Hermanus, South Africa (2-2-4/2023)
We greatly enjoyed our short visit to Hermanus, South Africa. This beautiful area is located 1 1/2 hours from Cape Town (click here to view) and has earned a reputation as the best land-based whale-watching destination in Africa - maybe the world. Hermanus is also known for its beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants with great seafood, fertile winelands, and impressive selection of boutique shops and galleries.
Hermanus South Africa |
With its Mediterranean climate, Hermanus is a favorite retirement community and considered by many to be one of the safest towns in South Africa. Despite its fame, Hermanus has maintained its rustic charm and natural seaside beauty.
Onrus Beach - Hermanus |
Hermanus has beautiful Blue Flag beaches. The popular large Grotto Beach overlooks Walker Bay with its restaurant, nearby walking trail, and umbrella and lounge chair rentals. With its grassy lawn terraces, secluded Voëlklip Beach tends to be less crowded and considered one of the best beaches in the Western Cape. We enjoyed Onrus Beach (see photo). A Blue Flag beach is rated for cleanliness, safety, lifeguards, and facilities like showers and clean public toilets.
Bientang's Cave Restaurant |
Southern Right Whales from Cliff |
Whale House Museum - Hermanus |
Once hunted to near extinction, the whales are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains exhibitions that explain the local whaling industry and has a massive exhibit of a whale skeleton at the Whale House Museum across the street (see photo). This is a very popular time to visit Hermanus so book early.
Map Hermanus Wine Region |
Cliff Path - Hermanus |
The Cliff Path (see photo) is a scenic 5-mile long walking path along the beautiful rugged coastline from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach with a boardwalk and stairs (see photo). Other fun activities to enjoy while in Hermanus include taking a sea-kayaking trip for an up close and personal with Walker Bay’s marine creatures, dune and mountain biking, Scuba diving, surfing, ziplining, golfing, hiking in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a visit to abalone sea farm Heart of Abalone, top-rated beauty and wellness spas, First Fridays ArtWalk, and the Saturday Country Market.
Hermanus Railway Station |
Interestingly, Hermanus has a historic railway station building without a railway line (see photo). The founders of the town decided not to lay any tracks because it would have made Hermanus more commercial and they felt Hermanus needed to stay a small fisherman's village. Locals refer to it as "the village.”
Kennedy’s Beach Villa |
Kennedy's Beach Villa |
The Milk on the Beach |
The
people of South Africa are wonderful and friendly. We felt safe
visiting the places we wanted to in Hermanus. Driving is on the left-hand
side of the very well-kept roads and 10% tipping in restaurants.
A note about South Africa’s ‘Load Sharing’…
New Harbor Waterfront - Hermanus |
We wished we had more time to spend in Hermanus than just one day. Do enjoy the many things to do in this area including others not included in this post. HAVE FUN!
Click on these links to view other places we visited in Southern Africa...
Stellenbosch Cape Winelands Wine Region, South Africa
Port Elizabeth & Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa - A Safari Day Trip
Richards Bay and Hluhluve Game Reserve, South Africa - A Safari Day Trip
Durban and uShaka Marine World, South Africa
Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves, South Africa
Chobe National Park, Botswana - A Safari Day Trip
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
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