CWC Logo

South Africa’s Great Ocean Drive 🌊 Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Hangklip, Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Hawston, Onrus, Hermanus via Stanford to Gansbaai & Pearly Beach. Whale watching June till November. Nature, art, wine, science & adventure. 🐋
Latest Posts
Top
 

Latest news

10 Reasons the Southern Overberg is Hot Right Now

The scent of fynbos drifts seductively through this natural adventure playground. Fynbos is having more than a moment! The world has just woken up to the Cape Floral Kingdom after South Africa’s stunning display scooped gold at the Chelsea Flower Show (plus Best in...

Hidden Hermanus

The Hermanus cliff path hugs the coastline and overlooks the blue belly of whaleplayground Walker Bay, above. Picture SUPPLIED Sive Mbizo has the best job in the world. So he says, anyway. Standing on the edge of Hermanus, looking at the pretty coastal path...

A Creative Revolution

I last spent meaningful time in Hermanus almost 11 years ago. At the time, it was a quaint little town South Africans ventured to for brief breakaways, and the rest of the world flocked to off the back of decent tourism marketing. It...

Four whale-watching spots to visit in the Western Cape

With whale-watching season now in full swing, here’s where you can watch these great creatures in the Western Cape… The Western Cape’s coastline offers some of the most spectacular whale-watching opportunities in the world. Here are four of the best Western Cape spots to...

Memorable hike marks 80 years

“The aim of the walk was to spend time with my three children – Sally from New Zealand, Tim from Australia and Andrew from Hermanus. We had last been together five years ago at my late husband’s funeral in June 2019. This was...

A slice of heaven in Hemel-en-Aarde valley

The pinot noir capital of South Africa lives up to its name in Hemel-en-Aarde Tucked between the seaside town of Hermanus, the Cape winelands and Elgin, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is not as well-known as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It has a more subdued sensibility, and...

Grootbos gallery impresses

Situated in the Overberg between Stanford and Gansbaai, Grootbos Nature Reserve is known around the world for its 3 500 ha of pristine wilderness, 100 endangered plant species, 907 plant species, of which seven new to science were discovered here, three Milkwood forests...

Harbour to welcome cruise liner

The Easter weekend is upon us, and it usually attracts thousands of visitors to Hermanus. On Saturday, Hermanus will receive another financial boost when the Silver Cloud, with 254 passengers on board, will drop anchor in Hermanus. This small cruise ship, operated by SilverSea, was...

Hermanus Camino

Time to take a long, meaningful journey on foot. You’ve probably heard of the Camino de Santiago, the most famous pilgrimage route in the world. Once you start looking into this concept of “Walking Your Way”, you discover caminos all over the world (Australia...

South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde: A Chardonnay paradise

In just a few decades, this arrestingly beautiful part of South Africa’s south has risen to join the elite of regions reputed as top-quality sources of the world’s best-loved white grape. One of the most southerly wine-producing areas in the world, South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde...

Top 30 Things to Do in Hermanus

Located along the stunning coastline near Cape Town, Hermanus is a great place to spend your holiday with incredible natural beauty, awesome attractions, and a large selection of activities to take part in. Hermanus is known for its beautiful views, amazing beaches, and...

Vegan Cheese made in Stanford

Fauxmage is a small boutique factory in Stanford producing vegan chees- a contradiction in terms you may think, but that certainly does not detract from this animal-friendly product's flavour. Fauxmage owner Daniel Boshoff arrived to open up with a bunch of fresh rosemary in...

Buffel steel strandgangers se harte

As daar nou een onderwerp is wat meer aandag kry as die onlangse staatsrede deur President Cyril Ramaphosa en Bafana Bafana se derdeplekoorwinning by die Afrika-beker, is dit Buffel die olifantrob, wat hom op Onrus se strand kom tuismaak het. Mense kom van heinde...

The Overberg one of the best tourist destinations

A record breaking number of travellers visited the Western Cape during the holiday season, bringing a much needed cash injection for businesses in the tourism industry. The provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said expectations of a record-breaking season were realised...

