Botrivier, Cape Overberg
The small, picturesque village of Botrivier lies in the foothills of the Houw Hoek Mountains, en route to Hermanus. The Bot River, after which the hamlet is named, meanders its way through a fertile valley surrounded by mountains covered in fynbos, historical wine farms and fields of wheat.
A place of crossing in the Bot River originally served as a spot for bartering butter with the Khoi-khoi tribes and the river was attributed with the name ‘butter’ from both sides - the Afrikaans word for butter is ‘botter’ and the Khoi-khoi called it ‘Couga’, which means ‘lots of butter’. The name stuck and today this river flows through the town into a large lagoon, which forms a marsh at its mouth. These wetlands are home to thousands of waterfowl and one of the only remaining herds of wild horses is said roam the area. Botrivier has a tradition of accommodating travellers. The Bot River Hotel was probably built in the 1890s and today serves as a drop-off point for the Baz Bus shuttle - a hop on and off backpacker shuttle that offers travellers of all ages a way to explore South Africa.
A whole generation of South Africans were introduced to the town of Botrivier as the setting for their favourite TV series - ‘Nommer Asseblief’ (number please) and visitors used to insist on seeing the telephone exchange and meeting the characters from the soapie. Close to Kleinmond and Walker Bay, Botrivier is ideal for travellers who want to escape the throngs during whale watching season, but remain in the vicinity for easy access. Botrivier is a haven for nature lovers, wine tasters and artists, and the sheer tranquillity of the setting means a complete escape from it all.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Botrivier
Cape Whale Coast
The coming of the whales to the Cape Overberg coastline, also known as the Cape Whale Coast, every year between June and November, not only creates a stir, but brings to our shores a large, intelligent and remarkable giant of the sea and the only mammal to have adapted to life in the open oceans ... more information
Green Mountain Eco Route
Based on the Overberg Tourism map, the Green Mountain Eco Route starts on the other side of Sir Lowry's Pass, as you enter Elgin Valley on the N2, from Cape Town. The Green Mountain Eco route is not only home to the world's first biodiversity wine route - 75 kilometres over the Groenland Mountains ... 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
Houwhoek Pass
To reach Houwhoek Pass, on the tarred N2, you will have to crest Sir Lowry's Pass first. In fact, there is a 25 kilometre stretch of road between the two passes, known as Cole's Pass, to add further confusion to the mix. All in all, this mountainous part of the national road is a series of three passes ... more information
Van Der Stel Pass
The Van der Stel Pass lies between Bot River and Villiersdorp, a beautiful pass that takes one via the Theewaterskloof Dam. This part of the Overberg is filled with flowers, birds and wines, with scenery to match. The Bot River, after which the little town is named, follows the swing of the pass emptying finally into a ... more information
Venster Kloof Nature Garden
Venster Kloof Nature Garden, also known as the Caledon Wildflower Garden, is a wonderful space in which to spend a little time. It is called Venster Kloof not only because it lies just on the edge of the kloof of that name, but also after a particularly noticeable rock formation that forms a window or... more information
Walker Bay Wine Route
Walker Bay, a 45 minute drive from Cape Town, has become a fashionable region to visit, particularly with the establishment of over a dozen wineries in and around Hermanus, already popular for its whale spotting between June and November. The Hemel-en-Aarde (heaven and earth) Valley, just ... more information
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Things To Do in Botrivier
The Shuntin' Shed
Where: Botrivier
How much (per person): On Request
This quirky, unusual restaurant and bar serves unique pub grub and a selection of the finest local Bot River Wines from the area. The menu h ... more information
Dassiesfontein Farm Stall
Where: Caledon
How much (per person): On Request
Dassiesfontein is a fully licensed restaurant and traditional farmer's fare situated in the heart of the Overberg. From humble beginnings 12 ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Botrivier
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On Holiday in Botrivier
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