Top Things to do in Overberg District
What to do and see in Overberg District, Western Cape: The Best Hiking Trails
Discover the best top things to do in Overberg District, South Africa including Green Mountain Trail, Phillipskop Mountain Reserve, Swellendam Hiking Trail, De Hoop Nature Reserve Whale Trail, De Hoop Whale Trail, The Tradouwspass, Haarkapper Hiking Trail, Bosman Hermanus, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail, Wessels-Wanderweg.
Restaurants in Overberg District
1. Green Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
The Green Mountain Trail is a four day hiking trail around the Green Mountain in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.Traversing a tapestry of fynbos and fruit farms this slackpack trail offers fine food and comfortable overnights in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. Accommodation is in four star country guesthouses. Delicious , wholesome meals are provided throughout.The trail meanders around the Groenlandberg, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Guided by THETA accredited guides you learn about the biodiversity and the history of the area. Swimming in rock pools and dams on a hot day is as refreshing for the body as it is for the soul.The Green Mountain Trail is a moderate walking trail with distances varying between 11kms and 18kms each day. The effort level, as gauged by Slackpacker S.A., is set at 3.5 with 5 being the most difficult.The trail traverses privately-owned land. All landowners are members of the Green Mountain Eco Route, the world’s first biodiversity wine route, and part of the region’s efforts to conserve the environment and promote responsible tourism. All members are Biodiversity Wine Initiative champions. This enlightened initiative unites conservation and agricultural development in a complementary, mutually beneficial manner. As part of the Green Mountain Trail’s social responsibility programme, hikers are encouraged to Walk with an Alien, a project in which a personalised walking stick is carved from alien vegetation by local communities.
Reviewed By wilderkrans
A group of friends did the Greens Mountain Trail hike in the Elgin area. We had the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, and I would highly recommend this walk. It is a very beautiful part of the Cape.The accommodation and food was superb , with the staff at each venue adding to the enjoyment with their warm welcome.
2. Phillipskop Mountain Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Phillipskop Mountain Reserve protects 246ha of beautiful fynbos on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains. It is also home to Phillipskop Cave, an important local heritage site due to the presence of rock art - the only recorded rock art on the Cape Whale Coast. There are a range of hiking trails for all abilities leading to a small waterfall, the peak of Phillipskop itself, interesting rock formations, such as the David and Goliath Rock Stacks, as well as lots of magnificent views. The trails can be combined into longer circular routes. WATERFALL HIKING TRAIL (3.5km) An easy, more or less level, hike to a small waterfall with a popular picnic spot underneath a beautiful rock candlewood tree. This is also the route to take to access Phillipskop Cave. ROCK STACKS HIKING TRAIL (3km) A short climb up to admire the two rock stacks, David and Goliath, with great views on the way back across the fields of the Overberg. This trail is good to combine with the Waterfall Hiking Trail for a circular route. SADDLE HIKING TRAIL (4km) A chance to reach the highest parts of the reserve. Beautiful views from the Saddle into the hidden valley behind Phillipskop. You can go from here up to the peak itself or onto the ridge of the Klein River Mountains to look down on Tesselaarsdal.
Reviewed By ToniHuyssen
Everything about our first stay at Phillipskop exceeded our expectations. The stunning fynbos, the well kept trails, the bird life (fish eagles, Verreaux's eagles and sugarbirds etc) and the wonderful, spacious accommodation. We can't wait to return to see other seasons' flowers. It's perfect for nature lovers, those who want to escape the city and not have to drive too far, for hikers and families that need space. This was a perfect first wedding anniversary holiday for us!
3. Swellendam Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
This popular hiking trail through the gorgeous Marloth Nature Reserve offers hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels.
Reviewed By RynoMyburgh - Swellendam, South Africa
The nature reserve is situated in the mountains and has stunning views from numerous hiking, running and MTB trails.
