Vermaaklikheid, Cape Overberg
If you have not heard of Vermaaklikheid it is probably better that you not know. Certainly once you do, you are sworn to secrecy, as this gorgeous escape from it all just 310 km from Cape Town in the heart of the Overberg Region, is the rarely found, often spoken about kind of idyll that remains elusive to most. And those who know of it would like to keep it that way.
Most of Vermaaklikheid rests on, or has access to, the Duiwenhoks River. It's tidal and its shores are washed with fynbos rich banks and a bevy of birds - over 100 species live here. The village, for it is little more, is your real quaint seaside type village, despite being 10 km or more from the beach, rich in thatched cottages, for thatch is freely available in the valley.
More importantly Vermaaklikheid is big on peace and quiet. Unbelievably, and despite being fairly close to the towns of Witsand, Riversdale and Heidelberg, Vermaaklikheid is unspoiled, tranquil and remote. It is also easily accessible from the N2, despite its outback ambience.
When here expect to do little other than fish or read. If you must then you can always canoe along the Duiwenhoks River, which is also safe for swimming. Head off to the river mouth and you'll stumble over a couple of fishermen intent on hauling in a few kob, steenbras or musselcrackers. The coastline here is gorgeous, with limestone cliffs, caves, snorkeling, boating and a line of milkwood trees. Look out for the old-fashioned kapstylhuises along the shore, the boat houses and jetties. Bliss.
De Hoop Nature Reserve is not far from here and well worth a day trip during whale season.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Whale Coast Ocean Villa
Whale Coast Ocean Villa is a luxury guesthouse located in the popular town of Hermanus, famous for sightings of the Southern Right Whales during ...

The Breede River Lodge
Discover Cape charm on a rare stretch of paradise! From our open leisure deck overlooking our quaint private harbor with its bobbing boats, one c...

Waterblom @ Stanford Valley
Waterblom can be found on the Guest Farm nestled in the valley of the Klein Rivier, 10km outside Stanford village. Outside there is a deck with s...

The Seagull Hermanus
Seagull Hermanus is a self catering holiday house situated in Sandbaai, a picturesque area bordering greater Hermanus. The house features two cha...

Little Lotta Cottage
Little Lotta Cottage in Caledon is a fabulous place to enjoy a break away from city life and is only an hour away from Cape Town. Choose from one...

Gecko House
Located a stone's throw from the beach, Gecko House in Pringle Bay is a modern, beautifully designed house that has spectacular views of the beac...

Boathouse @ 287 High Level
Boathouse @ 287 High Level is a garden cottage offering accommodation in Pringle Bay along a quiet urban street, backed by Pringle Bay's surround...

Elizabeth Guesthouse
Elizabeth Guesthouse is located in Sandbaai and offers guests a comfortable B&B in Hermanus. The picturesque little town is world renowned for it...

AfriCamps at Stanford Hills
AfriCamps at Stanford Hills boasts boutique tents, all situated overlooking the dam on the foothill of the Klein River Mountain range. From here ...
Noteworthy attractions

Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Lying within the southern extension of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range about 90 kilometres south-east of Cape Town and 8 kilometres from Kl...

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 vege...

Hermanus Whale Crier
Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast has its very own whale crier, and, what's more, Hermanus lays claim to the only whale crier in the world. The po...

Hermanus Beaches
Where? +/-2 hours drive from Cape Town on the south coast of the Cape. Includes: Onrus Beach, Grotto Beach, Kammabaai and Langbaai Beach. Go ther...

Hermanus Hiking Trails
While most visitors to Hermanus have many things to do on their itinerary, most involving the whales that have made this town famous, there are m...

Hermanus Golf Club
The course doesn't only challenge however, you are rewarded, hole after hole, with panoramic views that overlook the sparkling ocean and adding t...

Agulhas National Park
Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular v...

Marloth Nature Reserve
Lying just three kilometres from the pretty little town of Swellendam, the Marloth Nature Reserve conserves the central Langeberg Mountains that ...

De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a f...
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