Hermanus, Whale Coast Travel Guide
Whether it’s for the wine, whales or close-up shark encounters, the Overberg region of South Africa is worth discovering.
Close enough for a day-trip from Cape Town, but equally convenient as the gateway to the Garden Route, the Overberg region of the Western Cape offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty, local charm and high adventure.
Whether you’re interested in wine, whales or underwater thrills, the ‘Whale Coast’ has more than enough to fill a few days.
The town of Hermanus offers some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. Each year from July to November the seas in front of this laid-back coastal town are filled with Southern Right whales that migrate north from Antarctica to calve and mate in the warm waters of Walker Bay.
Boat trips offer unforgettable close-up views of the cetaceans, while kayak tours may chance upon whales – along with seals and dolphins – on excursions from the Old Harbour. On dry land, walk the 12-kilometre Cliff Path to admire the whales from shore. The Cliff Path ends at the Blue Flag-rated Grotto Beach, or divert inland to discover the well-marked walking routes and pristine fynbos vegetation of Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Just over these mountains the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde – ‘heaven and earth’ –valley certainly lives up to its name, and this cool-climate wine region is renowned for producing superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
If you’re after a little adventure, the sleepy town of Gansbaai is world-famous for its population of great white sharks, also known as white pointers. Cage-diving excursions to the iconic ‘Shark Alley’ offer spine-tingling encounters with these apex ocean predators.
From Gansbaai it’s only a short drive to Africa’s southernmost point at Cape Agulhas. Climb the iconic lighthouse, safeguarding ships since 1848, and snap your souvenir photo at the very tip of the continent.
In 2019 Hermanus was inscribed as a Creative City of Gastronomy by the United Nations, so it’s no surprise that the town is brimming with a cornucopia of wonderful restaurants.
Top of your list should be Fick’s, serving up Spanish-style pintxos and European flammkuchen from a remarkable seaside location just below the town’s famous cliff path. Bientang’s Cave, alongside the Old Harbour, is more casual but with an equally dramatic waterfront setting.
The seafront promenade nearby is home to a clutch of great restaurants, but for a special occasion it’s worth strolling along to The Marine Hotel. The hotel has been icon of this coastline since 1902, and its flagship Origins restaurant offers up a menu of contemporary South African cuisine.
Foodies should also leave time to eat their way along the Hemel-en-Aarde valley: Mogg’s Country Cookhouse is a delightful family-run bistro, while Creation Wines offers an adventurous globe-trotting menu paired with award-winning estate wines.
Hermanus is known for its whale watching, so pack a good pair of binoculars and your camera. If you’re planning a boat trip, you’ll want a windbreaker to ward away the sea breezes. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal if you plan on hiking in Fernkloof, or exploring the rocky shoreline at Cape Agulhas. Restaurants and wine estates in the region are a relaxed affair, and smart-casual clothing is acceptable.
Expect a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summer (December-February) days tempered by steady sea breezes, and cold rainy winters (June-August) ideal for exploring the region’s restaurants and wineries. Autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) offer mild weather and mostly clear skies.
The Western Cape province, including Hermanus and the Overberg region, is malaria-free.
Plan your adventures along the Whale Coast with our informative map of the region.
Hermanus is a 90-minute drive from Cape Town. Although the N2 highway is the fastest option, the scenic route along Clarence Drive offers unforgettable ocean views. Helicopter transfers along the coast can also be arranged.
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