The beautiful Overberg region located on the southern coast of the Western Cape offers up a variety of exciting things to see and do, and has thus become a favourite amongst holiday-makers, national and international alike. The natural beauty and biodiversity as well as all-round friendly demeanour of the region have made it synonymous with wholesome fun that will make you ‘get out there!’ So for a fun family holiday why not head to the coastal town of Kleinmond in the Overberg.
Surrounded by nature reserves and glorious white sandy beaches, this busy little town has a lot to offer. So here are 5 fun family activities in Kleinmond:
1. Visit the Nature Reserves
Now here’s an activity that combines adventure and education. Encompassing a large part of Kleinmond, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is a natural marvel of South Africa. The reserve spans over 18 000ha and offers rustic self-catering cottages tucked away in sloping hills of fynbos as well as a variety of activities. Visitors can partake in hiking, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking while keeping an eye out for baboons, porcupines, hares, dassies, mongoose and various endemic bird species. The Palmiet River that winds through the Reserve also makes for a peaceful rest stop where you can gain your thoughts or lose your shoes to cool your heels in the tannin-rich water.
On the opposite side of Kleinmond as you head towards Hermanus, you’ll find the equestrian treasure of the town, the Rooisand Nature Reserve. Located between Kleinmond and the Botrivier Lagoon, the Reserve consists of wide open fields of wetlands which is ideal for horse riding and offers excellent bird watching due to the proximity of the estuary. But the highlight of the reserve is definitely the 20 or so wild horses that roam throughout the reserve. The green landscape with the addition of the Wild Ones grazing and galloping freely makes for exceptional photo opportunities not to be missed. The Reserve also has a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk that meanders through it – the boardwalk was crafted from alien timber and provides a great vantage point from which to view the area.
2. Get your adventure on!
For those who like to have a bit more of a plan of action for your days can ask for the help of the adventure aficionados in town! Companies like SA Forest Adventures and Gravity Adventures host a long list of outdoor adventures which is great for the whole family, especially if you’re a big group. Activities include exhilarating fun like quad biking, kayaking, paintball, tubing, sand boarding, archery and ziplining through a forest canopy. Make a full day of it and also include a visit to the neighbouring town of Hermanus and the Penguin Sanctuary at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay. Book a full day trip and let your knowledgeable guides take you and your family on an adventure you won’t soon forget!
3. Make your way to the water’s edge
The stunning sunshine days of summer are definitely not to be squandered, especially in the Overberg. Grab your suntan lotion and a towel, and head down to the beach with the whole gang. Feeling the sun kiss your skin, the light sea breeze touch your face and digging your toes into the white sandy beaches of Kleinmond is what a summer holiday is all about. And with Blue Flag Beach status, Kleinmond Beach is ideal for good, clean fun as you soak up some sun and surf. The prestigious status ensures that the beach is always kept clean, has great facilities and has lifeguards on watch – so you can sit back and relax in full. The white sandy beach that stretches off to either side and the crisp blue water holds hours of fun and relaxation for all to swim, surf, build sandcastles and simply bake to golden brown.
Neighbouring the stretch of golden dunes, you’ll find the quieter waters of the Kleinmond Lagoon. Travelling down the mountain, these tannin-rich waters serve as a refreshing cool-down as well as slow-paced adventure. Bring your kayak or hire a canoe – look out for the yellow hut that says Boat Hire on the side – and slowly paddle your way along the calming waters. The calming body of water allows you to meander along and past residential areas. Be sure to wave at the friendly folks walking or cruising by.
4. Make your days event-ful
Along with all its natural attractions and activities, Kleinmond also hosts a busy social calendar which doesn’t stop when the holiday season ends. Be sure to keep an eye on the events as you can catch a live performance of your favourite comedian, band or kids entertainment show to keep the youngsters busy. The local markets are also bursting with fresh local produce, special curios and unique, hand-made arts and crafts from local entrepreneurs which are perfect for remembering your time in the Overberg. The town’s very own restaurant style cinema, The Shed, offers up a full program to entertain the whole family – from competitions to movie screenings to great specials.
A holiday should be fun and relaxing, and Kleinmond offers that and more. The long list of accommodation – from fully equipped self-catering houses to cosy pet-friendly cottages – offers a home-away-from-home while the natural landscapes and local community offers a variety of things to do to keep the whole family entertained. The prime location and proximity to the rest of the Overberg towns also allows you to take day trips to nearby attractions like the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay, the Southernmost Tip in Africa in L’Agulhas, the Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford, the Hot Springs in Caledon and more.
For a full, fun family holiday head to Kleinmond in the Overberg this summer – it will be a holiday to be remembered through the generations!

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