Where Two Oceans Meet
BEYOND The Hottentots-Holland mountain range which envelopes and encircles the Cape Peninsula and Winelands lies the wheatbelt of the Southern Cape known as the Overberg.
From the picturesque, historic town of Swellendam, the traveler can easily reach the southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, an intriguing, desolate stretch of rocky coastline.
From here, the shallow Agulhas bank (60 fathoms deep) extends for 80 km out to sea and is one of the best fishing grounds in the world.
Along the shore, one can find ancient fish traps, which are still maintained and used, while the brave may prefer to cage dive to view the Great White Shark, which grows to over six meters in length - and is now a protected species in South Africa.
Close to Agulhas is the quaint village of Arniston, with a magnificent stretch of beach and white-washed fishermen's cottages, many of which are national monuments.
Another area of great natural beauty is De Hoop Nature Reserve, which incorporates a landlocked freshwater lake flanked by limestone cliffs and milkwood trees. The area is home to 220 bird species.