Cape Winemakers Guild new Overstrand Members

The Cape Winemakers Guild has two new members, namely Emul Ross from Hamilton Russell Vineyards and John Seccombe from Thorne and Daughters. Samantha O’Keefe of Lismore will be taking over as Cape Winemakers Guild’s Chair from Gordon Newton Johnson, while JD Pretorius of Warwick steps...

Oldlands Stud – Living The Quality Life

Nestling in the beautiful Hemel n Aarde Valley near the Hermanus coast is biodynamically run Oldlands Stud, which has been around for half a century, abiding by its motto of “quality of life for horses.” [caption id="attachment_11165" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Living the quality life[/caption] Oldlands were...

Visit Perlemoen: Hermanus’ award winning restaurant

A trip to Hermanus wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Perlemoen, an award-winning restaurant situated in the first abalone hatchery in Hermanus’ Old Harbour, offering the most spectacular views and the freshest abalone. Perlemoen Restaurant earned its stripes in the culinary world when...

Tourism Indaba gives Food for thought

The second day of the Overstrand Tourism indaba started with a packed auditorium on Thursday, 7 September in Hermanus. The event formed part of the Overstrand Municipality’s drive to develop a tourism strategy that speaks to what the industry wants and not what the...

Tourism Indaba highlights Agri-Tourism Opportunities

Overstrand Municipality’s Tourism Indaba, officially kicked off in Hermanus on 6 September 2023 and continues tomorrow with a full programme. Topics to be addressed include optimising online booking platforms, investigating traditional versus non-traditional source markets, Overstrand regulations linked to the hospitability industry, travel trends,...

Lost beauty of The Marine Hotel restored.

Grand Dame of Hermanus, The Marine Hotel, has dusted off a long-forgotten ballroom that was previously functioning as a storeroom. Architecturally there has been careful consideration to restore the distinguished arches and one is taken back to the era when this space was...

‘Hop on over for a big welcome back’

Time to pop the cork on that Brut Cap Classique from Domain des Dieux- the little winery tucked high up on the slopes of the Hemel en Aarde valley, producer of last yea's most lauded  bubblies..Never heard of it? Thats the point. Cape...

Top 7 things to do in Hermanus

Hermanus, a picturesque coastal town nestled along the shores of Walker Bay in the Western Cape, is renowned as one of the world’s best destinations for land-based whale watching. However, this charming town offers much more than just whale sightings. With its stunning natural...

Hermanus local golden boy wins

Hermanus’ golden boy has done it again! Tristan Roberts, crowned the IBC Bodyboarding World Champion last year, started this year’s tour on a high note when he won the first competition, at Antofagasta Chile, on Sunday. “As an athlete I devote my life to this...

Stanford – sleeping beauty of the Overberg

When you head to the Overberg, you’ll have heard of Hermanus as the ‘Whale watching capital of the world’ and that Gansbaai on the other end of the bay is the ‘shark-cage diving capital of the world.’ Situated between these two towns, Stanford has...

South Africa finds Pinot’s sweet spot.

Pinot Noir has been fashionable for two, possibly three, decades, but South Africa has taken its time to identify where this delicate grape has the best chance of prospering. The country now seems to have found its sweet spot: on the south coast...

Tesselaarsdal’s new Eco Domes

Discover the Serene Beauty of Pom Gratz Eco-Domes in Tranquil Tesselaarsdal / Western Cape By now, you’re all aware of our passion for discovering and exploring captivating destinations in stunning South Africa. So when we learned about the emergence of new Eco-Domes just a...

Hermanus Camino continues to grow in popularity

The Hermanus Camino continues to grow in popularity and 2023 is turning out to be a great camino year. This incredibly beautiful slackpacking route takes 6 days and offers a great variety of flora, wildlife and a bird’s eye view of Walker Bay, Stanford...

The Ultimate Adventure Guide to The Overberg

Nature’s adrenaline-pumping playground awaits… Stretching east from the Elgin Valley, and spread between fynbos-covered mountains and a bewitching coast, the Overberg packs in a mix of just about every imaginable kind of natural environment. Lined with vast beaches, tall dunes and craggy tidal pools,...

