The Arniston Spa Hotel lies at the coast of the Overberg. Historically, everything north of the Hottentots Mountains, or "Mountains of Africa" was loosely referred to as the Overberg. Today it encompasses the region lying roughly between the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountain ranges and the sea, from Bot River to Swellendam. When the settlers first arrived in the Cape in 1652 their purpose was to provide fresh food for the Dutch East India Company's fleets. Trading parties were sent over the mountain to barter with local Khoi clans for their fat-tailed sheep and indigenous cattle. As the Cape became more densely populated, cattle farmers sought land in the Overberg and by the middle of the eighteenth century there were many well established farms in the region. When Sir Lowry's Pass was opened in 1830, horse-drawn vehicles and post coaches both had easy access to the Overberg. Grain and wool are the two sturdy main pillars of the Overberg's economy with fishing at Gansbaai, protea and onion farming, fruit orchards, vineyards, dairy and cattle farming all contributing to the region's prosperity. Situated in a winter rainfall area, the cultivation of wheat, barley and oats date back over 200 years. Most of South Africa's malting barley for beer is grown here, thus the establishment of the maltings in Caledon. The Overberg region offers many attractions, all of them at close range of the Arniston Hotel. To name a few: Bontebok National Park Game reserve for the conservation of the Bontebok antelope. Beautiful scenery at the Breede River. Cape Agulhas The southernmost cape of Africa. Beautiful old lighthouse. De Hoop Nature Reserve A very attractive stretch of the coast with huge sand dunes and secluded bays. Fynbos vegetation. Mountain zebras and many antelopes. Excellent whale watching. The largest nursery of the Southern Right whales on this coastline.