Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast

About Hermanus Cliff Path

The cliff path at Hermanus is one of the town's most beautiful features. It meanders for 11 km along the rugged coastline, between the New Harbour to the west, and Piet-se-Bos, just beyond Grotto Beach, to the east.

Did you know? Once you've booked your hotel or accommodation in Hermanus, explore the destination pages for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you visit Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast.

The entire strip of coast is protected within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, proclaimed in 2000, in a bid to protect the fragile ecosystem alongside Walker Bay.

It is on the Hermanus cliff path that some of the world's best land-based whale watching occurs (from August/September). Set at regular intervals on rocks and cliffs that overlook the sea are a series of wooden benches for that very purpose.

Originally built by the Hermanus Botanical Society, today the cliff path is looked after by a voluntary group of local residents, known as the CPMG (Cliff Path Management Group), who recently oversaw a complete resurface of the path through private donations, and money from the Overstrand Municipality.

There are many ways to enjoy the cliff path, but probably one of the best is to leave your car at the New Harbour and to walk the three odd kilometres parallel with Westcliff Road, past Tamatiebank and Fick's Pool to Gearing's Point and the Old Harbour - the centre of the village of Hermanus.

After lunch, and a good wander around Hermanus, you can either continue along the cliff path to spot whales from Kraal Rock or Siever's Punt, in which case your walk is longer,or simply walk back again.

Highlights:
Fick's pool, where you may also spot the dassies, the Old Harbour, public art at Gearing's Point, and Grotto Beach.

Best places to spot whales:
Between Gearings Point and Roman Rock; Mickey to Kraal Rock; Sievers Punt and Kwaaiwater.

Pick up a map:
At the Info & Booking office in Hermanus.

To get to the New Harbour:
Take a right to Zwelihle on Swartdam Road and at the bottom a left into Stil Street, or head there along Marine Drive.

Need to Know

WhereHermanus Cliff Path, Stil Street, Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenAlways open, best during 'Whale Season'.

How muchFree

OvernightStay nearby in Hermanus, in Western Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Need an Update?

Send us feedback if this is your service/activity. Please let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.
Note, we do not have additional information or rates. Please don't contact us, rather use the service provider's contact details provided.

Find Hermanus Cliff Path in these collections

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity

* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.

Other things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation convenient to Hermanus Cliff Path

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Overberg Accommodation / Hermanus Accommodation

Hermanus as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Hermanus property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Things To Do
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.