The Cape Overberg

The Overberg, a region filled with diversity, home to The Southernmost Tip of Africa, the Whale Coast, Shark Alley as well as Apple Country.

From Grabouw to Barrydale, the region has much to offer in experiences as well as landscapes. Travelling through the region is a feast for the eyes; green vineyards, orchards and pastures, brown wheat fields and  the golden beaches of the coast.

Well-known towns in the region include:

Caledon, famous for its hot springs which were discovered by the Khoi people who once roamed this area. Another draw card to this town is the renowned Wild Flower Garden and Reserve, showcasing a diverse range of Fynbos in its natural habitat. The wheat and barley fields surrounding the town are home to South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane.

Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa. Former president Nelson Mandela renamed his official Cape Town residence to 'Genadendal' in 1995.

L'Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Infamous for a number of shipwrecks, the early Portuguese explorers named it L'Agulhas or "Cape of Needles" due to the jagged rocks of the coastline.

Hermanus, situated along the Whale Coast, renown for the best land based whale watching in the world, as well as the only place where you may find the Whale Crier signalling the location of the whales with his kelp horn.

Gansbaai, home of the infamous Shark Alley, a strip of ocean between Dyer Island (home to colony of African Penguins) and Geyser Rock (a smaller island, home to a colony of Cape Fur Seals). This is the perfect spot to get up close and personal with a shark through one of the many shark cage-diving operators in the town.

Barrydale, at the end of the Tradouw's Pass, this quint little village produces world class wines from its fertile, rich soil. Exceptional brandy's are also produced here, the local Joseph Barry Brandy was voted the "best brandy in the world" in 2009 at London’s International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Elgin Valley, this idyllic area is where you might find yourself  in apple country, the birth place of a South African favourite, Appletiser. The Elgin Valley is also famous for its fresh cut flowers and the Green Mountain Eco Route, the world's first biodiversity wine route.

Visit the The Overberg Tourism Website for more info.

Markets in the Overberg

The Cape Overberg is famous for its Whales and the best shark-cage diving in the world.

• Hermanus Country Market, delectable treats, fresh produce, crafts and healthy living awaits you at this weekly market on Saturdays, 8am-12pm at the Hermanus Cricket Grounds.
• Hermanuspietersfontein Farm hosts their Food and Wine Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm at their farm in Hemel en Aarde Village, Hermanus.
•  The Fisherman's Village Market at Lemms Corner, Hermanus, every weekend, 8:30am-3pm.
• The Onrus Craft Market, the 1st Saturday morning of the month, De Wet Hall, Onrus.
• Fernkloof Farmers Market , an organic produce market, Saturdays 7:30-11:30 behind the Montesorri School in Hermanus.
• In the town of Greyton, the square is a buzz with fresh produce and hand made goods at the Greyton Saturday Morning Market on Saturdays, 10am-12pm.
• Stanford hosts The Stanford Morning Market, Saturdays, 10am-12pm and The Stanford Evening Market, the last Friday of the month from 6pm.
• The Caledon Hotel, Casino and Spa host the Caledon Millstone Market, the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am-2pm in the gardens next to the hotel.Hand crafted items and delectable treats are on offer from the Overberg, Helderberg and Overstarnd areas.

Next our journey will take us to the Cape West Coast....

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available.