Arts galore at festival in Hermanus

Gear up for a jam-packed opening weekend at The FynArts As well as the presentation of the Legacy Award to Pieter-Dirk Uys by Christopher Hope, and a performance by Uys on Sunday 11 June. You can look forward to a programme that includes the...

Cycling for friends, family

They are Hermanus’s pride and joy . . . and it is proof not all heroes in Hermanus wear capes – they mountain bike instead. For Almarie Hugo, her second Cape Epic will be even more memorable than her first last year. “I’m doing...

Top Ten Attractions in and around Hermanus.

Hermanus, is a town on the southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is known for Southern Right whale watching during the southern winter to spring seasons, and is a popular retirement location. In Hermanus you will find some beautiful...

Overstrand Activities

May all adventures lead to the Overstrand in 2023. As always we are trying to present a variety of activities to keep all our visitors and residents happily occupied. As the summer weather holds up we highly recommend the Blue Flag Beaches, mountain...

Stanford connections

A business trip to South Africa provided Irish automotive publisher and group editor Jarlath Sweeney the opportunity to visit Stanford and trace the steps of Sir Robert Stanford. Jarlath’s interest in the heritage village of Stanford stems from the fact that he lives...

The Top Ten Things to do in Gansbaai

The places known as Shark Alley and Dyer Island are synonymous with Gansbaai shark cage diving. Three hours from Cape Town, Gansbaai offers one of the best shark cage diving experiences, diving with the bronze whaler sharks. But what else does Gansbaai have...

A New Stanford Market Takes Shape

A New Stanford Market Takes Shape …and that shape is Square. Stanford, known for its historic architecture, meandering river and impressive collection of antique, second hand and vintage stores is now adding another attraction – a brand new market which may well put Stanford on...

Taking South African Slow Food to the World

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Kleinmond resident chef Gregory Henderson recently visited Italy to represent South Africa at the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2022.  Terra Madre translates to Mother Earth and this festival is the largest international event dedicated to good, clean, and fair food and...

Cape Whale Coast

Tourism Tour: A whale of a time in Hermanus

Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, had the pleasure of being joined by the Executive Deputy Mayor for Overstrand Municipality, Lindile Ntsabo, for a tour of the Old Harbour Museum, some whale spotting with the world-famous Whale Crier and a walk...

Grootbos fynbos celebrated in Tourism Month

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve’s Michael Lutzeyer has a way of constantly imagining new concepts to improve the offering of the luxury lodge situated between Stanford and Gansbaai. Michael’s latest idea had all and sundry scrambling for an explanation of the word “florilegium” which...

Stanford puik plek om te besoek

Hermanus Times 17 August 2022 Dit is ‘n dorpie wat almal bekoor en ook vir menige toeris een van hul gunsteling bestemmings is.  Waar om te eet in Stanford? Birkenhead Brewery | Walkerbay Estate Tel 028 341 0183 Campbells Café Tel 065 626 5456 Ou Meul...

Whale of a time in Overberg

Hermanus Times 17 August 2022 According to whale watchers this year is a spectacular season, and the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit agrees with this.  On 2 August, the MRI conducted their first aerial survey to count southern right whales between Hermanus and Witsand. ...

Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

One day a year is set aside to reflect on the noble Pinot Noir grape and the wines produced. This year International Pinot Noir Day was held on 18 August. 15 Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir producers showcased their best wines in a private tasting...

Hermanus Whale Festival is back

The Hermanus Whale Festival, a prestigious Eco-Art festival in South Africa usually takes place annually at the end of September and the beginning of October. This fabulous event brings the town alive during the weekend-long festivities. This year’s event officially kicks off on...

Cape Whale Coast

Hot Tubbing in the Overberg

Getaway Magazine posted 6 places near Cape Town with wood-fired hot tubs and several our Overberg venues featured: Honybee Suite at Platbos Forest Reserve, Gansbaai Kolkol Mountain Lodge, Bot River Berseba Farm, close to Gabrielskloof Bot River There is also The Cottage & Cabins...

