The Area

Caledon

Caledon is known as the 'Capital of the Overberg'. Even though to some it is a simply another town along the N2, it does lend itself to some extraordinary history. Lying a mere 120 km from Cape Town heading towards George, it owes its origin to the hot water springs on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg.

Caledon is a tranquil town with approximately 9000 residents. It has an extensive agricultural region with products like wheat, barley, canola, onions, wool, wine, fruit, etcetera. The town has a large number of historical houses and buildings, especially from the Victorian era. These are mostly beautifully restored, lending a special character to Caledon.

Venster (Window) Rock, Caledon

Caledon hot springs

Legend has it that the earth shares its healing power with mankind by letting hot water bubble up through earth’s crust. Hot springs still give relief to many ailments today. The hot mineral baths today form part of the Caledon Casino Hotel & Spa, an elegant establishment, known the world over for its warm hospitality, well appointed conference centre, a variety of sporting amenities, beauty clinic and excellent personal service.

Another asset of Caledon is the world-renowned wild flower garden and reserve famed for its splendid display of wildflowers (up to 135 different species of Protea). Beginning and ending at the garden is an enticing 10 km, 3–4 hour walk that traverses the wider area. Along this walk you will find charming pathways and wooden bridges, lawns, picnic spots, indigenous trees, shrubs and prolific birdlife (you may even be lucky enough to spot the endemic Cape Sugarbird). A wild flower show is held every September. 

Visit the House Museum, 11 Constitution Street, open to the public five days a week. It portrays a house of the late 1800–1900 in Victorian and Edwardian furniture donated by families in Caledon and the district. The garden is typical of that time with indigenous and medicinal plants as well as roses, lavender and japonicas of Victorian gardens.

House Museum, Caledon

Fly fishermen can enjoy still waters five kilometers outside Caledon where the farm also offers many activities for adventure seekers. Among the activities are: trout & carp fishing, 4 x 4 trail, mountain biking, abseiling at the waterfall, hiking on all farm routes, water skiing with own boat and picnicking alongside the beautiful dam.

Hermanus

Hermanus coast line and whale

From the Villa, it is a 20 minute scenic drive to the seaside town of Hermanus, famous for whale watching. Hermanus is fast becoming one of the most loved holiday destinations amongst South Africans as well as international visitors. Wedged between mountain and sea offering spectacular views over Walker Bay, it promises remarkable natural beauty in the heart of the beautiful Cape Whale Coast in the Western Cape.
During the past decade, Hermanus has grown into a vibrant seaside destination complemented by fine restaurants, numerous art galleries, boutiques, shops as well as a multitude of outdoor and adventure activities for the nature enthusiasts.

Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route.

The Whale Festival has also become a feature on the town’s calendar. Hermanus is a cosmopolitan town but has retained some of its historical fisherman’s village heritage. A number of craft markets sell a range of interesting wares, a marimba band frequently adds a vibrant atmosphere on different occasions and the old harbour with its restored fishing boats gives a glimpse of times past.

Shark cage diving provides an adrenaline fix for adventure lovers and kayaking trips on the sea or lagoon can be booked. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks among the fynbos.