Hermanus

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. Secluded sandy beaches are backed by velvety mountains. The wild flowers and fynbos at Fernkloof are particularly enchanting! And a range of walking trails follow the coastline – ideal for whale-watching – or take you into the mountains. We offer a range of Hermanus accommodation. From fully inclusive lodges to simpler guesthouses.

Whale watching can be conducted on land, on the miles and miles of coastal path, by boat. Or even from the air.

The more adventurous can enjoy whale-watching boat cruises and shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai. More relaxing pursuits on a Hermanus holiday would be browsing through numerous arts and craft shops. Or enjoying the panoramic views of Walker Bay whilst dining alfresco at many restaurants and cafés overlooking the bay.

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve has some superb fynbos vegetation with peak flowering time around September to October. Visit the Botanical centre and take one of the many walking trails up into the mountains.

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 can be visited 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.