Nature reserves and National parks:
Agulhas National Park: (Tel: +27 28 435 6078)
Situated in the Agulhas Plains at the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans officially meet, the park offers the visitor some great hiking and driving trails. The coastline is dotted with shipwrecks, and the birdlife is exceptional, with a choice of fynbos, wetland and coastal birds. Visit the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, which houses the only lighthouse museum in Africa.
De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve: (Tel: +27 28 425 5020)
With seven different eco-systems, this is where you will find an abundance of wildlife, fynbos and birdlife. You will also find the largest concentration of Southern Right whales along the South African coast from July to November each year. Take a picnic basket for lunch at Koppie Alleen, one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world. Whilst that side of the world, cross the Breede River by hand-drawn pont at Malgas and visit the small towns of Witsand and Infanta on either side of the river mouth.
De Mond Nature Reserve: (Tel: +27 28 424 2170)
Spend a day picnicking at the mouth of the Heuningnes River. This spectacular estuary is the home to rare bird species including Damara Tern, Giant Tern and Black Oystercatcher as well as some unique fynbos. Kids will love the tortoises and splashing in the shallow warm water, while angling permits are available for some great fishing.
Heuningberg Nature Reserve: (Tel: +27 28 424 2584)
Bredasdorp Lily
Overlooking Bredasdorp, this reserve is a sanctuary for large varieties of Erica and Protea species. It is also the home of the beautiful and rare red Bredasdorp lily, which blooms in April and May. Scenic hiking trails from 2-15km, with great views.
Geelkop Nature Reserve: (Tel: +27 28 482 1806)
This reserve, meaning ‘yellow hill’ derives it’s name from the mass of yellow flowering plants (mainly Leucadendrons), which cover the hill during spring. Approximately 450 hectares in size, activities include a half day hiking trail and a circular drive with superb views.
Heritage sites:
Elim: (Tel: +27 28 482 1806)
Go to Elim for tea. Take a stroll round the old Moravian Church and the Geelkop Nature Reserve. Visit the local tourism bureau and take a guided tour of this fascinating, culturally and historically rich National Heritage site. Return via Wolvengat and several superb wineries. Note the stunning fynbos along the side of the road.
Kassiesbaai: (Tel: +27 28 445 9720)
Explore the quaint fishing village of Kassiesbaai, at Arniston, and get an idea of how life was for fishermen. The entire village has been declared a National Monument, so every building is protected by law. Whilst there, visit the Waenhuiskrans cave, which is only accessible at low tide.
Hiking trails:
All of the nature reserves and most of the guest farms in the area offer hiking and mountain bike trails.
Spookdraai: (Tel: +27 28 435 7185)
The entrance to L’Agulhas is guarded by Spookdraai (Ghost’s corner). Legend has it that many years ago a ship floundered in the bay and the only survivor, a beautiful young woman with exquisite slender hands washed up on shore. She made her way to a cave in the mountains and later died there. Her spirit is not at rest, since with her warm and friendly personality, she still visits nearby guesthouses from time to time. More gruesome, is the story of a man decapitated in an accident, whose headless corpse has also been seen wandering around the Spookdraai area. The hiking trail, which is well signposted from the entrance to L’Agulhas, can be completed in under two hours.
Grootberg: (Tel: +27 28 423 3049)
This trail around the summit of the Grootberg, southeast of Napier, offers the hiker a unique opportunity to see a large variety of fynbos species and birds along a clearly marked route. There a re spectacular views of the flat Agulhas Plain with it’s fascinating wetland system to the south and the rolling hills of the Ruggens to the north.
(Distance 8km; duration 3 hours; trail starts at the FM tower).
De Hoop Whale Trail: (Tel: +27 28 425 5020)
The ultimate hiking experience, the 5-day Whale Trail meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the fragrance of the fynbos intermingles with salty sea air. Fall asleep to the unforgettable sound of whales in the waters below. The 54km trail is renowned for it’s diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale-watching opportunities.
Please Note: Reservations are essential.
Museums:
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse: (Tel: +27 28 435 6078)
This museum, opened in 1994, is the only one of its kind in Africa. It offers a graphic account of the development of lighthouses through the ages and visitors can view photographs of all 56 South African lighthouses, together with a map showing the exact position of each one. The history of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is dealt with in detail, including the design of the building, the centenary in 1949, its restoration in the 1980s and the re-opening in 1988. The 150th anniversary of the Lighthouse, celebrated on 1 March 1999, coincided with the launch of the Agulhas National Park. The top of the Lighthouse tower, reached by climbing 71 steps, offers a panoramic view of the sea, the southernmost tip of Africa and the meeting place of the two oceans.
Business hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-16:30
Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum: (Tel: +27 28 424 1240)
This fascinating and historic museum is a must see for all visitors to the area. Founded in 1975, it specialises in shipwrecks along the South African coastline, and contains some incredible showpieces specific to the Overberg region.
There are three sections:
- The Independent Church, now converted into the Shipwreck Museum, which houses cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, bells, buoys and other objects salvaged from wrecks along our coast;
- The old Parsonage, a typical Strandveldhuis (Overberg Home) furnished with articles collected from coastal houses and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks; and
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The Audrey Blignaut Room is also housed here, which pays homage to this Bredasdorp writer. Don’t miss the Old Coach House, across the garden, which exhibits old carts, two horse drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. Independent Street, Bredasdorp.
Business hours: Mon–Fri 09:00 – 16:45; Sat-Sun 11:00 – 15:45).
Rose Boats and Toy Museum: (Tel: +27 28 423 3894)
A delightful experience for kids and parents alike, the toy museum is home to a wonderful collection of old toys and trains. Don’t miss the unique hand-crafted tin plate steamboat demonstration. These boats are beautifully made in the old tradition, driven by the powerful copper and brass Rose Boats cyclic flush steam (pop-pop) engine. Sarel Cilliers Street, Napier.
Business hours: Mon – Sun 09:30 – 17:30).
Other things to do…
- Experience farm life - Take an agri-tourism tour through the area, highlighting sustainable farming practices, great farm hospitality and food, and wine of course. Bredasdorp info: 028 424 2584
- Go horse riding - Explore the Grootberg in Napier on horseback and enjoy spectacular views all the way to Struisbaai and Arniston. While away the day exploring Napier’s many great eateries and interesting shops. Napier info: 028 423 3325
- Cross the Breede river by handdrawn pont at Malgas Pont info: 028 512 3772
- Go whale watching at De Hoop
- Visit the stingrays at Struisbaai harbor - watch the fishermen haul in their catch.
- Have lunch at the Pelikans the little restaurant in the harbor fresh sea food.
- Spend the rest of the day lazing on one of the longest, whitest beaches in southern Africa. Struisbaai info: 028 435 7185
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