Elgin, Cape Overberg

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Elgin, Cape Overberg

Elgin
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 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’.

The Elgin Valley falls into the UNESCO protected Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is very much geared for life in the outdoors. There are private game reserves, incredible hikes, birding, mountain bike routes, bass and trout fishing, kloofing, fly-fishing - the list of tours, trails and things to do is endless. The Elgin Valley, which is part of the Four Passes Fruit Route, is famous for its cool-climate wines, fruit trees and roses.

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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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

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

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

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Things To Do in Elgin

Stop off at Houw Hoek Farm Stall

Where: Elgin / Grabouw
How much (per person): Free to Browse

This delightful farm stall greets you like an old friend as you travel between the Overberg's majestic Houw Hoek mountain pass and Cape Town ... more information

Fly-fishing in the Elgin Valley

Where: Elgin
How much (per person): On Request

Should you dare to see if you could ever catch your own lunch try cast a line at one of the three trout dams stoked with Rainbow Trout. Regu ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Elgin

event starts: 31 October 2010
October
TBC

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On Holiday in Elgin

Elgin Map
Elgin Accommodation
Grabouw Accommodation
Botrivier Accommodation
Caledon Accommodation
Cape Overberg Accommodation

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South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Elgin!
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