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AA Travel Guides » Hiking Trails » Southern Africa» South Africa» Western Cape » Hermanus

Geography

Hermanus lies in the heart of the Cape Whale Route about 110km from Cape Town, and there are claims that it is one of the best holiday and fishing resorts in the world.

History

It is named after its first inhabitant, Hermanus Pieters, who roamed through the area selling labour and tending his sheep. In those days the area north of Hermanus was a leper colony, and it was here that he heard of the trail that led through the mountains to the sea. Once he had found this amazing spot, others soon followed and the town developed from there. With the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping its shores and incredible mountain views, Hermanus really is a holiday resort that can claim to have it all.

Arts and Culture

Hermanus has the only Whale Crier in the world, and he keeps visitors informed about the whereabouts of the whales, and in his own right has become a major attraction. The kelp horn he blows has become the soundtrack to this seaside resort during the whale season. Also of historic interest is the Old Harbour, which has remained unchanged from when it was the centre of activity in the fishing village. For art lovers, Hermanus is home to many artists whose works are displayed and sold at local shops, galleries and craft markets.

Science

For the ecotourist Hermanus is a dream come true! The town has been acknowledged by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as one of the twelve best spots for whale watching in the world, and visitors can see the whales spyhopping, breaching and lobtailing from vantage points in the cliffs, or even take a boat trip to get closer to the action. At the 1,446ha Fernkloof Nature Reserve, the local fynbos includes species of erica, protea and gladioli.

Entertainment

In addition to whale watching, visitors can soak up the sun and swim or surf at Vo<\#235>lklip and Grotto beaches, or try boating at the mouth of the Kleinriviersvlei. A great variety of walks abound for holiday-makers with a little extra energy!

Did You Know

The sperm whale has the largest brain in the animal kingdom.

Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Hermanus Esplanade At 63 Marine Drive(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Hermanus Esplanade At 63 Marine Drive
AA Associate Member
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Situated right in town we offer affordable 2, 4 and 6-bed self-catering holiday apartments on the seafront of Hermanus! Units are fully equipped and even offer your own BBQ area in a private courtyard. Easy walk to shops, pubs and restaurants. Whale watching from June to November.

Chesham House(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Chesham House
AA Highly Recommended
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

We offer comfortable and spacious bedrooms with hot beverage facilities, at reasonable rates. Chesham is situated close to the golf course, but more importantly, opposite one of the famous whale watching sites, "Die Gang". On-site facilities include a swimming pool.

Mulligans Guest Lodge(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Mulligans Guest Lodge
AA Associate Member
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Mulligans Guest Lodge welcomes you to elegance and style in the heart of the Whale Route. Situated on the 27th fairway with a breathtaking view of the Kleinriver Mountain range, we make sure that golfers and whale watchers feel at home.

The Potting Shed Guest House(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)The Potting Shed Guest House
AA Highly Recommended
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Relax at either our Guest House that is walking distance to town,or our self catering apartment by the sea in a secure complex. Both establishments offer DSTV, swimming pool. Families Welcome. Friendly personal service by owners. Clean, comfortable, affordable accommodation.

Hermanus Guest House(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Hermanus Guest House
AA Superior
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Experience comfort, tranquillity and luxury and watch whales from your luxurious suite. Whale of a breakfast, fantastic service and cosy lounge, metres from the famous cliff path and minutes from the village centre. Ensures the ultimate in luxury!

45 Marine Drive Seafront Apartments(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)45 Marine Drive Seafront Apartments
AA Associate Member
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Perfectly situated in Hermanus Village, we offer a range of well-appointed seafront (2 to 3-bedroomed) apartments with panoramic sea views over the ocean and Walker Bay. Lock-up garages, lift and underfloor heating. Curio shops, pubs, restaurants, etc within easy walking distance. Whale watching from June to November.

FLAMINGO LAKE(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)FLAMINGO LAKE
AA Highly Recommended
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Charming, elegant rondavels and log cabins beside both lake and sea. Fully equipped for self-catering in an idyllic private estate near Hermanus. Cross the footbridge to the long unspoilt beach. Close to nature, abundant bird life and spectacular sunsets. Peaceful, private and secure.

CRIMSON VIEWS(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)CRIMSON VIEWS
AA Highly Recommended
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

This modern property is perfectly situated in an area unsurpassed in its natural beauty. Make Crimson Views your base and explore the many exciting activities that wait upon your doorstep. This fully-equipped house offers luxurious living with stunning views overlooking the ocean. Sandbaai beach is only a two min walk away and is lined with rock pools rich in local marine life. The beach offers safe swimming, snorkelling and diving. Every year around August the Southern Right Wales descend upon these magnificent shores, they favour the shallow waters of the bay for breeding and visitors can marvel at these gigantic wonders. The area is packed with great activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Walking, hiking and biking trails, or try your hand at paragliding. You can also enjoy the morning sun rise beyond the mountains, where the Hemel and Aarde Valley is situated, the first stop of the famous Hermanus wine route.

Villa Paradisio(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Villa Paradisio
AA Highly Recommended
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Villa Paradisio is a unique character Victorian House with five en suite bedrooms of which three are family suites. We have a large private garden with a lovely pool. We are in walking distance of all the shops, restaurants, craft market and the Old Harbour.

Francolinhof Guest House(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Francolinhof Guest House
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

FrancolinHof is ideally situated on the slopes of the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve, close to Grotto Beach and near to the town centre and golf course. All spacious en suite rooms enjoy sweeping views of the mountain fynbos, ocean and whales in the distance (from July to November), have twin/king-sized beds and carefully decorated and furnished to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.

On The Vermont Guest House(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)On The Vermont Guest House
AA Superior
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Beautiful Tuscan villa with luxury double rooms, en suite bathrooms, sea and mountain views. Close to pristine beach, hiking trails, whale watching and a short drive to Hermanus. Pool, satellite TV and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Delicious breakfast. European languages spoken and tour guide available.

Hermanus Luxury Apartments (24 On Main)(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Hermanus Luxury Apartments (24 On Main)
AA Associate Member
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Comfortable and spacious 6-sleeper luxury duplex house. Situated in a secure complex within walking distance from the town centre and the beautiful cliff paths. 24 On Main offers luxury self-catering units with superb finishes. All units are fully-equipped with modern conveniences including DSTV, Wi-Fi, dishwasher, washing maching and tumble dryer.

LAVENDER MANOR GUEST LODGE (Whale Coast)(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)LAVENDER MANOR GUEST LODGE (Whale Coast)
AA Superior
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

Spectacular sea views and warm, relaxed hospitality! Lavender Manor is the ultimate owner managed luxury guest house and offers spectacular sea view accommodation and warm, relaxed hospitality at an affordable price. Overlooking popular Blue Flag Grotto Beach and the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay. Great Whale watching.

Four Pines Lodge(Hiking Trails in  Hermanus, Western Cape)Four Pines Lodge
AA Superior
Hiking Trails in Hermanus, Western Cape

A short walk will lead you onto the cliff path and swimming beaches. We are close to Fernkloof Nature Reserve and only 800m from Hermanus Golf Course. A 30min drive to Arabella Golf Estate. Children welcome.

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