Hermanus: The Whale-watching Capital of South Africa
Hermanus, renowned as the whale-watching capital of South Africa, is ideally situated on the windswept coast of Walker Bay for observing migratory southern right whales. They migrate to these protected waters from Antarctica to reproduce and give birth, and there is a significant opportunity for close encounters with them from June to November.
The village is located a 90-minute drive southeast of Cape village and seamlessly integrates into a self-guided journey along the Garden Route. As you traverse its streets, you see galleries, boutiques, and waterfront cafés. In the evening, one may dine at a seafood restaurant while observing the sunset over the water. Venture further afield to partake in wine tasting in the Hemel en Aarde Valley, a commendable alternative to the Winelands.
The Hermanus
Stunning Hermanus, South Africa’s Most Beautiful Town
Hermanus is a town that has wholeheartedly adopted its position as South Africa’s premier whale-watching locale. Annually, the season is commemorated with the Hermanus Whale Festival, with live music, gourmet food trucks, and artisan craft stalls, alongside educational displays on marine life and conservation. A town Whale Crier monitors the waterfront and sounds a dry kelp horn anytime a whale emerges.
Participating on a boat excursion is the optimal method to observe whales up close—both southern right and resident Bryde’s whales inhabit the area, fluking and spouting in plain view. Humpback whales, together with dolphins, sea lions, and Cape fur seals, may also be observed as they transit towards the east coast.
It is not necessary to be on the water to observe them. A 12 km (7.5 mile) coastal walk along the clifftops extends from Hermanus’s New Harbour in the west to Piet-se-Bos in the east. From this elevated vantage point, you possess unobstructed views of the ocean and any passing marine animals. Viewing benches are strategically positioned along the coast, often eliminating the need for binoculars for a clear observation.
Your visit to Hermanus need not be singularly focused. One may also participate in a ‘wine safari‘ to the adjacent Hemel en Aarde (Heaven on Earth) Valley. The clay-rich soil and elevated altitude facilitate the flourishing of vines, yielding wines that compete with those from renowned wine regions, especially pinot noirs.
You traverse mountainous countryside in an open-sided safari truck, disembarking at various vineyards to sample and potentially purchase their finest beverages at your leisure. The region is gaining acclaim for its cuisine, and you may like to dine at one of the restaurants established within the wine estates.
Hermanus lies adjacent to Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which extends across the Kleinrivier Mountains. Here, one can traverse rare heather-like fynbos plants along around 60 kilometres (37 miles) of pathways. While exploring, be vigilant for animals including rock hyraxes (locally referred to as dassies), mongooses, baboons, and Cape grysbok.
Best time to visit Hermanus
Although marine life is observable throughout the year in Hermanus, the primary whale-watching season is from June to November. Anticipably, the town becomes congested during this period, hence it is advisable to plan in advance if you wish to visit during these months.