South African Coastal Properties  South Western Coast Region

The region surrounding the southern most Coastline of South Africa between Betty's Bay in the west and Witsand in the East is kown as the Overberg. The coastline hosts a scattering of quaint sea side villages offering resorts for fishermen caravan and camping enthusiasts and sightseers. Along this Coastline is Hermanus the "Riviera of South Africa", a resort for the rich and famous offering fishing, sailing, sunbathing, golf, as well as fine food and wine. The Coastline of the Overberg region is rugged and rocky, interspersed by white sandy beaches, natural bays and harbours. Inland to the Hottentots Holland and Langeberg mountains, the lush vegetation has a wealth of indigenous trees and plants including beautiful orchid species. The Western regions of Grabouw and Villiersdorp have some of the most extensive fruit farms in the country.

Some towns of interest in the Overberg include Arniston, Betty's Bay, Gansbaai and Struisbaai all quaint fishing villages with much to offer the visitor. Travelling inland the towns of Caledon, known for its mineral springs, Greyton with its beautiful restored buildings, Napier the centre of wheat, cattle and sheep farms, Swellendam an important cultural town offering hiking trails with abundant fauna and flora. Malgas which has the last manually operated pont in South Africa carrying traffic across the Breede River, all of which should not be missed by the visitor. The coastline of the Overberg is also known as the "Whale coast" and it is along this coastline that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are split. It is here that the Southern right Whales swim close inshore and are almost a natural part if the coastal scenery. (extracts from africa/info magazine)