Our holiday home in Kleinmond was built by my late grandfather with his bare hands, brick by brick, and it’s my sanctuary, my hiding spot. 27 years later and I had no idea that just down the road were wild horses roaming the fields! I had to explore the town of Kleinmond, and properly! I share some things to do in the area:
Kleinmond directly translated from Afrikaans to English is ‘small mouth‘. This is because the famous Small Bot River runs through Kleinmond and to the Palmiet Lagoon.
As a kid I would be in that lagoon the whole day, or canoeing (which you can still do) and playing in the park. That tap pictured, is still there to do this day.
Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the lagoon anymore but I can tell you that everytime I come to Kleinmond I am surprisingly finding more things to do here, and it always brings me back to that feeling of home.
Enjoy The Drive
To get there, take the scenic route on Clarence Drive Mountain Pass
My absolute favorite drive in Cape Town! Take the N2, the Hermanus/Kleinmond turn-off, go through Gordon’s Bay and pass Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Hangklip and Betty’s Bay. Further on past Kleinmond is Fisherhaven (lots of caravan parks there and accommodation) and famous Hermanus.
OR take Sir Lowry’s Pass and eat at the Houwhoek Coffee and Art Shop
I only come here because they have the best homemade pies in Town! Just take the N2 road and keep going straight onto Sir Lowry’s Road.
Visit the Wild Horses on a Nature Reserve
Here’s the GPS coordinates to get there. There is a gravel road off the R44 road just before the Equestrian Centre. They are not too far down that road. If you have an SUV, then even better. I wasn’t sure what to expect as we weren’t quite sure how to get to them without getting too close. I decided to stop on the side of the gravel road and just politely venture into the bushes. The sound of silence was so peaceful, I could’ve stayed there all day.
Apparently there used to be around 60 horses living here…I counted 13.
Explore the Rooisand Nature Reserve/ Bot River Estuary
If you continue on the gravel road you will eventually reach a parking spot at the end of the road and you can walk over the bridge to viewing sites. Kogelberg Nature Reserve is amazing to explore and hike. You can stay in Oudebosch Eco Cabins.
Shark-spotting and Whale-watching
Don’t forget your binoculars 🙂 You can spot sharks on Clarence Drive and whale season is from June – November in Kleinmond and especially Hermanus.
Go Horse-Riding
You can go horse-riding at the Equestrian Centre Overstrand Horse Rides (Google Maps).
Eat at the Restaurants in Kleinmond Harbour
Many cosy spots to choose from, with great food and the best ocean views.
Outdoor Activities with Specialized Adventure
For some quad-biking, sand-boarding, river-rafting, night walks and more, check out Specialized Adventure. Bookings are essential.
Fishing on the Rocks
I remember my Nonno (grandfather) catching mussels, lobsters and snoek as his ultimate hobby and always came up with the best seafood meals. Unfortunately he passed away before he could teach me how to fish so I have put a link to a guide on the best fishing spots in the Overstrand.
There’s a tackle shop in Spar Shopping Centre, Kleinmond.
Visit the Stony Point Penguin Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay
This is a must-see, only 15 min drive away from Kleinmond. Entry fee is R20 for adults and R10 for children.
Play Golf or Join a Local Club
There are many social clubs around the area such as bird-watching, book clubs and even support and Christian groups.
Stay at the Arabella Hotel and Spa
The Arabella Hotel and Spa is just past the wild horses area and I have heard it is beyond amazing to stay there and play a bit of golf.
Stay at a Caravan Park and Holiday Resort
There is a holiday resort right near Kleinmond Beach (lagoon side) as well as many self-catering beautiful holiday homes to rent, some right next to the beach!
So if you’re ever in need of a break that’s not too far away from home accompanied with the beach and wild horses…explore the Overstrand. There’s SO much beauty in the Western Cape!
Please comment below if you have any more recommendations!
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