Hermanus

Hermanus is a picturesque fishing town and coastal resort with year-round charm – whale-watching in spring; sandy beaches in summer; wine-tasting and coastal trails...

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Overview

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.

Penguins at Bettys Bay near Hermanus

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.

Whale breaching near Hermanus

Why We Love It

  • Whale watching from the coastal path
  • Visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve
  • Wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley (Hamilton Russell & Bouchard Finlayson)
  • Whale watching boat cruises
  • Sunset boat cruises
  • Aerial flights for whale watching
  • Visit the Birkenhead micro-brewery for a beer tour and tasting
  • Relax on one of the many beaches, ideal for swimming and surfing
  • Shops, art galleries and great choice of restaurants

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Dijanke Jung

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Dijanke, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH