Hermanus in the Overberg is a perfect weekend break for city dwellers. Travellers now have chance to make travel plans with the series of long weekends coming up in March, April and May.
Known as the place to visit in South Africa to view whales and taste cool climate wines, the town of Hermanus in the Overberg region attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Avukile Mabombo, Group Marketing Manager for Protea Hotels by Marriott and African Pride Hotels shares some tips:
Food and wine experiences
There are excellent food and wine experiences in Hermanus. Picture: Supplied.
There are excellent food and wine experiences in Hermanus, but don’t just stick to the town centre. From brandy tasting offered by Oude Molen Brandy Distillery, and craft beer from Honingklip Brewery in Botrivier, this area is a paradise for those looking for quality tastes. Executive Chef Louis van Reenen at Arabella Hotel & Spa, situated just outside Hermanus, recommends the wine tasting at Benguela Cove, just five minutes from the hotel.
Views
Mountain biking has become hugely popular and some of the best mountain biking trails in the Cape are found in the Grabouw and Elgin areas. Picture:Jacques Marais.
Set in forested valleys around impressive mountains, the area inland from Hermanus offers stunning scenery, and a range of adventure activities suitable for the terrain.
Mountain biking has become hugely popular and some of the best mountain biking trails in the Cape are found in the Grabouw and Elgin areas.
The area also offers the highest zipline tours in the southern hemisphere, quad biking and Segway tours through the forests, and mountain hiking trails abound. The Suicide Gorge Trail near Grabouw is thought of as one of the best hikes in the country and includes jumping off waterfalls from dizzying heights into the cool ponds below. Sandboarders can enjoy their sport on the dunes of Betty’s Bay.
Family holidays
Kayaking under safe controlled conditions is offered at the Arabella Hotel & Spa. Picture: Supplied.
It is also great for family holidays and offers many activities that both parents and children will love. Some suggestions will be the The Ecology Lifestyle Farm outside Botrivier, the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens near Pringle Bay, and children love the penguin colony at Stony Point. And between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, where the Palmiet River runs under the road, families can swim in the river or take a gentle float on a lilo to the sea.
Rooi Els with its gentle lagoon is the perfect spot for small children, and the beaches in the region offer clear white sand and great water sport opportunities. Kayaking under safe controlled conditions is offered at the Arabella Hotel & Spa.
Music
The area has also become well known for its festivals and music concerts. The Paul Cluver Farm in Elgin, for instance, regularly hosts music concerts on the lawns in its stunning garden. If you visit in September, Botrivier hosts its Spring Weekend, and in October Elgin hosts its Apple Blossom Festival.