Things to Do in Overberg

Yes, it’s official, this is the spot to get your photo taken at the southernmost tip of Africa. Ocean currents between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point may be constantly moving and mingling, however, the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, according to the International Hydrographical Organisation, is Cape Agulhas. This demarcation is cast in stone! This wild and treacherous coastline known as the Graveyard of Ships only adds to the dramatic and remote beauty of the area. Pearl-like winter days, between the wild storms that lash this Cape, are gentle, peaceful, and windless. A fascinating historic and cultural legacy has been left here by the Khoikhoi beach nomads, who lived along the Cape Agulhas coastline for many centuries. The well preserved shell middens and fish-traps are of interest to many a historian and archaeologist.

One dark autumn night in the beautiful Overberg town of Napier, three friends got together and started discussing what they could do to bring some extra sparkle to their village. As they sat drinking beer after beer, the answer became obvious. It was staring them in the face. A quality local beer! Napier Bier was conceived that night and over the coming months the three friends set out on their journey to produce such a beer. Brewed naturally on the outskirts of the village, Napier beer has become firmly established as a favourite of locals and visitors alike and is most certainly a case of where 'local is lekker'. Brews now include lager, ale and stout.

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre is one of the most unique and awe inspiring settings for performances in the Overberg. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate 600 seater-arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.Pack a picnic basket, purchase estate wine and come enjoy an evening of entertainment with great stars, under the stars!Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International.Need to know? Blankets, cushions and warm jackets are recommended. Seats are unreserved on a first come, first served basis. Limited table bookings available at an additional cost. (For table bookings call 021 8440605).

The 'warm art of Africa' lives in Bredasdorp! Visit the colourful Kapula Candles shop in Bredasdorp  - the only Kapula store in South Africa. Entrepeneur Ilse Appelgryn started making candles at her home in Bredasdorp with the skill, equipment and inspiration left to her by her Aunt Jo. She called her company Kapula Candles, short for her expression "I'm making a couple o' candles!" Today the cottage industry has grown to a large scale industry, employing many local people and exporting many handpainted products. Definitely worth a visit.

Harbour Road Village offers interesting shops including pottery, bric-a-brac, shabby chic furniture and clothing, restaurants and a view of the sea.

Practice your swing and tee off on De Kloof's golf driving range and putting green. De Kloof Luxury Hotel and Estate provides its own private short golf driving range and putting green for guests. The facility, clubs and balls are supplied at no extra cost.

The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges and abundant birdlife. Deep in the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast – there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen hikers should lace up their boots and hit the Leopard Kloof Trail. The 3 km round trip leads through fern forests and up to a waterfall. You’ll need to get a permit and pay a key deposit. Need to know? Opens at 08:00, closes at 16:30 on weekdays and at 17:00 on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 18:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer. Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.

Visit the Genadendal Pottery Studio and purchase an unusual ceramic piece or hand-painted tableware. This project of the Genadendal Mission Museum is located on the Moravian Church Square behind the Information Bureau. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. +27 (0) 28 251 8291

Climb aboard Platanna for a ‘Wind in the Willows’ river adventure in Stanford. Named for the resident frog, Platanna is a 20-foot (6 m) ex fishing boat that hosts lazy river cruises down the Klein River from the Victorian village of Stanford. She has the capacity to carry up to twelve passengers for a gentle meander past the village. The cruise offers some great bird watching and superb mountain views. You might even spot terrapins or an otter. Pack your own picnic or contact Tim and trusty crew will provide it all for you. Sunset champagne cruises are exquisite! 073 318 5078 cruise@platanna.com

Birkenhead, the first wine and brewing estate in South Africa, proudly runs a small but growing microbrewery, winery and vineyards. Well worth a visit, not only for beer and wine fanatics, but for anyone keen to spend time at their beautiful country estate beneath the Klein Rivier Mountains. Taste their exceptional beer at the Birkenhead Brewery and grab a meal at the restaurant and pub. And don't miss visiting the winery to tasting their Walker Bay Vineyards wines. www.birkenhead.co.za

Situated in the heart of the Overberg, the quaint village of Stanford is just half an hour outside of Hermanus and an hour and a half from Cape Town.Stanford Gallery exhibits the work of latter day South African artists of the past few decades, as well as prominent contemporary artists and notable emerging artists. Mosey around and you might find an etching by Pippa Skotness, a drawing by Pieter van der Westhuizen or a lyrical landscape by Joshua Miles.The Overberg has a wealth of creative talent and Stanford Gallery is committed to promoting local artists whose work is fast establishing a reputation in this region.The gallery has a beautifully appointed studio, which opens onto the village green.  Regular workshops explore a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to printmaking. The studio is also available to art societies and groups who would like to make use of it.Need to know? Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8am till 5pm.

