Where is Botrivier?

Nestled at the foot of the Houw Hoek Pass (a dual carriage on the N2), Botrivier is the gateway to the Walker Bay wine-growing district. This quaint and historic town boasts some of the Cape’s most acclaimed wine-producing estates and features the majestic scenery of the Groenlandberg and Babylonstoren Mountain ranges as a backdrop. The nearby Bot River and Lagoon forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site. It’s not surprising that the entire landscape is a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and fynbos in spring!  

If you’re arriving from the Cape Town International Airport, the best way to travel to Botrivier is via a vehicle. It’s an incredibly easy route and best enjoyed during the day when you can marvel at the beautiful mountain and seascapes. Taking in the view at the top of Sir Lowry’s Pass on the N2 is a guaranteed memorable moment for any traveller. There is also a local tradition of stopping at farm stalls when taking a road trip on the N2. You can grab amazing snacks for the road, from local biltong to artisanal pies, jams and cheese. And not to forget that the wine selection at these farm stalls is amongst the best in the world. Just keep a look out for the R43 turnoff to Botrivier and at the T-junction, turn left into this sleepy village.  

For anyone travelling towards Botrivier from the Garden Route, this is some of the most beautiful coastline on the planet. Travelling the N2 towards Botrivier will take you past renowned seaside paradises like Mossel Bay and Hermanus. Look out for the R43 exit around 336km from George, once you turn off you’ll notice a distinct change in scenery with several wine estates and fruit orchards lining the route. Turn left into Plantasie road and then take a right onto Waterkant continuing on to the village of Botrivier.  

If you aren’t interested in renting a vehicle for a leisurely road trip, there is always the option of booking tickets on some of the tourism trains that occasionally stop at Botrivier Train Station. There are also shuttles that stop right outside the historic Botrivier hotel. Regardless of the mode of transport, you’ll enjoy every second of this unique and exquisite region of South Africa.    

Get directions to Botrivier here.