Hermanus

Hermanus, nestled between the towering Kleinrivier Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town. The town seamlessly blends natural beauty, sophisticated charm and outdoor adventure.

A former fishing village, Hermanus has morphed into one of South Africa’s premier coastal destinations. Here, visitors will find a diverse abundance of attractions suitable for all types of travellers, tantalising taste experiences and some of the best whale watching in the country.

Whales, walks and wine

The small town first came to prominence due to the excellent whale watching.  Every year, from June to November, dozens of southern right whales are drawn to Walker Bay’s shallow, sheltered waters to breed.

With their distinctive V-shaped blows, these gentle giants are easily spotted from the shore. This has earned the town the reputation for having the best land-based whale watching in the world.

For a closer look, permitted whale watching tours depart frequently from the harbour.

Each year in September, the town celebrates its biggest celebrities at the Hermanus Whale Festival, a family-friendly event featuring live music, environmental talks and a range of related activities.

For outdoor lovers, Hermanus is a natural playground. The well-maintained 12-kilometre ‘Cliff Path’ coastal trail promises sweeping ocean views, indigenous birds, fauna and flora and sightings of passing marine life.

Moving away from the ocean, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts more than 60 km of hiking trails amid a dazzling variety of fynbos species, which are endemic to the Cape Floral Kingdom.

To get the heart racing, you can try sea kayaking, shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai, or ziplining across mountain gorges.

The coastal town revels in a thriving arts and culture scene. Throughout the town, you’ll find galleries showcasing the work of South African artists.  For local works, visit the Hermanus Country Market on Saturdays, for crafts, homemade food and festive live music.

Hermanus is pedestrian-friendly, packed with cosy cafés, specialised shops and charming boutiques.

Eat, drink and be merry in Hermanus

After the whales, Hermanus’s second biggest attraction is its culinary offerings. Whether you choose to ‘go local’ by supporting one of the many seafood shacks or fancy a bit of fine dining, it caters to every taste.

Unsurprisingly, seafood is a highlight, especially the locally harvested grilled calamari and mussels in white wine sauce. Or surprise yourself with the catch of the day prepared to your preference.

Of course, no trip to this part of the world would be complete without sampling the delectable South African wines. For this, we suggest visiting the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions.

Here, you can sample cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay against a breathtaking mountain and vineyard backdrop.

Places to stay in Hermanus: from camping to classy

You’ll find no shortage of options when choosing your accommodation.  Luxurious guest houses adorn the clifftops, family-run B&Bs are warmly welcoming, while self-catering cottages let you set the pace. In Hermanus, there’s something to suit every budget and taste.

While the whales are wonderful, there is a lot more to Hermanus. Offering nature, comfort, cuisine and culture in equal measure, it lends itself to both day trips and extended stays for solo travellers, seniors and families.