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Hermanus
The popular holiday resort of Hermanus is world renowned as the best for land-based whale watching
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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
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