4. De Hoop Nature Reserve Whale Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By WJP89 - Ottawa, Canada
My wife and I took our 12 year old son to de Hoop Nature Reserve in November 2019. We stayed at the de Hoop Collection in Opstal Cottage #4 - an equipped cottage that suited us perfectly. I can't say enough good things about this place. It may be a bit off the beaten track, but the drive is well worth the effort. Actually, my wife and I had been to de Hoop in 2005, and at that time the cottages were vacant as far as I can recall - we camped with the baboons! This time it was pure luxury by comparison, with a well-appointed cottage and a very decent dining room (the Fig Tree) where we could have dinner. We went to the beach (Koppie Aleen) three times, and each visit was worth the drive. We saw loads of wildlife including a puff adder on the roadway one morning, several big land tortoises, many, many bonteboks, elands, ostriches and of course baboons,the rare Namaqua Sand-grouse, and much more. We also took the boat tour on the vlei, which was really worth the price. We had great looks at greater and lesser flamingos, great white pelicans, cape teal, and several clawless otters among other things. A few useful notes - if you like to look for birds, there is a good farm pond about 15km from the turnoff after you leave the tar road on your way to de Hoop where you can look for flamingos, ducks, storks, herons, blue cranes, and other water-loving birds. The Fig Tree restaurant is really nice with indoor and outdoor seating, and very good service. Prices are reasonable. You can bring your own wine to the Fig Tree for a modest corkage fee, so remember that if you are doing a winery tour on your way to de Hoop. Don't forget to reserve meals and activities in advance. The curio shop sells a very good guide to the reserve for R20, and you should just buy one as soon as you arrive (or even see if you can have one sent to you before you travel). If you have a Wild Card, it ought to cover your conservation fees even though this is a Cape Nature reserve. The cottages get besieged by gnats at night if you leave your lights on, so bring headlamps or flashlights to help you get around inside your cottage after dark. You can buy coffee, cold drinks, and snacks at the beach at Koppie Aleen, and there are picnic tables there as well.
5. De Hoop Whale Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By nasihasurtee - Johannesburg, South Africa
Recently renovated, the Whale Trail is a dream slackpacking trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve, and a must-do for all nature lovers. The Trail combines both mountain and coastal walking, The first 3 days hike is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity with some tricky hills; you will need endurance to complete 5 days. It has the most breathtaking scenery, panoramic views, amazing landscapes and rock formations. The fauna is exquisite. The inter-tidal pools on the wave-cut rock platforms and coral reefs are remarkable sights. The azure blue colour of the sea and unspoilt beaches simply spectacular. We did not see whales but large schools of resident dolphins made up for that. Each overnight cottage is mildly rustic and it's own unique character. Each with a well-appointed kitchen, clean bathrooms, hot water and electricity. It is by no means roughing it. Each room is dormitory-like with bunk beds. The setting of each overnight cottage just gets more scenic each day. Well worth the money spend and 1 year waiting list.
6. The Tradouwspass
7. Haarkapper Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This 15km hiking trail between Stanford and Tesselaarsdal allows you to follow in the footsteps of the famous Tesselaarsdal Barber. The hiking trail traverses the Klein River Mountains with its beautiful fynbos, rich in proteas, and spectacular views across the Overberg. The route can be started at Phillipskop Mountain Reserve or in Tesselaarsdal, and done as figure of eight or just one way.
Reviewed By marianbinder
Walking in the footsteps of the Tesselaarsdal barber is part of the special charm of this well-marked trail from the beautiful Philipskop to Tesselaardsdal. Goosebump views. Gorgeous fynbos. And of course a brilliant lunch at De Poskantoor afterwards before getting a lift back to the car.
8. Bosman Hermanus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Drive up the Hemel-en-Aarde Pass and turn left towards the De Bos dam & around a bend, a low slung building appears on the horizon, perched on a sweeping landscape and anchored under a large tree. This is the Frame House. A wood and canvas structure housing the wine tasting room and picnic service belonging to Bosman Family Vineyards on their farm in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus. The Frame House is a refreshment station from which you can explore both nature and your place within it trough primarily our wine range tasting experience, complemented with a picnic service that we offer. Nature trails are also available at Bosman Hermanus where you can soak up the views, absorb the stillness broken only by the rustling bushes or soft bird call. At the top enjoy a 360º view of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. From there you can see all the way across Walker Bay to Gansbaai in the South and Hangklip in the West. Delicious coffee is available from our in house barista.
Reviewed By bjuliek
We visit the Hemel en Aarde Valley quite often, but had never heard of this little gem before. It was SO worth the short detour off the main road through the valley. Some of our favorite wines we've tasted in the valley! An unpretentious estate, very friendly staff - Nigel and Watson both knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful surrounds. Small menu of flat breads and cheese platters - delish. We'll be back!
