Hermanus, Cape Overberg

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Western Cape Destinations

Hermanus, Cape Overberg

Hermanus
Whale watching 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).

Hermanus - Whale Capital
The pristine stretches of beach offer solitude to the walker and boating activities abound in the Kleinriver Lagoon, renowned for its birdlife. Invigorating horse rides along the beach appeal to all ages. The Hermanus Golf Course is well known and curious baboons create a diversion as they silently observe the players.

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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Featured Attractions in (or near) Hermanus

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

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 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

Hermanus Whale Tour

Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): On Request

Join Gary Flynn of Cape Discovery Tours for a full day of Whale Watching. Cape Town Discovery is an owner managed tour operation with a dist ... more information

See the Whale Show at the Whale Museum

Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): R1 to R100

The Whale Show is an audiovisual presentation shown daily at the Whale Museum in Hermanus. Noel Ashton, using his paintings and scientific i ... more information

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Events and/or Festivals in Hermanus

event starts: 06 August 2009
August
event starts: 07 August 2009
August

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On Holiday in Hermanus

Hermanus Accommodation
Hermanus Hotels
Hermanus Golf Course
Hermanus Tours
Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus Map
Hermanus Photographs
Hermanus - A Visitors Perspective

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Also see Things To Do in Cape Overberg or check out Things To Do in Western Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Hermanus!
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