Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Betty’s Bay
The Overberg
The heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom
Fynbos mountains behind, a coastline of whales and penguins ahead. The Overberg sits in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site with some 9,000 plant species — most of them found nowhere else on earth.
On the doorstep
Things to do
01
Hiking
The farm’s own trails start at the cabin door — up the kloof, along the river and onto the ridge — and the Overberg’s reserves and botanical gardens are an easy drive. Hiking maps are in every cabin.
02
Mountain biking
The farm roads make a wonderful ride up the valley from the doorstep, and the Overberg’s cycle clubs can show you plenty more routes.
03
Beaches
Some of the most natural, quiet beaches in South Africa are within half an hour: Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and the Hermanus coast.
04
River swimming
In summer the river’s pools are safe for swimming — amber, cool and private. Children must be supervised; guests swim at their own risk.
Day trips
Along the coast
Visit the cafés and shops in the seaside villages of the Overberg coast, then follow the coast road to Hermanus.
Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay
Hermanus — plus wine estates, restaurants and shops
Hermanus
One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives
Everywhere — bring binoculars
Fynbos field guide
Found in the kloof
The flowers are magnificent all year round. Proteas peak in May – July, spring is pincushion season, and the ericas grace the mountains from spring into summer.
Distances
How far is everything?
| Farm trails | At the door |
|---|---|
| Nearest village — shops & fuel | ≈ 15 min drive |
| Betty’s Bay | ≈ 30 min drive |
| Hermanus | ≈ 40 min drive |
| Cape Town | ≈ 90 min drive |