Hermanus - the world's best land based whale watching spot, forms the centre of the Whale Route. This lovely, rapidly growing town is surrounded by nature reserves. Fernkloof Nature Reserve protects coastal and fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest and there is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity. The Cliff Path Nature Area attracts thousands of whale-watchers each year for the best shore-based whale-watching experience anywhere on the globe.
Things to do Visit the beaches....
Soak up the sun or go for a long stroll on one of many beaches. Hermanus has kilometers of beach and sheltered coves, so however busy the summer season is, there is always a secluded cove or stretch of beach where visitors can escape the crowds. More......
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Day trips from Hermanus De Kelders....
Lies spread out above a rough coastline, varying from rocky beaches to awesome cliffs and flattens out onto the sandy stretches of the Plaat. Duiwelsgat hiking trail and caves. More......
Famous for its champagne air, long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and friendly environment, Hermanus is within easy reach of Cape Town International Airport. Hermanus, also described as the Riviera of the South, offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the the cliffs.
Every year around July, locals eagerly await the arrival of special guests of honour, the Southern Right Whales. These visitors are an endless source of delight as they gambol in Walker Bay, in easy view of the cliff paths. They favour the relatively shallow waters of the bay for breeding and mating.
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 overwintering resort for visitors who wish to escape the cold Northern Hemisphere.
This narrow coastal town, 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 hanggliding and powerboat racing.
And that's not all:
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 country's 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 & B's, 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 sea's 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 you've been here you will always want to return.
