Hermanus, the Town

Welcome to Hermanus, in the heart of the Cape Whale Coast.

The Dawn Light Breaks…

The dawn breaks over the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, bathing the seafront village of whales and wine in its soft, balmy light.

Here at the southern point of Africa, caught between the uncomplicated local lifestyle and the cosmopolitan influences of its global visitors, lies one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa. This is Hermanus.

Nature, Adventure, Food & Drink

An area on the Cape Whale Coast that attracts nature lovers, adventure lovers and wine lovers from all over the world.

The term gastronomy – the art of food and drink – has become synonymous with Hermanus.

Today there are five wine routes where some of the world’s finest wines are produced and grown in patchworks of vineyards from the east to west of the village.

Climate & Tourism

The pleasant climate and easy living of this beautiful village first began to attract tourists in large numbers in the early 19th century.

Many families of English aristocracy were fond of spending their winters here, with an evening walk along the seashore as one of the highlights – still a popular activity with the many tourists who visit Hermanus each year. This rich, mixed history has endowed the town with a wealth of fine buildings and open spaces, as befits a village where life is best lived largely outdoors.

The Magnificent Southern Right Whale

The most sparkling jewels in the Hermanus crown are the southern right whales who visit every year to mate and give birth to their young. These gentle giants of the sea attract hundreds of visitors annually.

Hermanus is arguably known for the  best land-based whale watching in the world and a visit during whale watching season is therefore well worth adding to your nature bucket list.

Once you have seen the whales there are so much more this town has to offer, albeit it being the fantastic nature and the ocean that spark numerous adventure and marine tourism industries. Operators sensibly offer attractions and activities in a sustainable way because of the residents’ love and respect for the earth. Whether you travel alone, in a family or in a big group, there are lots of fabulous things you simply must do when on holiday in Hermanus.

On the wine routes that meander through picturesque hills and valleys, you can drop in at any tasting room or rock up at a restaurant for a bite to eat. Right through the year this coastal village and the wineries, dotting the Whale Route, offers a variety of events, including picnics, live music tastings, harvest and whale festivals and even marathons.

For many visitors Hermanus’ magnetic attraction lies in its easy lifestyle with authentic stories that have kept this seaside village at the top of many a world travellers’ itinerary.