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

Escape Pringle Bay
Escape Pringle Bay is a self catering guest house offering accommodation with beautiful views. Escape Pringle Bay Guest house has two self cateri...

Hermanus Vista
Hermanus Vista is a luxurious self catering home, architecturally designed with comfort in mind. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, ...

Stonehill River Lodge
Situated along the banks of the Breede River, in Swellendam, Stonehill River Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in four different villas. Her...

Fleckvieh Guest Farm
Fleckvieh Guest Farm at Grootvadersbosch Landgoed offers Swellendam self catering on a private working farm, situated at the foothills of the Lan...

Norfolk Guest House
Norfolk Guest House in Hermanus is just a stone's throw from the cliff path which is well known for its fantastic whale viewing. The three guest ...

Over Karoo Inn
Situated in the village of Barrydale, Over Karoo Inn offers accommodation in three separate rooms. There are various attractions and activities i...

Morado Cottage
Morado Cottage has one bedroom furnished with a Queen-size bed. The private bathroom is fitted with a freestanding bath and shower with views fro...

Zeezicht Guest House
Zeezicht Guest House can accommodate up to eight guests and offers views of the sea and the mountains. The guest house is located in the pristine...

Bayview Apartment 203
Bayview Apartment 203 is an elegant statement in modern comfort. This Hermanus apartment is the perfect place from which to enjoy your Whale Coas...
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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