Hermanus Cape Town for Whale Viewing

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Visit Hermanus Cape Town
for great whale viewing

Hermanus Cape Town

Hermanus is a coastal holiday and retirement village, situated against a mountain backdrop, on the Atlantic Ocean, 120kms from central Cape Town. It is a popular centre in the scenic Overberg region. The town attracts a lot of interest because it is renowned for offering some of the world's best close up whale viewing from its cliffs and rugged coastline.

Walker Bay where Hermanus is situated, attracts the Southern Right whales which frequent the area from June to November, and congregate between August and October for mating and calving. Keen whale watchers are alerted by a whale crier who patrols the coastal streets, sounding his kelp horn when a whale is sighted.

Hermanus Cape Town

Looking for a place to stay in Hermanus? Hermanus accommodation

The traditional Hermanus Whale Festival takes place during September each year and is one of the high points on the calendar. It is held to celebrate the return of the whales to the Bay and to herold the arrival of Spring. To gain an appreciation for the whaling history of Hermanus, make a point of visiting the Old Harbour Museum in Marine Drive, which mounts various interesting exhibitions.

The town becomes a hive of activity during this period and plays host to musicians and artists, who combine their talents and skills, providing entertainment to throngs of curious visitors. Hermanus is also famous for its craft market, outstanding cuisine and range of quality wines from local cellars.

Other popular Hermanus festivals are: The Kalfiefees and The Wine Village Food and Wine Faire.

Besides whale watching, Hermanus has much to offer visitors to this part of the Overberg region. If you're a nature lover for example than you'll appreciate a hike in the 2000 ha Fernkloof Nature Reserve which extends along the Kleinrivier mountain range and backs the Walker Bay cliff path. The reserve is one of the six recognized floral Kingdoms of the world, containing around 1600 species of Fynbos, as well as many varieties of birds, mammals and rodents. There are clearly signposted hiking and mountain bike trails through the reserve.

Hermanus Cape Town

Numerous activities in the region include guided tours, sea cruises, diving, horse trails, golf, 4x4 trails and various adventure excursions. More information

Interested in a guided tour of the area from Cape Town?
Hermanus and the Whale Route

More about the scenic Overberg region: The Overberg

The beaches of Hermanus are characterised by white sand, good swimming and surfing. Most provide basic facilities and are suitable for families. The largest is Grotto Beach. Hermanus beaches

Looking for a place to stay in Hermanus? Hermanus accommodation

Want to know more? Look no further. Here's an Hermanus Travel Guide

Hermanus Cape Town

Getting there: The scenic coastal route. (busy at time of whale festival) Take the N2 Motorway - or airport road from Cape Town and drive out through Somerset West following the signs to Gordons Bay. From there, follow the R44 coastal road round the mountains to Pringle Bay and Kleinmond.

Alternatively, take the N2 out past Somerset West over Sir Lowry's Pass, through Grabouw and follow the R43 to Hermanus. See you there!

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Visit Hermanus Cape Town for great whale viewing

Visit Hermanus Cape Town
for great whale viewing