Overberg

is an attractive rural area

in the Western Cape

an in between area that unfortunately gets missed out of trips

The Overberg is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, between the better known Cape Winelands, Little Karoo, Whale Coast and Garden Route.

This scenic triangle of undulating land, enclosed by the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains, is centred on the Breede River.

It is a fertile and well-watered area, whose broad valleys are covered in rich agriculture, mainly focused on wine production and centred on the towns of Worcester, Robertson, McGregor, Ashton and Swellendam.

For convenience we also include the areas at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains to the south, centred on the village of Greyton.

In all honesty, we rarely end up including accommodation in this area in trips, but tend to visit when driving between Franschhoek and either the Little Karoo or Whale Coast areas.

More serious wine connoisseurs sometimes choose to visit the more off-the-beaten-track wineries of Worcester and Robertson areas on day trips from Franschhoek.

But if you are keen to take your time and explore the area in more detail, then there is a handful of interesting accommodation options.

The Overberg is the triangle of land enclosed by the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains, centred on the Breede River.

To the west the large town of Worcester lies on the N1 highway and serves as the gateway to the Overberg.

The town of Robertson is a major wine-making centre and retains a pleasant atmosphere.

The quiet little village of McGregor is perhaps the most attractive place in the area.

Swellendam is another large and historic town, this time anchoring the eastern flank of the Overberg.

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Map

Set in the Western Cape, the sleepy village of Greyton lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountain and is a rural backwater which primarily attracts retirees and weekenders from Cape Town.

a rural retreat for Capetonians

Greyton sits amongst scenic farmland at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains

It is a pretty village whose streets are lined with shady oak trees and traditional houses.

The pleasant climate and easy hill walking has made it a popular place to retire.

Greyton is the start of the Boesmankloof hiking trail, 16km up the mountain pass to the village of McGregor.

Go to Greyton

Set in the Overberg area, McGregor is an exceptionally peaceful little village with a slightly Bohemian feel, decent eateries and some good wineries. It’s a really lovely place to explore but is short on quality accommodation options.

one of our favourite rural towns

McGregor lies in a very quiet setting around 30km south of Robertson.

The quiet main street is lined with historic buildings, quirky stores and innovative little eateries.

Unfortunately quality accommodation options in the village are in short supply.

The highlight is the quirky Temenos Retreat, a great place for a lazy lunch and with simple rooms.

Go to McGregor

Set in the Overberg area, Robertson is a functional centre for agriculture and wine production, with a pleasant historic centre and surrounded by scenic farmlands. Occasionally included in more extensive wine tours that are looking to get beyond the usual routes.

a major area for commercial wine production

Robertson is set in the fertile Breede River Valley at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in the Overberg region.

It is a working agricultural town with a reasonably pleasant historic centre.

The town is surrounded by scenic farmlands and vineyards.

The best accommodation options are out amongst these farms …

… although there are also some guesthouses in the town itself.

A couple of nights here can work well in a self-drive trip, in between the Cape Winelands and the Little Karoo.

Go to Robertson

Set in the Overberg area of the Western Cape, Swellendam is a substantial and historic town on the main N2 highway, a decent place to stop for lunch. The area has some interesting hiking trails for those to choose to stay at one of the excellent guest houses in the town.

the third oldest European settlement in the Cape

Swellendam sits at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains some 200km east of Cape Town.

It is the third oldest town in the country, having been established in as early as 1746.

At the top of the high street there is a good museum and several nice places to eat.

In the same part of town there’s also some very nice places to stay.

Browse our collections of sample trips …

Go to Swellendam

Set in the Overberg area of the Western Cape, Worcester is a substantial and historic town on the main N1 highway, an agricultural centre but not so very attractive these days. However there are some nice accommodation options to the east of town.