Hermanus, Cape Overberg
Once you've booked your Hermanus accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Hermanus.
Hermanus, the world's foremost land based whale watching destination, is a thriving holiday resort offering residents and holiday makers all modern amenities, yet retaining its fisherman's village charm. The popular resort town of Hermanus, situated between mountain and sea, has gained world-wide recognition as the world's foremost land based whale watching destination. This has resulted in the former fishing village showing a tremendous growth over the last few years.
Contributory factors to the success of the town are the natural scenic beauty, the mild climate, the range of outdoor activities available, and the close proximity to Cape Town, with Hermanus being a mere 140 km from the Cape Metrople. The ideal base from which to explore the Western Cape and the Cape Overberg.
Hermanus has something for everyone. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve has over 40 km of walks, ranging from moderate to strenuous walks in the beautiful mountains which form an imposing backdrop to the town. The 14 km of unique cliff walks recently incorporated into the nature reserve boast a variety of coastal fynbos and birdlife (See Hermanus Hiking Trails).
The Old Harbour complex in Hermanus offers the visitor an insight into Hermanus' past as a Fisherman's village and marine life. Hermanus and neighbouring towns Onrus and Stanford are the residence of a variety of artists, from watercolours, to writers, potters and crafters. Excellent jewellery is produced and crafts of a high standard can be purchased at the popular Craft Market at Lemm's Corner.
The Hermanus Wine Route, the southernmost in Africa, produces top quality, world renowned wines. Hermanus is firmly established on the Epicurean map with its myriad of restaurants, fine wine, fresh vegetables cheese and fish. Today Hermanus remains a thriving holiday resort offering residents and holiday makers all modern amenities, yet retaining its fisherman's village charm.
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Hermanus Reviews
"Everytime I visit the Cape I make a point of spending at least a day or two in Hermanus! It has something for everyone, young and old. Seriously, its not just ..." - Chery Howes, PE
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Hermanus Visitorial
I Love Hermanus because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Hermanus. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Hermanus because ...
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Hermanus
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve lies in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus with some pretty choice views over the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Walker Bay. The close on 2 000 hectare reserve protects the priceless and unique coastal fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest that combine to ... more information
Hermanus Beaches
Being the whale watching capital of the Southern Hemisphere the seaside town of Hermanus is undoubtedly most famous for its whales. There are, however, numerous other excellent reasons to visit this small, picturesque town. The area in and outside of Hermanus is dotted with excellent beaches ... more information
Hermanus Golf Club
Located just 120 Kilometres from Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa, the Hermanus Golf Club offers the keen golfer 18 incredible holes of golf. The Hermanus course is set in magnificent scenery with views of the sea and a backdrop of the mountains. Wild life and ... more information
Hermanus Hiking Trails
While most visitors to Hermanus have many things to do on their itinerary, most involving the whales that have made this town famous, there are many other activities on offer. One of these is surely the abundance of excellent and well maintained hiking trails through the many reserves that ... more information
Hermanus Whale Crier
Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast has its very own whale crier, and, what’s more, Hermanus lays claim to the only whale crier in the world. The popular town of Hermanus, connected directly to the Mother City by the R43 and N2, is famous for whale watching, and the whale festival ... more information
Hermanus Whale Festival
The Hermanus Whale Festival, the only Enviro-Arts festival in South Africa, is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay, our magnificent environment and the arrival of Spring! Hermanus, known as the best land based ... more information
Shaw's Pass
Also known as Shaw's Mountain Pass, this passage into the Overberg links the Hemel en Aarde valley outside Hermanus to Caledon. It lies on the R320 a little way from Teslaarsdal, where you will see a turn-off indicating Shaw's Mountain Pass. It is a gravel pass, easy to drive, apart from more than a few hairpin bends, and ... more information
The Whale Coast Route
The Whale Route begins in Cape Town and follows the particularly pretty R44, also known as Clarence Drive, through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It is a popular drive that easily rivals Chapman's Peak in Cape Town as one of the most scenic in the country - views over False Bay are incredible ... more information
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Extending along a stretch of coast between the town of De Kelders and the Hermanus Lagoon, the Walker Bay Nature Reserve lies just 3 kilometres from Gansbaai, east of Hermanus on the Danger Point Peninsula. One can get into the reserve at Stanford, via Mierkom, De Kelders (Die Plaat) and Uilkraalsmond but appeals ... more information
Walker Bay Wine Estates
The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley is one of the most productive regions in terms of the production of wines. It has the ideal climate, as the icy wind from the Atlantic Ocean cools it down. In addition, the mountains, which surround the valley, lock in clouds and the resultant ... more information
Walker Bay Wine Route
Walker Bay, a 45 minute drive from Cape Town, has become a fashionable region to visit, particularly with the establishment of over a dozen wineries in and around Hermanus, already popular for its whale spotting between June and November. The Hemel-en-Aarde (heaven and earth) Valley, just ... more information
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Things To Do in Hermanus
Langbaai Beach
Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): Free
If you are looking for a less hectic beach experience with fewer bodies sharing your space, Langbaai in Hermanus is a good option. Langb ... more information
Salmonsdam Ravine Trail
Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): On Request
Take a stroll through the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve near Hermanus along the Salmonsdam Ravine Trail and take pleasure in a fantastic day out ... more information
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Restaurants in Hermanus
Heaven Restaurant @ Newton Johnson
Where: Hermanus
Appropriately named ‘Heaven’ is situated in an idyllic vineyard setting in the verdant Hemel & Aarde valley, just before Hermanus. With huge windows maximizing the jaw-droppingly beautiful view, dinin ... more information
Just Pure Bistro
Where: Hermanus
Situated centrally in the town of Hermanus, Just Pure Bistro is an upmarket deli bistro, specializing in quality breakfasts and lunches. One of the draw cards is the expansive terrace, overlooking the ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Hermanus
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On Holiday in Hermanus
• Hermanus Accommodation
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• Hermanus Self Catering
• Hermanus Tours
• Hermanus Map
• Hermanus Photographs
• Hermanus - A Visitors Perspective
• Visitorial - I ♥ Hermanus because …
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