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Place in Western Cape, South Africa
Photo: Pool simon, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hermanus is a picturesque seaside town on South Africa's south coast, near the Garden Route and about 90 min drive from Cape Town. It is particularly famous as the "best land-based whale watching destination in the world", with southern right whales easily seen from shore during winter and spring months.
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Beautiful Blue Flag beach with an 18km stretch of white sand, so there are remote spots even on the busiest days. Popular with body-boarders and kite-surfers.
Favourite with surfers and swimmers, can get crowded during season.
The Hermanus cliff paths on the seafront meander for about 11 km, taking in the town centre, as well as the beautiful beaches to the east. During whale season, they provide perhaps the best land-based whale watching location in the world, as well as taking in dramatic sea views and the endangered coastal fynbos. Wheelchair-friendly in parts.
Home of the Hermanus Botanical Society with a number of hiking trails through fynbos visitor centre, waterfall, overnight huts. Free entry, donations welcome.
This multi-day festival celebrates the return of the whales and draws over 100,000 visitors to the town. Events include a live music stage, food, sports, activities for kids, arts, nature activities, and quite a bit more. Be aware that having thousands upon thousands of people descending upon a small town with limited access makes for traffic nightmares and plan accordingly.
Yearly festival that celebrates local art, including visual art, literature, and culinary arts.
Yearly Afrikaans-language music and theater festival.
Space for 12 guests with rooms surrounding a large pool and garden. En-suite bathroom and kingsize beds. Breakfast available for R100 a person.
4-star bed and breakfast that used to be the golf course club house. Situated on the 27-hole Hermanus golf course. All 5 rooms are en-suite with French doors opening onto the golf course. The swimming pool area is ideal for relaxation and soaking up that South African sun.
A 4 Star graded establishment offering a variety of affordable accommodation in Fisherhaven, suburb of Hermanus. Includes en-suite standard and double rooms, as well as a family suite. Free Wi-Fi and secure parking available.
This four-star guest house is the first to receive a Gold rating for accessibility.
Self-catering accommodation, one-bedroom holiday apartment overlooks the sea - excellent for whale-watching or as a base to explore the region.
4-star guesthouse that offers B&B and self-catering accommodation with en suite rooms that have private patios and private entrances, some with twin and other with kingsize beds. There is a one bedroom cottage which is fully equipped and caters for 2 adults and 2-3 children. There are day beds in the lounge for the children. There are some rooms that cater for families. There is a swimming pool and barbeque facilities for guests use.
On the south side of the Hermanus lagoon. Magnificent setting looking across the lagoon to the mountain from the restored stone manor house, "The Spookhouse", or from luxury African-style Lagoon Lodge.
Follow the N2 eastwards from Cape Town or westwards when coming from George and leave it near Caledon. From Gordon's Bay, go along the Whale Coast driving route R44 via Betty's Bay.
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