In South Africa, September is celebrated as Tourism Month, with National Braai Day celebrated on Heritage Day (24 September).
This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy not only our heritage of throwing meat over the coals for a scrumptious braai, but also to celebrate the magnitude of internationally renowned tourist attractions such as whale watching and shark cage diving.
The Overberg boasts many unique attractions such as the southern most point of Africa at Agulhas where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, eye-catching canola fields, unspoilt beaches that stretch for miles and a vast number of activities.
Visitors can choose to stay in the hustle and bustle of busy towns like Hermanus and Kleinmond or head off to the more peaceful towns of Greyton, Struisbaai, Stanford or Arniston.
When it comes to activities, the to-do list is endless – you can choose to laze the day away on one of many beaches, relax in the soothing waters of the hot water springs at Caledon Casino Hotel and Spa, enjoy some beauty treatments and pampering at one of numerous spas in the area, try to land a big fish or enjoy a leisurely walk through beautiful scenery.
Adrenaline junkies can opt to go zip lining, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding, go hiking in the mountains, enjoy cycling routes or spin up some dirt while quadbiking.
Shopaholics are more than welcome, with everything from exclusive boutiques to art galleries, quaint shops selling everything and anything from decor items to home-made fudge, preserves and biscuits or one of various markets boasting yummy food, toe tapping music and a real platteland vibe.
Tourism Month couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as the tourism and travel sector bounce back and prepare to welcome visitors back for the summer and the festive season. In addition to this the Overstrand is honouring it’s title as the world’s best land based whale watching destination with numerous whale sightings recorded daily.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie is optimistic about the increase in visitor numbers seen in the Overstrand and encourages industry stakeholders to get ready for a bumper festive season. “The world is eager to travel and the Overstrand has everything travellers could possibly want for,” she stated.
Rabie joined Hermanus Whale Crier Bulelani Ngidi as he announced Tourism Month on Thursday 1 September with a loud blast from his kelp horn.
The Overstrand mayor invites tourists to visit the area and take delight in all it has to offer. She also encouraged all locals to be tourists in their own towns and explore what is right on their doorstep.