Tee off on one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape. Arabella is a classic parkland course with spectacular views across the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountain Range. It is also home to the annual Nelson Mandela Invitational Tournament. The Arabella Golf Course in South Africa is ranked by Compleat Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape. It is also featured in Golf Digest’s USA’s Top 60 courses outside of America in 2007. A round of golf here is truly an exceptional experience.

The Blue Flag Grotto Beach is one of the most striking South African beaches with its rolling waves and mountainous backdrop. Enjoyed by locals, visitors and whales, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and long romantic walks at sunset.Feeling fit and adventurous? Walk 18 kilometres along the unspoilt and exquisite Walker Bay coastline from Grotto Beach to the seaside hamlet of De Kelders.At Grotto Beach you will never have to share your towel with the person sitting next to you on the soft white sand. You will probably return again and again to this relaxing haven!

Every Saturday morning sees the sleepy village of Napier come alive as the industrious local residents disply their wares at the local market. Goods for sale include jams and reserves, olive products, ceramics, home made ice cream, locally produced cheeses, clothing and much more.

The sleepy little coastal town of Hermanus hides a treasure trove of quality gemstones and pearls, sterling silver and a dash of gold. All handcrafted pieces are made in Franschhoek, South Africa.Need to know? Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 5pm ; Saturday, closed.

One of South Africa's ultimate hiking experiences, the five-day Whale Trail is only three hours drive from Cape Town. The 54 km route meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve where the fragrance of the fynbos intermingles with salty sea air. The trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale watching opportunities. On the trail you will experience breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Breede River Valley. The trail stretches from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and has five overnight stops.

Oak Falls is situated halfway between Greyton and McGregor on the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. It’s quite feasible to take a picnic and spend the day at this lovely waterfall or cool off in the natural pool if you’re doing the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.

Pringle Bay beach is a stunning long and wide beach with sugar white fine sand. This beautiful sandy beach is surrounded by sand dunes on the one side and the ocean on the other. It is set against a backdrop of mountains covered by unique fynbos. It's a great place to watch the sun set over the distant Table Mountain.

This treasure chest of a museum specialises in shipwrecks along the South African coastline and contains showpieces specific to the Overberg. Three sections make up the museaum – one of which is the Shipwreck Museum. Housed in the old former Independent Church, you will find an amazing assortment of cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, ships' bells, buoys and other life-saving equipment. The Old Parsonage, a typical Strandveldhuis (Overberg home), is furnished with articles collected along the coasts. Here too, for safekeeping, is a collection of newspaper cuttings and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks. The Old Coach House exhibits Cape carts, a scotch-cart, two horse-drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. The buildings alone are beautifully restored examples of old Cape architecture - well worth a visit! Need to know? Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:45, Saturday from 09:00 to 14:45 and Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30.

The Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, with Hermanus being the nearest town, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map. Apart from their Pinot noir, they produce outstanding Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnays, a zesty, fresh white blend (Blanc de Mer) and an Italian, French red blend (Hannibal).Visit the estate for a wine tasting experience in their old world cellar and take a wander around the winery bragging exceptional views of both valley and ocean.Need to know? Tasting Room Hours: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00, Sat: 09:30 - 12:30, closed Sundays and public holidays.AwardsGalpin Peak Pinot Noir 2008 - Decanter South African Pinot Noir trophy 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - 91 points Wine Spectator Jan 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - Class Winner at Winemakers' Choice Diamond awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2006 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - Trophy Winner at Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 'Wine of the Year' John Platter 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 5 stars John Platter 2008Hannibal 2006 - Gold Medal (class winner) at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008