world and the floral spectacular at its best June - November is ideal, and especially August and September. The Overberg enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The height of summer is in January with average temperatures 15C. The middle of winter is June with average temperatures from 5C to 22C. Best land-based whale watching sites world-wide The coming of the whales to the Overberg creates a stir along the coast when reports of sightings draws crowds who gather to watch the greatest mammal show on earth. The Overberg coast forms part of the MTN Cape Whale Route. There are three types of whales likely to be seen, The Southern Right whale, Humpback and Bryde's are the three types of whale likely to be seen. The whales may be viewed along the Overberg coast and especially good vantage points are along Hermanus' Walker Bay and at Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the world's most important calving and mating grounds. In Hermanus a 12km stretch of cliff path provides one of the best land-based spots for whale watching world-wide. A wealth of indigenous plants and animals The diversity of the Overberg's natural environment is accompanied by an unsurpassed wealth of indigenous plants and animals. The Overberg is the heart of the famous Cape Floristic Region and although it is the smallest plant kingdom in the world, it has an amazing 8500 species. Some of the finest colonies of fynbos in the country are found in the Overberg. Fynbos (fine bushes) is the popular name given for the vegetation of the shrub lands of the Western Cape's winter rainfall area. Although fynbos is at it's most spectacular during late winter and spring, the region offers flowers to be enjoyed throughout the year. A similar variety of animal species includes many mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates and fish. Food and Wine Visitors to the Overberg can expect to find a superb coastal area of fine beaches and quaint villages in beautiful mountain settings. Every town and many of the farms have well preserved historical features, often still in use as part of their everyday life. Those interested in arts and crafts will find a vibrant mixture of indigenous crafts and modern art works to choose from including unique crafts such as decorative works on wagons and dried fynbos arrangements. There is also a variety of art galleries, exhibition venues, pottery clubs and art groups. The Overberg has developed it's own style cuisine and is renowned for its excellent seafood and traditional 'beorekos' dishes. It's wine estates, many with cellars open to visitors for wine tasting, produce award winners listed on the SAA wine list and are exported to Europe. Wines range from crisp dry whites to full-bodied reds. The Outdoors Outdoor lovers have a wide variety of activities to choose from. Bontebok National Park, De Hoop Marine Reserve, and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve are just a few of the nature reserves well worth visiting and walks and hiking trails are available including horse trails, mountain bike trails and 4x4 trails. For the more daring, great white sharks can be viewed in their environment whilst in the safety of an underwater cage. For the not-quite-so-daring, there's always angling, swimming, sailing and then there's golf...
{{error.message}}
Login to see your Select Stays Member number
or...
if you have forgotten your password. Click Here if you have forgotten your password.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE - Please read carefully
This form will be sent directly to Stays - and NOT to a property
Please DO NOT use this form:
Please USE this form:
I have read the above, agree and wish to continue (click OK below)
Ok
{{galCurr.description}}
{{galIndex + 1}} of {{galArr.length}} |
|
Submit Fun Fact
Stays is a collection of smaller localised portals. This allows us to focus on specific areas, for a more in-depth user experience.
{{error.message}}
{{info_message}}
Please check the information is correct and click "Confirm" or use the "Go Back" button to edit this information.
We could not find a valid login, please enter your "Where To Stay" details.
Not a Where To Stay client? Get listed to participate in $elect Stays.
Try again
Unfortunatly you dont have any properties that meet the Stays Select criteria...
Get listed to participate in $tays $elect.
Activate your property now!
Click below to change the status
Terms & Conditions
Your Number is: {{user.ssCode}} Number will be automatically included with your enquiry if you are logged in.
REMEMBER...
Would you like to recieve a 15% discount automatically?
Becoming a $elect Stays member is FREE and Easy.
Yes, I would like to save 15% - sign me upWould you like to recieve a 15% discount automatically?
Becoming a $elect Stays member is FREE and Easy.
Yes, I would like to save 15% - sign me up No thanks, I dont need a 15% discountPlease Login to save and view your favourites.
You currently have no favourites on your list.
Simply click on the next to any listings you are interested in, and they will be added to your list here.
{{p.town}}
{{p.categories}}
Please enter the email address you registered with:
We could not find a matching email address, would you like to register {{user.email}} with the given password.
Yes No
Become a member right now - it's FREE for life!
Create your membership number now! (in under 12 seconds)
Save Big with our "15% Commission Back" on $elect Stays properties
Under the name $elect Stays, a group of properties have decided to give YOU the 15% commission instead! This is a real saving! Not in "travel-buks" or "fly-points" or such - but in real money that you can feel in your pocket!
How does it work?
Please Login / Register to receive your FREE $elect Stays membership number.