A few weeks ago we packed our bags for a mini getaway to the Overberg and it was the perfect holiday escape for us. We did many firsts with Rosie, which we’ll always cherish, and we spent quality time together before baby arrives. We first stayed in Stanford and you can read about our accommodation here. Our second stop was the Southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.
We stayed in a superb guest house, Agulhas Ocean House , overlooking the sea, and run by a wonderful, loving couple who pretty much made the holiday for us. With five spacious bedrooms and the most amazing morning breakfasts, it’s a peaceful spot for using as a base to explore the area.
We stayed in the Zen View room which had an unobstructed view of the sea and a balcony overlooking the mountains behind. There was a private sitting room for us and plenty of space to put up a camper cot for Rosie. With no water restrictions, we all had a bath!
We spent two nights in the area, though we would have loved to have stayed longer. Here’s what we did:
Wine
We made it to two wineries which were just 30 minutes from where we were staying and both offer stellar wines.
Black Oyster Catcher has an incredible view, restaurant, lawn area and even a brewery (Fraser’s Folly). Mr H did a beer tasting of 5 beers for just R30 and Rosie enjoyed running on the lawns. The menu is really appertising and whilst we were there, there was a constant stream of people coming to eat.
If you have a little too much wine, you can always sleep it off in one of their self-catering cottages.
Strandveld is a quieter, more secluded winery with a small, intimate tasting room but beautiful lawn area for running around on. They have two ranges, a more easy-drinking range and their premium range and we tasted the two side-by-side for comparisons.
Beer
Fraser’s Folly is brewed at Black Oystercatcher and naturally Mr H went to tour their brewery and try some samples from the barrels – I don’t know how he manages to wangle these things. The tasting was neatly organized and I love the design of the glasses.
Family activities
Struisbaai beach is a 15km clean stretch of sand and blue water that would make any beach-hater rethink their life. I don’t like the beach. I don’t like the mess or the agoraphobia it induces but I did appreciate this beach and how much Rosie loved it. Even with it being school holidays, it was pretty deserted and there was no rubbish lying around. Next time we visit, I’m going to be that parent who rocks up with chairs, an umbrella, and unlimited snacks.
Gavin’s play park is this cool, yet slightly tired looking “play park” that has tennis courts, a tiny paint ball area, climbing frames and a putt putt. We chose to do the latter and despite our game being appalling, Rosie liked randomly hitting the ground and balancing precariously on different parts of the course.
Where the two oceans meet
Whilst there is no definitive place where the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean give each other a handshake, Cape Agulhas and surrounding area is where the two seas blend and to celebrate this, you can visit the Southern most tip, commemorated by a stone monument, and do a bit of rock climbing like these two scallywags.
Places to eat
Eating with kids is a little difficult because you can go from 1 to ARGHHHHH in 3.2 seconds and whilst I don’t care what people think of me, I get very edgy when my eating time is disturbed. We opted to keep everyone happy by eating casually; on the first night we had L’Agulhus Seafood fish and chips, recommended by the owners of the guest house – it was exceptional. So much so, that we had it the next night too!
We ordered a wood-fire pizza at Gavin’s play park and that was also done well. Plus, all kids love pizza. Unless you’re Rosie.
Black Oyster Catcher have a great menu and I would absolutely eat there with a family.
Accommodation
I would, without a doubt, recommend Cape Agulhas Guest House, but if you’re looking for self-catering options or hotels, I’d suggest the following:
87 Marine Drive is a lovely self catering holiday home in Struisbaai – airy and spacious, it sleeps seven guests in three bedrooms, and the views of the sea are fantastic. The living and dining area is open plan and there’s a fully equipped kitchen for if you don’t want to eat out.
The Arniston Spa Hotel is perfect if you want utter relaxation with fantastic views and ultra friendly service. It’s also handy having a restaurant onsite to save fruitless driving around.
The rooms are all elegantly decorated with and either have panoramic ocean views or face the swimming pool. And if you really want something to relieve the stress, there is a Ginkgo Spa onsite!
Final thoughts
I’m excited to visit again for a beach holiday, which totally doesn’t sound like me. Everyone was so friendly, and the area was so peaceful, probably because we went out of season which I loved.
Now to find another spot for a mini getaway…
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