Bordered by blue mountain ranges, set in undulating hills in a kaleidoscope of gold, green and brown, with endless beaches and dunes. Fragrances of fynbos which merge with mountain and sea air.

A RICH HISTORY:
The history of this area is closely interwoven with the early history of the Cape. A few stock farmers established themselves here as early as 1710. Well-known families settled as pioneers in the southern coastal area, as did shipwreck survivors of various nationalities. It is believed that this blending of cultures is the reason for the hospitality and sincerity of the people of the Overberg.

In 1824 Moravian missionaries founded the Elim Mission Station in the Strandveld on the banks of the Nuwejaars River. This enabled them to spread the gospel to the inhabitants and to teach them basic skills.

Bredasdorp was founded by Michiel van Breda in 1838 - he was the first Mayor of Cape Town and also laid the foundation of the Merino sheep industry on his farm Zoetendals Vallei. Napier like Bredasdorp, originated round a church. Van Breda and another leader, Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, could not agree on the location of a church for the community. As a result two churches were built and two towns were founded in 1838. Napier was named after a former governor, Sir George Napier.

In addition to farming, fishing has been an important industry
since the early days. Both Waenshuiskrans /Arniston and
Struisbaai were originally fishing villages. Today both towns are
popular holiday resorts. The unique architecture of these fisher-
men's cottages is typical of this region, and many are
proclaimed national monuments.

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READ ABOUT CAPE AGULHAS REGION

THE SOUTHERNMOST TIP OF AFRICA

STRUISBAAI

NAPIER

BREDASDORP

CAPE AGULHAS

SUIDERSTRAND

ARNISTON / WAENHUISKRANS