Cape Whale Coast

South African National Space Agency.

SANSA has been operational in Hermanus for 81 years. On Wednesdays at 11:00 the public can book a free guided tour of the premises. This covers a visit to the Space Weather Centre, Applied Science, and the Science Centre. The last stop is...

Cape Whale Coast

Stanford – a winelands gem

Pippa de Bruyn fell in love with Stanford village near Cape Town in 1990s – and so will you. Why did it take me 20 years to find this spot? With bits of tape peeling off each spectacle arm, Jo Sinfield looks a little...

Cape Whale Coast

The Best Overberg Beach Escapes

Wake up and smell the ocean. When it comes to unforgettable getaways, it’s hard to beat having your own private, shaded patio or sun kissed deck facing some of the best ocean views in the world. Add the ease with which you can access...

Cape Whale Coast

Frazer Barry presents Ommighellie

Ghellie is a tin in which a fire is stoked and where people gather to tell stories. A new series Ommighellie will be broadcast on Friday on kykNET DSTV channel 145 at 19:00. There are 19 episodes, and the first episode was on...

Cape Whale Coast

Take a Kogelberg Hike

Hike in a mountain full of fynbos between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmnd. Harold Porter Botanical Gardens Tel 028 272 9311, Kogelberg Tel 087 288 0499  ...

Cape Whale Coast

Cape Whale Coast Sweet Escape

Independent Online had a look at 5 small towns in the Western Cape where you can have a sweet escape. Two Cape Whale Coast villages were listed for all its charm and tranquillity. Stanford and Rooiels made the top five and we hope...

Cape Whale Coast

Hermanus, 1 of 5 SA beach bucket list destinations

This whale-watching destination is a town just an hour and a half away from Cape Town. Hermanus boasts three Blue Flag beaches, Grotto, Onrus and Hawston beaches, offering water activities, an eatery and picnic areas. There’s also Kammabaai Beach, Langbaai Beach and Sandbaai...

Cape Whale Coast

Indonesian Consul General visits Hermanus

On 19 to 20 December 2021, the Indonesian Consul General accompanied by the Diplomatic Information Institution of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Cape Town and staff travelled to Hermanus, Western Cape. On this occasion, the Indonesian Consulate General in Cape...

Cape Whale Coast

Grootbos Flower Safari

Finding proteas, ericas and so much more on a flora safari close to the southernmost point on Africa. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/travel/2021-12-24-hunting-for-flora-on-the-grootbos-flower-safari/...

Cape Whale Coast

Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Gold List

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has made the acclaimed Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Gold List. Establishments listed are the editor’s all-time favourite hotels around the world representing service excellence. HUGE congrats to our own Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for heading up the list! https://www.hospitalitynet.org...

Cape Whale Coast

Kleinmond’s Stormers Superfans

Kleinmond residents Riette and Kobus Koegelenberg are no ordinary DHL Stormer fans. Their home and car have been turned into Stormer shrines. The couple attended every single home game – 199 consecutive games - until the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020. This coming...

Cape Whale Coast

Streicher trap sy eie spore

Kleinmond resident Streicher Badenhorst sharing his journey with Hanri Wondergem of Die Burger. We are proud of the success of our locals going places and taking the news about our destination on their travels. ...

Cape Whale Coast

Charming small towns to explore

Cape Town Etc recommends 5 small towns to explore and 2 of the villages are within easy reach. Stanford and Rooiels are within Cape Whale Coast territory and easily accessed via the scenic Clarence Drive, or the farm stall rich N2. Continue reading  ...

Cape Whale Coast

Gansbaai 100 years old #Gansbaai100

On 21 October 1921 the first title deed for Gansbaai was registered, marking the official start of this coastal village. Activity in the region points to life prior this. The Danger Point Lighthouse is 120 years old while Gansbaai Primary established 115 years...

