Hermanus and Route 62 boasts some of the finest whale-watching in the world, wine, walking and spectacular coastal scenery close to Cape Town. Whilst inland Route 62 offers a great road trip experience via wine estates, charming country villages and mountain passes.
Scroll for more
If you think the only giants in South Africa are roaming the savanna, think again. Hermanus offers the world’s best land-based whale watching, dramatic coastal drives, and more than a splash of good wine. Why race from Cape Town to the Garden Route when you could meander through rolling green pastures, charming fishing villages, and picturesque vineyards offering wine-tastings.
Whales can be spotted between July and December (peaking between August and October). The whales come right into the bays to give birth. During peak season enthralling sightings – from land and by boat – are a daily occurrence.
But Hermanus isn’t just a whale-watching capital – it’s also a playground for foodies, wine-lovers, and beach-goers. Hike in the fynbos on the Fernkloof walking trails, laze on golden beaches, or get your heart pounding with shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai (for the brave-hearted only). Go enjoy a scenic drive of wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley.
Travel a little further, and you’ll find the delightful fishing village of Arniston with it warm, sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Visit the cave at Waenhuiskrans or the southern-most tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Alternatively you can stay in wild beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Inland of the Cape Whale coast lies the picturesque town of Swellendam. Known for its majestic oak trees, lovely gardens and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture.
Nearby Route 62 is the world’s longest wine route and offers a scenic alternative to the rush of the N2 highway. It meanders past the charming towns of Robertson, Swellendam and Montagu. And then on to the dramatic rugged mountain passes of the Little Karoo.
Dreaming of whale watching, wine tasting, or simply relaxing in nature? Contact us today and let’s make your Cape adventure a reality!
When is the best time for whale watching in Hermanus?
The prime time for whale-watching is between July and December, (peaking between August and October). The whales come right into the bays to give birth. You are likely to see spectacular breaches and other acrobatics of these gentle giants.
Where is the Route 62 in South Africa?
The Route 62 is the scenic inland road between the Winelands to the west and the Little Karoo to the east. It makes a charming alternative to the slightly quicker but less scenic N2 highway. However it’s easy to combine the two by ‘’crossing over’’ via Swellendam or the Tradouw Pass a little further on.
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is on the site of an original holiday homestead which was requisitioned by the Government in the 80s. It is a simply gob-smacking location with views up and down this completely deserted beautiful stretch of beach. Basically this is as good as any beach destination in South Africa. The main lodge is small … Read More
Only the best African travel advice, tidbits and tours. No nonsense.
