The scenic seaside town of Hermanus was once a sleepy fishing village but today is a vibrant holiday destination that has not lost its charm along the way.
An easy 1.5 hour’s drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is the ideal place for a romantic weekend away or a family holiday with something for all ages. Of course Hermanus is best known as being one of the top land-based whale watching destinations in the world, with numerous Southern Right whales coming into Walker Bay to calve each spring.
Our family had a holiday apartment in Hermanus for several years so it has been a favourite weekend getaway destination for us in recent years.
Here are Portfolio’s suggested Top 10 Activities and Places of Interest in and around Hermanus for those of you who might be heading that way over the next whale season.
TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE & DO IN HERMANUS
(whale images: David Salvatori Creative Commons License)
1. Watch whales – of course! You can do this from anywhere along the coastline. The cliff path runs right along the front of the main town and is easily navigable on foot. Those with push chairs for infants or wheelchairs can also use some stretches of the path. Listen out for the sounds of the whale crier who blows a kelp (seaweed) horn to alert the public whenever whales are spotted. Apart from the Southern Right Whale, other species do make an appearance occasionally. Expect to see whales anywhere from May (when they come to mate and calve close to the coastline) through to November or even December. Best viewing is during October. For boat-based whale watching head to the new harbour and you’ll find several registered tour boats offering jaunts out into the bay for real close encounters (within the legal distance of the mighty mammals). Be prepared to wait a while in season for an open space, or pre-book.
2. Horse ride. There are numerous beautiful horse riding trails in the area, through mountains and valleys, fynbos and forests. Some include coastal rides where one can watch whales, in season, from the saddle.
3. Shop! Hermanus has lots of quaint stores, unique clothing boutiques and a daily African market in the heart of the town which at weekends expands into an arts and craft market selling all kinds of interesting things. Bring money to spend as this is a shopper’s paradise.
4. Dive. - With or without the sharks. There are local diving companies that offer basic to advanced diving as well as excursions to Gansbaai for shark caging diving if that’s your cup of tea. A dive school is based at the new harbour for beginners. There are numerous reefs to explore in the bay.
5. Enjoy wine. Take a tour of the unique Hemel and Aarde Wine Route. The cool coastal climate and perfect soil composition combine to make create perfect conditions for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines.
6. Hike and walk. From easy walks to more strenuous hikes, the mountainous coastal region is perfect for all levels of hikers. Your best bet is Fernkloof Nature Reserve with the gates just minutes’ drive from the town centre. The reserve boasts close on 60 km of well maintained hiking trails with wonderful coastal fynbos and exceptional views.
7. Time Travel. Visit Hemingway’s Bookstore for a trip down literary history lane. This unique
, atmospheric book store will transport you through the ages with collectors’ books. The nooks and crannies, perfectly positioned seating in antique chairs and fascinating assortment of bric a brac makes for a memorable book-lovers afternoon. A visit to the Old Harbour is another way to travel back in time. Original stone tables once used for gutting fresh fish remain as a reminder of days gone by. The Old Harbour Museum is open Mon - Sat.: 9:00am - 1:00pm & 2:00pm - 5:00pm
8. Relax. Armed with sun cream, a good book from Hemingway’s and a picnic, spend a relaxing afternoon on one of Hermanus’ many beautiful beaches. Whether you’re a swimmer, surfer, parent with little kids or rock pool enthusiast, Hermanus has a beach or tidal pool to suit. My personal favourite is Voëlklip (“bird stone”) with its grassy slopes, white sand, smooth boulders and wonderful wild waves. Also look out for Kammabaai, Langbaai, Schulphoek, Sandbaai beach and the Marine Tidal Pool.
9. Eat. Enjoy fresh seafood in a coastal cave! Bientang's Cave (named after a strandloper who lived in the area back in the mists of time) is carved into the depths of a century old cave extending over the rocks almost to the water's edge. It is famous for bouillabaisse soup, linefish grilled on open fire and an oyster bar on the rocks. Hermanus offers numerous restaurants, cafés, bars and bistros – there’s something for every palette.
10. Birdwatch. The mountains and wetlands in and around Hermanus are home to numerous birds. Favourite spots for twitchers include the Klein River lagoon where a small hide provides an ideal viewpoint from which to observe the many water birds and summer migrants that flock to this lagoon. There is a bird sanctuary on the eastern end of the Bot River Lagoon at Meerensee. Waterfowl and flamingos can be seen on the lagoons.
Portfolio Collection offers a fine selection of Hermanus accommodation options including B&Bs, guest houses, retreats and self catering villas and apartments.
