Introduction
The coastal village of Hermanus is one of the world's prime land-based whale watching spots. Located on the charming Garden Route coastline of the Western Cape, around 2.5 hours from Cape Town, it has plenty of upmarket boutiques and cafes and excellent wine tasting and vineyard tours. Hermanus is a great base for adventure activities, especially sea kayaking, canoeing, shark diving and hand gliding.
Whale watching
Whale watching, Hermanus, South Africa
Between May and September Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the waters off Hermanus. Here they mate, calve and rear their young in the sheltered bays along the coast, such as Walker Bay where they can easily be seen from the nearby cliff-tops. There are also good opportunities to spot humpback, minke and killer whales. The best viewing months are between July and November.
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas, South Africa
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Named by Portuguese navigators, Aghulus means ‘needles', in part due to the fact that true north and magnetic north coincide here or perhaps because of the needle-sharp rocks, which jut the coast and have caused innumerable shipwrecks. The Agulhas National Park guards 56 km of protected coastline and the Fynbos-covered inland.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve protects a wide area of coast, fynbos and evergreen forest, as well as sensitive lagoons and river. Over 60 km of trails allow visitors to discover the Cliff Path Nature Area, Mossel River Valley, the mouth of the Vogelgat River and the Klein River Lagoon.
Hemel-en-Aarde valley
Hemel-en-Aarde valley, Hermanus
The Hemel-en-Aarde valley, to the north of Hermanus, is an excellent wine valley in the Overberg region with magnificent mountain views, unique, award-winning cellars and plenty of restaurants and picnic sites. The area's distinctive wines - popular chardonnays and an exceptional pinot noir - are similar to those from northern France.
