From its humble roots as a small coastal fishing village removed from the busier surrounding areas and Overberg Region, Hermanus is now considered a remarkable holiday destination, adored by international tourists and loved by South African locals. This naturally striking seaside holiday village is famous for whale-watching, even having been recognized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as one of the top 12 global whale watching destinations. Hermanus is also known as the top land-based whale-watching location in the world, meaning that visitors can look forward to some truly outstanding experiences, especially when booking holiday accommodation in Hermanus during the Whale Watching season, which typically falls between June and December.
With picturesque mountains on one side and the outstretched Indian Ocean on the other side, Hermanus has managed to hold onto its small coastal village charm seemingly without effort, while friendly locals are always going out of their way to welcome guests from all walks of life. For travellers enjoying a holiday rental in Hermanus, a choice of self-catering holiday apartments and homes are suited to varied tastes, from traditional and cosy to modern and elegant. From beer and wine tasting, whale-watching (either land or sea-based) and shopping to visiting the Old Harbour Museum or embarking on scenic walks or hikes along beautifully set paths, there is so much to enjoy during your stay in Hermanus. Beaches like Voelklip and Grotto Beach are ideal for days of sunshine and cooling off, with long white sandy shores and azure ocean waters beckoning.
Of course, most consider whale-watching to be the highlight of their time spent in Hermanus, and the town has no shortage of land-based view points from which to admire these majestic sea mammals. Some of the most popular places for whale-watching in Hermanus include Siever’s Point, the viewing terraces at the Old Harbour which overlook Walker Bay, The Cliff Path which expands 12 km’s along the entirety of Hermanus, Windsor Bay and the Kwaaiwater Lookout Point. Whale-watching tours on charters and boatsare also popular among holiday goers. A wonderfully diverse Floral Kingdom and incredible array of bird species enchant many visitors during their time in Hermanus, and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve displays breathtaking views over the Hemel enAarde Valley, Maanskynbaai and Walkers Bay.