Cape Whale Coast

Good News for Overberg Rentals

Ciska de Vries, short-let rental agent for Seeff Hermanus said they are already about 85% booked out for December and January. “This year has been a surprise with bookings in Hermanus tripling, some homes have even quadrupled in booking conversions,” she added. She said...

Cape Whale Coast

Hermanus Has Talent

If you can act, sing, dance, rap, recite poetry or do a special group performance you should enter Hermanus Has Talent by emailing hermanushastalent@gmail.com Registration fees are R50 and R100 for groups. ...

Cape Whale Coast

Caption: Good News for Overberg Rentals

Ciska de Vries, short-let rental agent for Seeff Hermanus said they are already about 85% booked out for December and January. “This year has been a surprise with bookings in Hermanus tripling, some homes have even quadrupled in booking conversions,” she added. She said...

Cape Whale Coast

A weekend in Hermanus

Way more than just Whales We recently spent a weekend in Hermanus, and fell in love with the town all over again. Hermanus is happening – art, restaurants, the beach, and of course the area’s most famous visitors, Southern Right Whales. At only an...

Cape Whale Coast

Franschhoek to Hermanus in a day

The Race to the Sea covered 100 miles on gravel from Franschhoek to Hermanus. A rider’s dream (they say!). The event took place on 4 September with a route of 164km to finish at Benguela Cove, Hermanus. Continue reading...

Cape Whale Coast

Kfm Best of the Cape Awards: Overberg Winners

The 2021 Kfm Best of the Cape Awards recognised local businesses, entrepreneurs, places, people, activities and services in 30 categories.  The Overberg had finalists in 11 categories and won 6 categories: Adventure – Southern Right Charters, Hermanus Corner Shop – Soetmuisberg, Bredasdorp Farm...

Cape Whale Coast

CapeNature Access Week 13 – 20 September 2021

September marks Tourism Month and CapeNature invites you to join in the celebrations. The entity will provide free access to the public during its 7th annual Access Week, from 13 - 20 September 2021. This once-in-a-year opportunity gives visitors a chance to participate...

Cape Whale Coast

Hermanus Accommodation as per Inside Guide

Occupying pride of place on Walker Bay’s spectacular sunshine coast, Hermanus is widely known as the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world! There is an impressive array of places to stay, excellent seafood restaurants to feast at, a sprinkling of bars, quirky...

Cape Whale Coast

September is Tourism Month

The Cape Whale Coast is ready to welcome visitors. Although there will not be an official Whale Festival, the whales have arrived and Hermanus is putting up a great show to make sure visitors are entertained and kept busy. We start the week...

Cape Whale Coast

Walker Bay coverage in German Süd-Afrika magazine

Wale & Wein, Walker Bay. Einen Katzensprung von Kapstadt entfernt tummeln sich in der WALKER BAY jedes Jahr viele hundert Südkaper mit ihrem Nachwuchs. Auch kulinarisch ist die CAPE SOUTH COAST ein Highlight. Hemel en Aarde Valley produzieren elegante Chardonnays und Spätburgunder....

Cape Whale Coast

Remove South Africa from the travel ‘Red List’

We are missing our British visitors and need assistance to remove South Africa from the UK’s red list. This will enable travel between our countries and we kindly ask British citizens who miss us too to vote by signing the following petition. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/589382...

Cape Whale Coast

Looking for a Whale of a Time?

Its whale-watching season, in Hermanus and you can save up to 25% on the bed and breakfast rate at The Marine Hotel. The Marine offers ‘A WHALE OF A TIME’, with deals of up to 25% discount until 19 December 2021. THE MARINE INVITES...

Cape Whale Coast

Hermanus Day Trip

If towns were people, Hermanus would be the gifted all-rounder, with talents that span the range of travel attractions. That it’s South Africa’s number 1 whale-watching destination is fact (it even has a festival dedicated to the event). Then there are the Blue...

Cape Whale Coast

Hermanus Hospitality Shining on TripAdvisor

It is heart-warming to see how hard the Overberg hospitality sector has worked to maintain high levels of service delivery and to note the numerous businesses who have received 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards. These awards are granted by the world’s largest travel...

