Lying east of the Hottentots Holland Mountains and south of
the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountains, the Overberg stretches
to the Breede River Mouth at Witsand and Cape Infanta.
Approached from the Cape Peninsula by a precipitous coastal
road hewn from the cliffs overlooking an angry sea, the coastal
area stretches from Betty's Bay in the south to the Breede River
mouth. It can also be reached from the N2 national road, over
the dramatic and scenic Sir Lowry's Pass.
The Hottentots Holland foothills - covered in a wealth of indigenous
orchids and the famous Disa - tumble down through green and
gold wheat and sheep country to the lighthouse at Cape L'Agulhas,
perched on Africa's southernmost tip.
A scattering of quiet seaside towns attracts regular caravanners,
campers and fishermen.
By contrast, Hermanus, the whale capital of the Overberg and,
traditionally, a resort town, teems with visitors basking under
a holiday sun. Tanned crowds flock to watch ever-increasing
numbers of migrating whales, sail everything from rubber tubes
to sleek yachts and indulge themselves in their foods of choice,
enjoyed in the quiet confines of exclusive restaurants or bought
'on the run' from a wide selection of reasonably-priced eateries.
