Bettys Bay, Cape Overberg
Although less developed than her neighbour, Hermanus, the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and the resident penguin colony at Stony Point alone make a visit to Bettys Bay worth it. The botanical garden of Harold Porter, which stretches from the mountain-top down to the sea, is known as ‘little Kirstenbosch’ and contains some of the best examples of local fynbos, including proteas, restios and over 50 species of ericas.
Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Betty’s Bay is a picturesque seaside village situated along the scenic Clarence Drive Route (R44) between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. The pretty town is positioned in a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Kogelberg Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and bordered by fresh water lakes and the Palmiet River. The town lies within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve; the first UNESCO declared Biosphere in South Africa and is fiercely protected by the town’s occupants.
Locals venture here predominantly during the flowering season from October to February where a glorious array of gladioli, watsonias and the rare red disas are on display. The garden can easily be covered in three to five hours along pretty laid-out paths and hillside trails. For the more adventurous, Leopard’s Gorge offers a more taxing hike.
Betty’s Bay has some wonderful beaches. Silver Sands and Hangklip dunes lie to the west of Stony Point offering a beach of over four kilometres and great kite surfing opportunities. The beach is also good for picnics, swimming and surfing however Jock’s Bay and Shelly Beach, close to the Harold Porter garden, offer the younger generation better paddling and shell collecting opportunities.
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Bettys Bay Reviews
"As a local at Betty's Bay I completely reccomend that you should spend a day or two in Betty's Bay in one of the bed & breakfasts, prices might be high but the ..." - Zachary Williams, Cape Town
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Bettys Bay Visitorial
I Love Bettys Bay because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Bettys Bay. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Bettys Bay because ...
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Bettys Bay
Arabella Golf Course
The course is 6381 metres in length and has a SAGU rating of 72. It borders the largest natural lagoon in South Africa, and the 9th, 17th and 18th run parallel to the lagoon. Choosing a signature hole proves to be an extremely difficult task as all of the holes are well designed with spectacular ... more information
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden lies in the epicentre (heart) of the Cape fynbos region - a dedication to this natural shrubland vegetation with 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos garden, and a further 190 hectares of natural fynbos to gratify the visitor. The peaceful ... more information
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Lying within the southern extension of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range about 90 kilometres south-east of Cape Town and 8 kilometres from Kleinmond, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve has managed to remain largely unspoilt, in no small part due to its ability to remain relatively ... more information
The Whale Coast Route
The Whale Route begins in Cape Town and follows the particularly pretty R44, also known as Clarence Drive, through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It is a popular drive that easily rivals Chapman's Peak in Cape Town as one of the most scenic in the country - views over False Bay are incredible ... more information
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Things To Do in Bettys Bay
3 Hour Adventure Race
Where: Bettys Bay
How much (per person): On Request
This is our foundation product where we incorporate a variety of activity disciplines involving pathway navigation, way-point collection, ab ... more information
Walk the Palmiet River Trail
Where: Kleinmond
How much (per person): Free
Walk the Palmiet River Trail in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve: The River Trail is on the R44 between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, about 100kms ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Bettys Bay
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On Holiday in Bettys Bay
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