Botrivier is located in the Overberg region in the Western Cape province. A place on the N2 on the mountain slopes of the Houwhoek Mountains. It is surrounded by vineyards and grain fields and it is a wonderful ‘stop over’ when you are on your way from Cape Town to Caledon or Hermanus. Botrivier has been a sought-after place to stay since 1890, since the Bot River Hotel has been active ever since. Today the hotel is mainly visited by backpackers who stop here with the BAZ Bus shuttle.
Slowly but surely the village starts to develop and with the many visitors who spend some time here more and more activities are coming. Yet nature remains the biggest attraction of this area. With the river that rises from the Theewaterskloof dam and flows slowly towards the lagoon, better known as the Bot river lagoon, a wetland was created. Here many water birds feel at home and you can occasionally catch a glimpse of the herd of wild horses that regularly come to graze here.
Wine farms such as Wildekrans, Beaumont Wijnen, Gabrielskloof and Goedvertrouw from this area have ensured that Botrivier was put on the map and is definitely worth a visit. You will find a few restaurants including the Shuntin ‘Shed, where the local wine is sold. Close to the station is the local delicatessen where you can go for fresh cake, pie and cookies. And if you take the road to the Theewaterskloof dam via the Van der Stel Pass you will pass various working farms with flowers, wine, olive oil, apples, milk and horses, but also farms where you can spend the night.
On the way to Hermanus you will find a farm padstal with a variety of delicacies. Hermanus, Kleinmond and Walkers Bay are a short distance from Botrivier which makes it attractive to stay here during the Whale parties.
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