Elgin, Cape Overberg
The Elgin Valley, one of the Cape’s most beautiful fruit growing areas, is literally an hour’s drive from Cape Town and one of the Western Cape’s better kept secrets in the sense that it is yet to be inundated with crowds over weekends.
Who wouldn’t want to remain schtumm about this gorgeous fertile valley filled with vineyards, orchards, forests and sweeping views of mountains that hover in a way that feels not only protective but slightly magical? The drive from Cape Town to the Elgin Valley is not only worth a mention but remains one of the most beautiful. The N2 heads up Sir Lowry's Pass where, on a clear day, views over False Bay are simply spectacular. You then descend into the Elgin Valley, over the mountain - hence the term ‘overberg’.
Add to this the creation of the world’s first biodiversity wine route - the Green Mountain Eco Route - which encompasses Grabouw in the Elgin Valley, Bot River, Houw Hoek and Villiersdorp, and you can understand why scenic beauty, coupled with acres of preserved fynbos might be attractive.
Elgin is also the site of one of the country’s finest examples of transformation where the Oaks Village, including 106 homes, has been handed to the families who have worked on the Molteno fruit farm for up to four generations, giving over 700 people ownership of their homes.
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Elgin Reviews
"I loved my short time here, it's only about an hour away from Cape Town and when you get there you feel totally relaxed. Beautiful views and lots to do in the ..." - Tania, Cape Town
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Elgin
Elgin Wine Route
The Elgin Valley is exquisite, with long stretches of forest and endless mountain peaks surrounding fruit orchards, and indeed Elgin is part of the Four Passes Fruit Route. The wines that have begun production here are predominantly fruity, and Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz do particularly well ... 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
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The 42,000 ha Reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north, and from the Stellenbosch mountains in the west, eastwards to the Groenland mountains. The entrance to the reserve is at Nuweberg, situated high in Viljoen's Pass, between Grabouw and Villiersdorp. The ... 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
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
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
Viljoen's Pass
Viljoen's Pass cuts through the Groenland Mountains to follow a gorge through which the Palmiet River flows, linking Villiersdorp with Grabouw. Named after local apple pioneer, Sir Antonie Viljoen, the pass is a wonderful drive overlooking the valley that is regarded as 'apple country'. The pass is often incorporated as ... more information
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Things To Do in Elgin
Quad Bike Trails
Where: Grabouw
How much (per person): On Request
Three Hour Quad Bike Trails with Nature Discovery For an adventurous way to explore the beauty and diversity of the Cape Floral King ... more information
Elgin Valley Market
Where: Elgin
How much (per person): Free to Browse
From all over the Overberg, traders and visitors converge at the Elgin Valley Market to enjoy the fresh fare & healthy food that has made th ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Elgin
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On Holiday in Elgin
• Elgin Map
• Things to Do in Elgin
• Elgin Accommodation
• Grabouw Accommodation
• Botrivier Accommodation
• Caledon Accommodation
• Cape Overberg Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation
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