Hermanus Snapshot
Hermanus (125km from Cape Town) vies with Plett as the Cape’s Riviera. It has lots of whales in season (you ain’t kidding!), holiday accommodation bursting at the seams, and a strip of fast food-chains stretching from one end of town to the other. You either like Hermanus or you don’t. The coastline and surrounding landscape is certainly lovely, and the main town square is a nice spot to hang out, but whatever you do, don't arrive expecting a quaint fishing village (as the local tourism office would like you to believe), because the town has outgrown much of its original character. Also don't assume you will land bum on beach because most of the available accommodation is miles from the sand and water. With so much available best you make direct contact with the local Info office - which carries a mixed bag of granny flats and other accommodation.
Things To Do
- Hermanus has several beaches, each with different appeal. Die Plaat is an impressive 12km stretch of white sand, extending from the lagoon mouth to De Kelders. The tidal pool near the Marine Hotel is the only accessible swimming spot near the town centre as the rest of the immediate coast is craggy rock.
- Climb to the top of Hoy’s Koppie where Sir Hoy and his wife Gertrude are buried. Survey the expanding sprawl below and tell us that Hermanus is a holiday village, as the local publicity office would like you to believe.
- Stroll along the cliff paths stretching from one end of town to the other – a pleasant morning and late-afternoon experience. Take in the Old Harbour, cavorting whales and a coffee shop or two along the way.
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers soothing respite from the bustle below. The reserve has over 50km of trail, picnic spots, great views and impressive flora that is at its flowering peak in spring.
- For views without sweat, a drive along Rotary Way unveils a vista of Walker Bay and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
- Some of the country’s top wines come from three wineries in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hamilton Russel Vineyards scores consistently high with its chardonnay, as does adjacent Bouchard Finlayson, while newish newcomer, Whale Haven Winery is gradually becoming known for its merlot. All three offer tastings from Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.
- For places to eat, the sidewalks of Hermanus are neon-lit by franchised fast food outlets and independent coffee shops. Just like home. At last count there were more than 50 eateries listed on the town’s website - that was some time ago, so the actual number is likely far higher today.
- Yikes, we almost forgot! Hermanus offers some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. Again, the cliffs along the seafront provide the best vantage point.
The Potting Shed Accommodation
Hermanus, Western Cape
Fact: At some point or another everyone suffers from the Hermanus itch... Be it the chance of getting up close and personal with the barnacles of a Southern Right whale, sitting at a pavement c...
Rate Guide
From R2045, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Oak Cottage at La Vierge Vineyards
Hermanus, Western Cape
Tucked among the vineyards of La Vierge Wine Estate, which in turn is tucked away in the gorgeous Hemel en Aarde valley, Oak Cottage drops you right in the hub of wine country, with a setting second t...
Rate Guide
From R2400 to R2600 nightly for the cottage. Rates vary by time of year.
Babylon's Tower Cottage & Shepherd's Hut
Hermanus, Western Cape
Big on farm vibe and gob-smacking mountain vistas, this one will have you in it's grip in no time. Whether you're opting for the Cottage's long voorstoep spilling gentle Hemel en Aarde vistas, an eleg...
Rate Guide
Cottages from R950 - R1200 nightly for the first 2 guest and R375pp thereafter. Seasonal rates apply. Winter midweek specials apply. Discounted rates for children 5-16 years, children under 5 years free. Shepherd's Hut from R950 - R1000 nightly. Seasonal rates apply. Winter midweek specials apply. Pets charged at R100 per pet.
Steenbok House
Hermanus, Western Cape
Situated on a quiet street, within a gentle stroll from the centre of Hermanus. Steenbok House is a first floor, semi-detached four-sleeper, offering plenty of privacy from the main house on the ...
Rate Guide
R900 nightly for the apartment
Clouds End Cottages
Hermanus, Western Cape
Clouds End Farm (11km from Hermanus) gets its name from the wisp of cloud that so often blankets the tallest peak of Babylon’s Toring. Not only might this creamy wisp be a familar sight on your...
Rate Guide
The Pottery: R1600 - R2000 nightly; The Helderfontein: R1800 - R2500 nightly; The Kaya: R900 - R1200 nightly.
Huis Caput
Hermanus, Western Cape
This home is the perfect escape for a large family or group of friends looking for a self-catering vacation. This cosy, contemporary property includes a magnificent, fully equipped kitchen with a dini...
Rate Guide
From R6690, depending on unit, guests and time of year
High Season Farm Luxury Cottages
Hermanus, Western Cape
Self Catering cottages, which sleep from two to six guests, are tastefully decorated and fully equipped to make your stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. Wake up to breathtaking views acro...
Rate Guide
From R2600 to R4800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland