Hermanus Tourism (2024) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

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12 Days / 11 Nights

12-Days South African Adventure: Coast to Karoo...

Cape Town (3N) → Stellenbosch (2N) → Oudtshoorn (1N) → Knysna (2N) → Albertinia (1N) → Hermanus (2N)

$ 2,381

9% off

$2,148/person

13 Days / 12 Nights

13 Days 12 Nights - Adventurous South Africa Fa...

Johannesburg (1N) → Sun City (1N) → Pilanesberg (1N) → Knysna (3N) → Hermanus (2N) → Cape Town (4N)

$ 2,175

3% off

$2,106/person

10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days Sunset Serenity: Exploring South Africa...

Johannesburg (1N) → Knysna (2N) → Hermanus (2N) → Cape Town (4N)

$ 1,914

6% off

$1,792/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

9-Day Scenic Beauty of the Western Cape Adventure

Cape Town (4N) → Hermanus (1N) → Mossel Bay (2N) → Cape Town (1N)

$ 2,016

22% off

$1,566/person

10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days of South African Grandeur

Cape Town (3N) → Hermanus (0N) → George (3N) → Oudtshoorn (0N) → Sun City (2N) → Pilanesberg (0N) → Johannesburg (1N)

$ 1,961

12% off

$1,718/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Garden Route Odyssey: 6-Day Coastal Adventure

Cape Town (0N) → Cape Agulhas (1N) → Oudtshoorn (1N) → Wilderness (0N) → Sedgefield (1N) → Knysna (0N) → Tsitsikamma (0N) → Addo (1N) → Wilderness (1N) → Mossel Bay (0N) → Cape Town (0N)

$ 823

6% off

$769/person

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Hermanus Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September - November Read More

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"Whale Watching Capital and Coastal Charm"

Hermanus Tourism

Hermanus sits on the Western Cape of South Africa and is famous for its beautiful coastline with white sandy beaches, stunning ocean views, and tall mountains. Hermanus is known as the "whale-watching capital of South Africa." From June to November, marked by the Hermanus Whale Festival, people flock here to watch Southern Right whales that come to breed and give birth after a long journey from Antarctica.

The coastal town has a special tradition where a person called the Whale Crier blows a horn to let everyone know when whales are spotted. But Hermanus offers more than just whales. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and also explore the village with its shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The town is also known for wine-tasting, its beaches, unique nature reserves, and local food. Hermanus has something enjoyable for everyone to experience

Festival: Keep in mind the Hermanus Whale Festival, a three-day event held at the end of every September, when planning your visit.
Getting Around: Hermanus' centre is small and walkable from most guesthouses. Moving around town can also be done through taxis, tuk-tuks, and public buses.
Whale Watching: Watching whales from the land is free and exciting. For a closer look, consider a boat tour with a licensed company.
Timings for Whale Watching: The prime times for whale watching in Hermanus are mornings and late afternoons, with tours usually starting around 9 AM and 2 PM.
Hire Tour Operators: Activities like kitesurfing, fishing, horse riding, paragliding, micro lighting, sea kayaking, shark-cage diving and township tours can be undertaken with tour operators for a hassle-free experience.
Scenic Route: You can opt for the more scenic route of the R44 coastal route if driving from Cape Town to Hermanus which might take slightly longer.
Notable Stops between Cape Town and Hermanus: Consider Stellenbosch, Simon’s Town, Franschhoek, Overstrand, Constantia, Somerset West, and Paarl as stops between Cape Town and Hermanus. Stellenbosch, only an hour from both Cape Town Central and Hermanus, is a standout choice.

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More on Hermanus Travel

Shopping in Hermanus

Notable shopping areas in Hermanus include Hermanus Country Market and Whale Coast Mall. Visitors can find handcrafted crafts, indigenous artworks, and fresh local produce. The Hemel-en-Aarde Craft Village features studios and galleries, while Village Square and Lemm's Corner house various shops and boutiques. Marine Drive and Harbour Road provide a shopping experience complemented by cafes and pubs.

Nightlife in Hermanus

The town features a variety of pubs and bars, each contributing to its distinct ambience. Marine Drive and Harbour Road are prominent nightlife areas, hosting establishments like Gecko Lounge, The White Rabbit Pub, and Burgundy Restaurant & Pub. Jax Pub Reloaded and Bojangles offer livelier settings. Blue Roof Pub and Restaurant, The Brewery Hemel-en-Aarde, and Tipples Bar & Grill Hermanus present varied specialised offerings. Clubs like Quay 4 and Tapas & Oysters provide opportunities for those interested in dancing and livelier atmospheres. Visitors can expect live music, local beverages, and a relaxed setting, contributing to a well-rounded evening experience.

History of Hermanus

Hermanus, located on the Western Cape of South Africa, has a history shaped by its beautiful coastline and marine heritage. It was first inhabited by the Khoi-San people and later saw European settlers arrive in the 19th century. The town is named after Hermanus Pieters, who used to visit the area. Whale watching played a big role in its growth, with the first whale-watching station starting in 1902.
The town became more accessible when a railway was built in 1929. It became popular with tourists and retirees due to its stunning coastal views and marine life. The Whale Festival, starting in 1992, celebrated its status as a prime spot for watching Southern Right whales. With its historical buildings and lively arts scene, Hermanus reflects both its past and its bright future.

Best Time to Visit Hermanus

Nearby Places

Cape Town

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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

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How to Reach Hermanus

How to Reach Overview

Reaching Hermanus is convenient through Cape Town. Cape Town International Airport (CPT), located around 100 kilometres away, provides air access. Hermanus can be reached by a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours. Using the N2 and R43 highways, which span 120 kilometres, visitors can reach the park in about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Although direct rail connections are unavailable, a 1.5 to 2-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Cape Town's train station is an option. Buses take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to cover the 120-kilometre route from Cape Town's terminal to Hermanus bus station.

How to reach Hermanus by flight

The nearest major airport to Hermanus is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is approximately 100 kilometres (about 62 miles) away. From the airport, you can hire a rental car or take a shuttle service to reach Hermanus. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Flights to Cape Town can be booked through Skyscanner.

How to reach Hermanus by road

Hermanus can be reached by road from Cape Town and other nearby cities. The N2 and R43 highway is the main route connecting Cape Town to Hermanus. The distance between Cape Town and Hermanus is around 120 kilometres (about 75 miles), and the travel time by car is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

How to reach Hermanus by train

No direct link exists from Cape Town to Hermanus. Instead, you can opt to take a train to Van der Stel or Strand and then continue your journey to Hermanus via taxi.

How to reach Hermanus by bus

Travellers can take a bus like Greyhound, Translux, and Intercape from Cape Town to Hermanus. The trip covers around 120 kilometres (about 75 miles) and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Tickets cost about $15 to $30 or more for one-way. Buses leave from Cape Town's main bus terminal and arrive at Hermanus bus station.

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Hermanus Travel Packages

12-Days South African Adventure: Coast to Karoo...

13 Days 12 Nights - Adventurous South Africa Fa...

10 Days Sunset Serenity: Exploring South Africa...