Hermanus

Hermanus is a picturesque seaside town on South Africa's south coast, near the Garden Route and about 90 min drive from Cape Town. It is particularly famous as the "best land-based whale watching destination in the world", with southern right whales easily seen from shore during winter and spring months.

Understand


In the Overberg area and on Walker Bay, Hermanus is a popular holiday village close to Cape Town. The town is world famous for the Southern right whales that are seen from shore during the winter months. Every year these gentle creatures of the sea migrate along the coast of South Africa with Walker Bay as one of their destinations, to calve and nurture their young. From the harbour of Hermanus, boat trips depart on a regular basis to see these majestic whales from up-close. One can also stay ashore as Hermanus is the best land based whale watching destination in South Africa, and possibly the world, especially during the Hermanus Whale Festival. Apart from whale watching, the area of Hermanus boasts some excellent holiday accommodation such as the Misty Waves. Also, plenty of possibilities to spend the day in an active way: hiking, fishing, boating, and horse back riding.

By car
Follow the N2 eastwards from Cape Town or westwards when coming from George and leave it near Caledon. From George's Bay, go along the Whale Coast driving route R44/R43.

See
Hermanus boasts of being the "best land-based whale watching destination in the world". Whale season runs from June through December, with Southern right whales easily seen from shore through the winter months. Since 1992 the Hermanus whale crier has roamed the shores downtown, blowing a horn to announce any sightings. There are a couple small museums, about whales and the town, that can be visited.

Do
Go on a boat tour to see whales from very close. You might also see some from the coast and there is a whale watcher, whose only job is to spot whales that come along.

Beaches





 * Diving – see Diving in Hermanus.



Eat
If you would like to try some South African traditional food called umngqusho, you can find it in restaurants.

Drink
South Africans in Hermanus mostly like drinking beer, especially on weekends.

Sleep
There are hundreds of places to stay, and except for the high season, you won't have difficulty finding a place to stay on arrival.

Go next

 * Explore the Overberg region.
 * All attractions of the Garden Route.
 * De Hoop Nature Reserve for more whales.
 * Gansbaai and the Danger Point Peninsula area on the other side of Walker Bay
 * Betty's Bay along the Whale Coast to see the African Penguin at Stony Point.
 * Betty's Bay along the Whale Coast to visit Harold Porter botanical garden. Harold Porter