Hermanus is a breathtaking coastal tourist destination located in Western Cape of South Africa. Nestled between towering mountains and spectacular shorelines, where visitors are more fortunate to catch up stunning coastal scenic views, rich marine life, and hidden valleys.
Since it is located close to Walker Bay, visitors can see great whales, mountain hiking trails, breathtaking beaches, lush greenery forests, lagoons and more importantly a relaxation and adventure destination. Let’s discuss more about Hermanus inorder to explore what are the top things to do.
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7 Best Things to Do in Hermanus
1. Enjoy Whale and Shark Watching
One of the most popular breathtaking things visitors should do while visiting Hermanus. Southern Right Whales and Sharks watching in Hermanus renowned worldwide for its land based whale watching due to excellent viewpoint by the cliff and Gansabaai, a land based lookout point. Visitors can also choose a walk along the cliff path and ride that permitted whale watching boats to see breathtaking beauty of Whale and Shark watch in a very close up. Usually whale season starts from June to December under different whale watching.
2. Explore Hermanus Wine Tours
Home to many wine farms and vineyards, Hermanus provides more flavours and delicious wine collections. Hemel-en-Aarde Road is the Hermanus Wine Village where South Africa’s fine wines, brandies, gins and craft beers will be made. Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson vineyards are popular hiking trails and wine estates. Take a drive at Karwyderskraal road to Bosman Hermanus where food, coffee, shopping, wine and hiking trails are available at one place. Explore Springfontein wine combination and Ataraxia Wine Lounge wine exhibitions.
3. Take Breathtaking Cliff Path
Most scenic 12 km of walking cliff path is another most mesmerising beauty in Hermanus. Walking along the coast offers more breathtaking views of the ocean and easy to watch whales and sharks. Constructed by the Hermanus Botanical Society, it starts from New Harbour in the west to the mouth of Klein River in the east. Walking along the cliff path is a great way to experience fishing spots, multi million rand homes, fishing harbours and some national monuments. Do not miss taking photographs of surrounding beauties, wildfires and migrating birds.
4. Home of Multiple Water Activities
Although Hermanus is a haven for Whale watching, the region is also filled with multiple adventure activities. Surfing is more popular here due to its more friendly waves and beaches. Grotto Beach is a particular beach often known for surfing by its clean, sandy shores and perfect surf conditions. Along with that, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, zip lining, and open water swimming’s opportunity waiting to visitors.
5. Visit Gearing’s Path
Gearning’s Path is located at the end of the Cliff Path, location often known for its perfect spot to catch whale sightings and rugged coastlines. Easy to capture fishermen activities and try to soak themselves in rocky outcrops into the ocean. Gearing’s Path is a great place to see the movement of ocean waves faster compared to the old harbour. Path includes more rocky outcrops, beaches and grassy areas that help us to sit and watch panoramic view of the whales, surrounding oceans in a better position. Do not bring your camera to get more beautiful surroundings.
6. Join Local Festivals and Events
Hermanus witnessed vibrant cultural festivals and events especially including art events. “First Friday Art Walk” is a popular art and art gallery open every month to the general public. Hermanus Fynarts is a popular festival exhibits visual arts, concerts, soirees, food and wine pairings and illustrated talks. Additionally, Carols by candlelight is a popular festival held on the Friday before Christmas. Fynbos, Kalfiefees, and Hermanus Park run are also popular. Never miss to attend Whale Festival, where 30 whale shows are held every time and considered as the country’s largest whale exhibition.
7. Experience Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Walker Bay Reserve located south Western Cape coast offers plenty of opportunity to explore flora and faunas and bird species. Since the landmark lies within the Mediterranean climate zone, obviously visitors spot vegetation species like bietou, sour fig, waxberry and blombos. Along with animals like bushbuck, duiker, grysbok, and clawless otters are more common to see. Despite of Walker Bay, Fernkloof Nature reserve is also popular for marine reserves and offers more ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling.
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