Hermanus
The cosmopolitan fishing village and resort of Hermanus lies only 1½ hours drive from Cape Town. It's the whale watching capital of the world, with stunning coastal scenery to boot. Velvety mountain lie behind secluded sandy beaches and lagoons. Plus the wild flowers, fynbos and hiking trails in Fernkloof Nature Reserve are particularly enchanting! There's a range of walking trails in Hermanus. Some follow the coastline – ideal for whale-watching – whilst others head into the mountains.
We offer a range of Hermanus accommodation. From fully inclusive lodges to simpler guesthouses.
You can enjoy whale watching from the land, via the coastal path, by boat. Or even from the air. The more adventurous can enjoy marine safaris and shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai. Whilst more relaxing pursuits at Hermanus include browsing through numerous arts and craft shops. Or enjoying the panoramic ocean views whilst dining alfresco at the many restaurants and cafés overlooking Walker bay.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve has some superb fynbos vegetation with peak flowering time around September to October.
Gansbaai & De Kelders
As its bay is protected from the devastating south-easterly winds, Gansbaai is a natural harbour for fisherman. Close by are the pristine Dyer and Geyser Island nature reserves which you can visit by boat. Geyser Island hosts a colony of more than 30,000 Cape fur seals. Whilst Dyer Island is primarily a bird sanctuary with penguins, cormorants and other species.
Gansbaai has also established itself as the Great White Shark capital of the world and various great white shark viewing/diving operations are active here. Most shark sightings take place in ‘shark alley’, the channel between the two islands. But recent orca whale activity means that this excursion is no longer guaranteed.
