Go
whale watching Visit
the Museum Have
lunch at the harbour Shop
for art and pottery Visit
the nearby brewery Laze
on the beach Coffee
and cake on the square Drink
and buy good wine
The thriving coastal resort town of Hermanus in the
Western Cape is situated in Walker Bay, about 70 min drive from Cape
Town along the N2 national route. Among its many attractions
are beautiful white beaches, a top-class golf course, a quaint
fishing harbour, several premier wine estates and some of the
most exciting whale-watching to be found anywhere in the world.
Large numbers of Southern Right whales have made their home
in Walker Bay because of its warm waters and protection
from the stormy seas of the Cape. These magnificent marine
mammals can best be seen from August to November when they
frolick, breach and blow with their young in the gentle swells
off the coast,
and out in the bay.
The Whale Festival each year attracts visitors from far and
wide and celebrates the wonder of nature and the arrival of
spring. Locals put on a colourful show with markets, theatre,
live music, good wine and gourmet food adding to the party
atmosphere. The charismatic Whale Crier keeps visitors
informed of the whereabouts of the whales by blowing his kelp
horn, as he moves around the town each day.
If you're yearning to laze in the sun, head down to Onrus
Beach which adjoins a lagoon and provides safe swimming for the whole
family. For a little more privacy, try Langbaai - a small cove
perfect for an afternoon's relaxation and a dip.
There are plenty of other attractions in the Hermanus area
if you're staying for a day or two.
The
nearby Hemel-and-Aarde
valley is home to several award-winning wine cellars that produce
superb chardonnay and pinot noir from the good clay soils.
Magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and
coastline add to the peaceful, rural atmosphere of the valley.
Two of South Africa's best wineries can also be found on the
R320
to Caledon - Hamilton Russell whose pinot noir and chardonnay
are top-class, and Bouchard Finlayson.
If you're venturing out for the day, visit the coastal villages
of Gansbaai and Struisbaai, or drop in at De
Kelders which
is well protected from the wind and also an excellent viewing
place for whales. For nature lovers, the De Hoop Reserve,
which is also nearby, offers lovely walks through milkwoods
and
fynbos complete with the sweet melodies of local birdsong.
Hermanus
has a wealth of local creative talent and those looking for something unique
should visit the many artists, potters and
jewellers studios and shops in the area to find that perfect gift or
keepsake.
As with most town's on the Cape Coast there is no shortage
of outdoor activities for when the weather's good. Ask about
horseriding, paragliding, scuba diving, mountain climbing
and 4x4 trails. And of course, the golf is excellent with the town's 18 holes
being one of the top 30 courses in the country.
Go
whale watching
Freestate 
