Suurbraak, Cape Overberg

The little village of Suurbraak lies in a fold of the Langeberg Mountains just down from the incredible Tradouw Pass. It's a former mission village that gives the word 'quaint' new meaning, even if, on the whole, it also suffers from neglect and many of the locals' cottages are sadly in need of upkeep. Out here the local community is rather starved of sources of income, although a cheese factory might open soon.

The heart of the village of Suurbraak has been preserved, and the buildings that rest on the village square and the two church buildings have been restored. Suurbraak lies in what could easily be termed a little piece of heaven, and because it is not a commercial centre is left largely alone. The little village came into existence in 1812, as a mission village. Today people still cook on wood burning stoves, use donkey-drawn ploughs and horses and carts to get around - it's really old-style living, mostly untouched by development.

Most of the old style houses line the road through town, and if you want to explore, it is a wonderful place to visit and from which to walk - the Wonder Kloof lies across from town, an incredible geological crack in the Langeberg Mountain range, with a number of recently opened hiking trails that take you through the kloof. Hiking and biking and visiting historical buildings are the main attractions of the town, although there are a couple of farms that offer accommodation, and one local B&B in town.

Suurbraak lies northeast of Swellendam and southwest of Barrydale on the R324.