Cape Whale Coast

British & Irish Lions based at Arabella Hotel

What is life like inside the Lions camp right now? Warren Gatland's side are currently based in the luxurious Arabella Country Estate near the coastal town of Hermanus, which is around a 90-minute drive outside of Cape Town. Boasting one of South Africa's...

Cape Whale Coast

Space Apps Challenge

Overstrand is proud of Hermanus based South African Space Agency joining NASA as one of ten space agencies to partner for NASA’s 10th annual #SpaceApps Challenge. Register and join the largest hackathon in the world. www.spacechallenge.org ...

Cape Whale Coast

Niki Daly – SA Children’s Laurette Award

Kleinmond resident Niki Daly (75) was awarded the very first SA CHILDREN'S LAUREATE AWARD. Granted by UWC's Faculty of Education and SA FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE for his lifelong contribution to children's literature as a writer and an illustrator!  ...

Cape Whale Coast

SLOWMO Travel along Cape South Coast

Article on slower and more mindful travel written by Marguerite van Wyk in Sarie, July/August 2021. With the upward trend in domestic travel comes the need to slow down, stop at small rural villages and farm stalls, meditate and hike. The article singles...

Cape Whale Coast

World Environment Day 2021

World Environmental Day is celebrated on 5 June, annually to encourage awareness and environmental protection. The day is all about clean-ups and in the Overstrand we had been doing much to bin trash and keep our environment as clean as possible. We have photos from ...

Cape Whale Coast

Things To Do in Stanford in Winter

Winter is our secret season as the weather holds up and allows for hikes along the Klein River and a stroll around town browsing at the many antique shops. Wine, beer, gin and grappa tasing is an add-on when coffee is simply not...

Cape Whale Coast

Between mountain and sea

I count myself fortunate to have been able to experience the natural beauty of the Kogelberg, both as a child and an adult, working with WWF South Africa to secure as much as possible of its biodiversity and surrounds for the benefit of...

Cape Whale Coast

I♥️Hermanus

I ♥️ Hermanus campaign started as an online campaign with the creation of many colourful murals in the CBD and at businesses in Onrus and Voëlklip. The local community and visitors opted in and have been sharing photographs taken against the wall art...

Cape Whale Coast

Gansbaai, South Africa: The Complete Guide

Located in the Overberg District of South Africa’s spectacularly beautiful Western Cape province, Gansbaai is a popular tourist destination on the Cape Whale Coast. Although it made its mark in decades past as an important fishing town, it is now famous for its...

Cape Whale Coast

Carina Bruwer – 1st to swim across Walker Bay

Capetonian musician Carina Bruwer partnered with Tribuo Artist Relief Fund to become the first person to swim 21km across Walker Bay from Hermanus Old Harbour to Stanford’s Cove. She completed this swim in a time of 6:36 with water temperatures ranging between 17.5...

Cape Whale Coast

Trip Planner

Planning a trip to Stanford? Here are a few ideas to get you going. Did you know Grootbos is only 2 hours away from Cape Town and promises a retreat in nature to nurture any ailment ...

Cape Whale Coast

A TRIP FOR TWO: CANDICE MODISELLE & MELO MAOKA HIT HERMANUS

Spend the day in Hermanus with multi-faceted media personality, Candice Modiselle and her close friend and radio host, Melo Maoka, on their adventure-packed girls day out. The beautiful coastal town of Hermanus sets the scene for an Insider SA adventure with two great friends, Candice Modiselle and Melo Maoka....

Cape Whale Coast

A busy season lies ahead

With the summer holidays suddenly upon us it seems as if the Overstrand can look forward to a bumper season, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. “Accommodation facilities across all our towns are reporting bookings for the whole of the extended holiday period that runs into...

Cape Whale Coast

Cape Whale Coast Restaurants taking Safe Eats Pledge

With the hard lockdown restrictions still fresh in mind and a real fear of a second wave of COVID-19 infections hitting the Overstrand, Tourism developed a Safe Eats Pledge stating 8 operational measures that make restaurants safer. And COVID compliant. The pledge was rolled...