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TThe coastal town of Hermanus has become synonymous with shore-based whale watching, given its sheltered coves in which these marine mammals come to mate and calve. It also offers range of other activities and attractions for travellers.
Southern right whales start arriving in Walker Bay from June and remain until December. These massive creatures can be viewed from the shore, or from boats or planes. To alert onlookers, a whale crier sounds his kelp horn when he spots whales off the Hermanus coastline. The Hermanus Whale Festival takes place in late September or early October.
For its scenic beauty alone, Hermanus is one of South Africa's Cape gems. The town's mountainous backdrop declines steeply to a rugged shoreline, characterised by deep bays alternating with stark white beaches with names like Onrus, Kammabaai, Langbaai, Voelklip and Grotto Beach.
While some beaches are ideal for walking, others are popular among surfers, and those with lagoons are ideally suited to families.
The town is at once a mix of old and new, with commercial shopping outlets, jewellers, art galleries, antique dealers and museums lining its narrow streets. Step off the beach and into the old-world whale museum, or wander the streets looking at gnarled fishermen's cottages to see how time has shaped the town.
Keep Saturday morning free to browse at Lemm's Corner, where locally-produced arts and crafts are on sale and shoppers are serenaded by a marimba band, or visit the Hermanus Country Market at the cricket fields.
A highlight on the annual calendar of events is the Hermanus FynArts, which takes place in June. It is an arts festival with a full programme of exhibitions, music, theatre, workshops, talks and more.
Wine connoisseurs can explore the Elgin Wine Route, Hermanus Wine Route and the various estates in the Bot River area. Take the R320 through the beautiful Hemel en Aarde as an alternative route to Caledon and enjoy the wineries on the way.
Adventure activities to be enjoyed in Hermanus and its adjacent coastal spots include sea or lagoon kayaking; mountain abseiling; half-day river cruises; sea cruises to Dyer and Geyser islands to see sharks, penguins and seals; Botrivier boat trips for bird lovers; scuba diving; quad biking and horse riding.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve is popular among hiking and photography enthusiasts, and golfers will be thrilled to discover an award-winning course at the Arabella Country Estate. The Hermanus Golf Club is another beautiful local option.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Hermanus Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 28 312 2629
Things to do
Go food and wine tasting. Stanford, just outside of Hermanus, hosts an evening market at the Birkenhead Brewery on the last Friday of every month. For a dose of nostalgia, visit the Fisherman’s Village Craft Market on Lemm’s Corner in the heart of Hermanus over the weekend.
Take a township tour of Zwelihle to meet residents and understand a different side of Hermanus life.
The Hermanus Wine and Food Festival in October is considered among the 10 best wine festivals in South Africa. Some 50 local wineries showcase their fare, accompanied by delectable sushi, olives and cheeses. Wines bought here can be shipped worldwide.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, sunblock and a hat! It can get chilly in winter so make sure you bring along your woollies.
Where to stay
Hermanus offers top-class hotels, plenty of B&Bs and holiday cottages.
What to eat
Being a seaside spot, seafood would be a good first choice, but you're also guaranteed to find quality cuisine in the many eateries and hotel restaurants around Hermanus.
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