In a continued journey article collection, we examine three must-do actions within the Western Cape Overberg, in addition to the place to remain.
It’s 7am on a Saturday morning, and I discovered myself wandering fortunately in an apple orchard. Mild rain begins to fall because the early morning exploration attracts to a untimely finish, however not earlier than taking in some gorgeous views of the encircling Elgin valley within the picturesque Overberg area of the Western Cape.
It proved to be the proper solution to begin a day as we got down to discover extra of what the world has to supply.
As somebody who travels frequently between Cape City and Hermanus, I’d at all times been intrigued by an unmissable signal for Jackal River Farm, simply off the N2. And so, with our nine-month previous child in tow, we set off for a weekend keep at this gorgeous working orchard farm, simply an hour exterior of Cape City.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Overberg, the farm’s number of self-catering cottages exude a country attraction, with every boasting comfy facilities and a non-public area to unwind, such because the KolKol wood-fire scorching tub that got here in nice use on one fairly chilly night time.
It additionally served as the proper ‘gateway’ to discover a shocking area of the Western Cape that has no scarcity of actions and sightseeing.
Wine and dine within the Overberg
In the case of wine nation, Western Cape scorching spots akin to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have turn out to be world-renowned locations, however the Overberg is a hidden gem on this regard.
Wildekrans wine property and Beaumont household wines are two gorgeous spots that we popped previous in close by Bot River, however a private favorite turned out to be Gabrielskloof Property. As you enter the vineyard, rolling hills and vineyards stretch so far as the attention can see, whereas the a la carte menu on the Farro restaurant is full of mouthwatering choices.
Throughout our spontaneous ‘wine tour’, we additionally took a drive by means of the close by Hemel-en-Aarde valley, the place we finally settled in on the Spookfontein property, and managed to create space for probably the most scrumptious pork ramen dish. And, in fact, extra unimaginable wine.
Head to Hermanus
Whereas the Jackal River farm itself offers a haven for leisure, the encircling space does beckon with its personal distinctive attraction. A brief drive takes you to the colourful city of Hermanus, famend for its whale watching through the season from July to November, with probably the most unimaginable cliff path operating for kilometres on finish.
Right here you possibly can discover the city’s bustling harbour – apparently there’s each a ‘new’ and ‘previous’ harbour – bask in recent seafood at a neighborhood restaurant, or just absorb the solar on a number of pristine seashores.
For the extra adventurous, the area gives countless alternatives for climbing, biking or kayaking. Understanding the world effectively, although, we ticked off a long-awaited to-do exercise as we jumped on board the Ocean Quest catamaran for a sundown cruise that can not be really useful extremely sufficient.
Pop in at an Elgin ‘scorching spot’
On our remaining day, we headed to the Elgin railway market that may be discovered simply off the principle route again to Cape City. The quirky market is situated inside an previous apple warehouse that has been transformed right into a ‘steampunk, artwork deco’ meals and craft extravaganza.
The Ceres Rail firm, with their secure of 80 12 months previous steam trains, in reality operates a Cape City to Elgin weekend return journey, however we must save this exercise for an additional day.
As an alternative, we saved our vitality and urge for food for a lunch cease on the Melting Pot, which is only a stone’s throw from the market. Famend for its ‘sharing plates’, we indulged within the likes of west coast mussels, yellowtail sashimi and fried fish tacos.
The place to remain?
The gorgeous Jackal River Farm proved to be the proper spot to discover the Overberg, providing comfy lodging, real hospitality, and the chance to attach with nature.
Whether or not you’re searching for a romantic getaway, a household trip, or just a solo escape, Jackal River Orchard Farm gives a novel and enjoyable setting to each unwind among the many apple orchards, and discover the multi-faceted surrounding areas.
