Hermanus

Hermanus - the hub of the Whale Route in the Western Cape

Hermanus is a lovely little town and forms the centre of the Whale Route. A bustling cheerful Whale Festival, celebrating these trusting gentle giants is held at the end of September each year in Hermanus. Once hunted almost to extinction from this harbour, they now loll around within a stone’s throw of the rocks where you can sit and commune with them for hours. The most common species arriving here to calve and mate, are the Southern Right Whales. They are amongst the biggest in the world, measuring 11-18 metres and weighing 30-80 tonnes. Don’t pass the quaint little Hermanus museum on the harbour’s edge - the whale song playing in the background comes live from underwater microphones in the bay.

During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea. Hermanus is the ideal over wintering resort for visitors who wish to escape the cold Northern Hemisphere.

This narrow coastal town of Hermanus, between the fynbos-covered mountains and the waves of the Atlantic is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. There is golf, tennis, squash, bowls, canoeing, yachting, diving and surfing to enjoy. For those who need the adrenalin rush there are the thrills of hang gliding and powerboat racing.

Accommodation in Hermanus

• Abercron Residence Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape, is a 4 star luxury guesthouse which offers you not only a high standard of comfort and personally care, but also a restful environment and absolutely fabulous views in a quiet, safe and peaceful area.
• Beach House on Main accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape to relax in the superb comfort of the eleganlty appointed bedrooms, and comfy living rooms while offering divinely decadent or heartily healthy breakfasts, served daily
• Bellavista Country Place Accommodation near Hermanus, Western Cape is a beautiful Country Retreat overlooking the Walker Bay on a private fynbos property of 300Ha. It offers wonderful sweeping views of the Atlantic and the Overberg Mountains
• House On Westcliff Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape offers the best of Hermanus accommodation. Tucked away in a tranquil garden, steps from the ocean cliff paths offering spectacular whale viewing, House on Westcliff is your ideal base for exploring Hermanus, the Overberg and the Western Cape. Relax under the thatched roof of our cozy lounge, surrounded by original art, laid-back music and books.
• Lavender Manor Guest Lodge
• La Fontaine Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape. Steeped in history and perched on the edge of the ocean, La Fontaine is one of the oldest buildings in the whale haven of Hermanus. We offer views and gracious living, boasting sights and sounds of waves and whales in season
• Livesey Lodge
• Ocean Eleven Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape is an Olde Worlde, Cape Cod, Colonial-style guesthouse, situated on the famous cliffs of Hermanus. The picturesque mountains beyond gently embrace the phenomenal, all encompassing vista of the bay. The main house of Ocean Eleven was built with all the high ceilings, tall windows and teak floors that made Colonial architecture so utterly elegant.
• Riviera House Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape. An expression of good taste and Caribbean grace, our exclusive guest house boasts one of the most splendid views of Walker Bay in Hermanus.
• Rouxwil Country House Accommodation near Hermanus, Western Cape – whether you savour their exclusive cuisine in the Farm Restaurant, or stay overnight in their charming accommodation.
• The Artists House Accommodation in Hermanus, Western Cape meanders languidly like a river through the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley near Hermanus and overlooks a peaceful lake. The rooms are framed by the verdant fold of mountains and wide skies and stretch single-file across the Indigenous Fynbos (flora) and the only sounds are of local birds and insects in their natural habitat.

Attractions in Hermanus

• Boat-based whale watching
• Shark cage diving with the Great White Shark in the cold Atlantic.
• Rock lobster fishing tours during season.
• Hermanus is regarded as the principal centre of the perlemoen industry. The perlemoen derives its South African name from a corruption of the Dutch perlemoer, meaning mother-of-pearl, from the beautiful pearl-lined interior of its shell. It is known internationally as abalone or Venus ear.
• Quaint boutiques, markets and shops. Lovers of semi-precious stones can purchase from a wide selection of gifts and jewellery manufactured locally.
• There are numerous art and craft studios and galleries -mostly managed by the artists themselves.
• Several of the countrys top wine estates will please the wine connoisseur. Various acclaimed wines are being produced in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and wine lovers can sample some of them by following the Hermanus Wine Route.
• Kilometres of unspoilt beaches, coves and sheltered bays. Wide open sandy beaches and magnificent lagoons attract all kinds of watersport lovers, from sailing to motor boat enthusiasts and anglers.
• The unique cliff path, hugging the coast from one side of town to the other.The views of sea and mountains are spectacular, and from July to November the Southern Right Whale may be seen just off-shore, also dolphins and seals.
• Waler sports on a tranquil lagoon or diving, fishing and boating in the sea.
• The Fernkloof Nature Reserve, part of the Cape Floral Kingdom,smallest but richest in the world, in the fynbos-covered mountains that form the backdrop to the town, offers walks and hikes with splendid views of mountain and sea.
• Roridula gorgonias (or vlieëbos in Afrikaans), the largest carnivorous plant in the world grows on our doorstep in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
• Bird watching. Hermanus offers the ornithologists the opportunity to observe birds in mountain, coastal, river and estuarine habitats.
• Watch fishing trawlers unloading their catches at the New Harbour. Boating and rubber duck enthusiasts can make use of the facilities in the New Harbour at a fee. Also in the New Harbour there is an excellent fish shop where you can purchase fresh fish, live crayfish, oysters and other quality seafood.
• The Old Harbour is a historic highlight of the town, remaining unchanged from early days when it was the centre of activity in the fishing village. It is a popular destination for visitors, and contains a small museum with interesting information and artefacts.
• Fishing - Hermanus attracts fishermen from all over the country as the sea and lagoons abound with galjoen, steenbras, kob, red roman, silver fish, red stumpnose, John Brown, and many more. The cliffs provide many excellent spots for angling.
• A magnetic observatory is located in Hermanus. The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory functions as an active participant in the worldwide network of magnetic observatories, which monitor and model variations of the earth’s magnetic field. Visitors are allowed by appointment.
• A large number of accommodation establishments, from basic camping and budget accommodation to B & Bs, luxury guest-houses and hotels are available - this together with a good variety of coffee-shops, tea-gardens and restaurants (you can even dine in an old cave right on the seas edge.) , serving local and international seafood delicacies.
• Some interesting places to visit, using Hermanus as a good base from which to explore the Overberg.
• Friendly people.
• Hermanus is a unique tourist mecca - once youve been here you will always want to return.

The popular holiday resort of Hermanus is world renowned as the best for land-based whale watching. Situated only one hour’s drive from Cape Town, the town offers miles of safe beaches and coves, restaurants, shops and a unique coastal walk which stretches along the cliffs for 12 km. exploring Hermanus and it’s surroundings is an unforgettable experience and a neverending source of delight. Hermanus, with it’s unique fauna, flora and marine life, offers the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast an unqualified eco-tourism experience. Hermanus, where each season brings new challenges, has something special for everybody.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 116 km, Swellendam 158 km, Worcester 107 km, George 345 km, Gansbaai 55 km, Beaufort West 464 km/

Banks

Absa, Fnb, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

Hermanus is unique because it has a railway station but no railway line – before any railway lines could be built the project was stopped.

Old Harbour Museum

The charming old harbour with it’s restored fisherman’s boats, is often the focus point for village activities. The small museum houses a collection of memorabilia depicting the history of fishing and whaling in the area. Several marine creatures are kept for study purposes. The cliffs above the old harbour afford panoramic views of Walker Bay while providing an excellent vantage point from which to observe the whales.

NATURE

Die Plaat

This 12 km, unspoilt beach, stretching from the lagoon mouth at Hermanus to De Kelders (see Gansbaai), is renowned as a fisherman’s paradise. Located within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Permit required for vehicles.

Fernkloof Reserve

Walks and hikes are offered in this reserve with it’s spectacular mountain and coastal fynbos, birds and plant snakes.

Scenic Drive

Rotary Way and the Hemel-en-aarde Valley

Whale Watching

Hermanus has been acknowledged by the World Wildlife Foundation as one of the twelve best places in the world to view whales. From the rocky cliffs along it’s shores, whales can be seen as close as 10 m away. It is also the only place in the world where whales can be watched and their calls heard (with sonar linkage) at the same time. The Southern Right Whale frequents these waters from June to November. The peak whale season, with daily sightings, is during September and October. The calving season stretches from August to September, with the whale population peaking during October.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Hermanus Passion Play – April

Hermanus / Stanford Canoe Race – April

Hermanus old harbour museum seafood festival – August

Hermanus food & wine festival – August

Hermanus whale festival half marathon – September

Hermanus fernkloof wild flower show – September

Hawston sea festival – December

Hermanus whalers 10 km – December

Art Galleries

There are many galleries in Hermanus and Onrus, a feast for the appreciative eye.

Beaches

Hermanus has several beautiful white beaches

Grotto and voëlklip Beach

Are among the most magnificent and popular

Bird Watching

Onrus river is popular with bird watchers.

De Mond Lagoon

Hire a canoe or windsurfer.

Fishing

Some of the best rock fishing in the Cape. Fishing trips can be arranged.

Diving

Recreational diving during the perlemoen and crayfish season. Snorkeling in the marine reserve will introduce you to the world of ‘sea bamboo’ and it’s marine inhabitants. Scuba diving excursions and training area available. Shark cage divers.

Paragliding

Gym

A fully equipped gym for the dedicated is available at Onrus

Horse Riding

Horse riding trips can be arranged. Beach rides are a great favourite. Brochures are available at the Tourism Bureau.

Hoy’s Koppie

In the middle of the village for a splendid view of the surrounding area.

Onrus River

A popular resort just outside Hermanus. The lagoon offers a natural bathing pool and the area is frequented by anglers, divers and surfers.

Perlemoen Hatchery

Visit the perlemoen (abalone) hatchery near the old harbour museum, every weekday at 11:00 (or by arrangement).

Whale Coast Art Route

Tidal Pools

Popular with children, the tidal pools offer safe swimming.

Bietang se Baaigat

(Marine Tidal Pool), just below the marine hotel, offers snorkeling as it is rich in marine life and sometimes large fish.

Pick’s Pool

Off Westcliff Road, is well sheltered in a cove and has a soft sandy bottom.

Tiger eye manufacturing

Gems are cut and polished. Let the children play in the scratch patch.

Tours, safari’s and Cruises

Guided walks along the cliff path.

Township Tours of Zwelihle

Yachting

A vibrant dinghy club is situated on the lagoon.

Wine Wander

Borchard Finlayson Vineyards. Hamilton Russel Vineyards, Whale Haven wines

ACTIVITIES

Sport

Golf

Hermanus has one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Cape, Hermanus Golf Club.

WHERE TO STAY

Windsor Hotel

Ideally situated in the heart of Hermanus, 70 minutes scenic drive from Cape Town; 60 comfortable en-suite bedrooms; three conference rooms, 10 – 120 delegates; Hermanus is considered to offer the bestland-based whale watching: July – November; watch whales and dolphins from your bedroom or the lounge

Accommodation in and around Hermanus