The Overberg
Enclosed by mountains and the ocean, the Overberg region lies along the south coast of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, stretching from the Hottentots-Holland mountains in the West to the Breede River in the East with the Riviersonderend Mountains as the Northern border. Considered the breadbasket of the Cape due to its patchwork of numerous grain fields covering the Overberg, it has lately also gained fame for quality wines produced, with Elgin Valley also building its reputation as the second largest supplier of fruit in South Africa. The Overberg is also home to the internationally recognised – and registered with UNESCO – Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve: a place of such natural beauty and floral diversity to be perhaps the world's greatest biodiversity hot-spot.
Arabella Country Estate
Panoramic mountain, lagoon and ocean views form the backdrop for one of the Western Cape's most luxurious golf estates. Aproximately an hour from Cape Town International Airport, the estate lies in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve with the Kogelberg mountains – and the R44 – in front of the estate entrance, the Rooisand Nature Reserve on the right and the Bot River Lagoon in front of the Arabella Hotel & Spa. In addition to its 18 hole masterpiece designed by Peter Matkovich, the estate also offers luxurious indulgence at the Arabella Hotel & Spa and opulent estate living.
Overberg Towns
Some of the major towns in the area are Botriver, Caledon, Riviersonderend and Swellendam along the N2 national road, with Kleinmond, Hermanus, Gansbaai, Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas – the southernmost point of Africa – dotting the coastline.
Wines of the Overberg (and surrounds)
The Overberg has several excellent wine routes, namely the Overberg Wine Route, Helderberg Wine Route (or www.helderbergwineroute.co.za), Botriver Wine Route and also the Elgin Valley Wine Route featuring some of South Africa's best award-winning Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noirs, Merlots, Rosés as well as several well-received white and red blends. Follow the links above to each individual wine route's website for more details about individual wineries and their wines.
Hitting the Ball
With golfing holidays and road trips becoming ever more popular, the Overberg offers five top quality golf courses to choose from. The most prestigious and exclusive of the Overberg courses, is the Arabella Golf Club, of course, offering an 18-hole course, which borders on the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Gansbaai Golf Club – Africa's most southerly golf club – is one of the Western Cape's most affordable courses: par-72 course, 9 holes with 18 tees. Not only famous for its whales, Hermanus also is home to a "marathon" golf course: Hermanus Golf Club has a challenging 27-hole course with narrow fairways, leaving little margin for error off the tee. The Theewaterskloof Country Estate's golf course has 9 holes (18 tees) with an old-school charm in fresh country air. Kleinmond Golf Club – one of the best maintained golf courses in South Africa – offers amazing mountain scenery over 9 holes (18 tees). For more info about golf courses read the Golf in the Overberg article or visit Where to Golf.
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