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Things to do in Hermanus
Action packed and raring to go
Don’t be fooled by Hermanus’s sleepy village exterior – she’s action packed and raring to go. Most famous for whale watching, expect adventure activities too, such as deep sea angling, hiking, and kayaking. Not to mention the shopping, wining and dining.
Adventure sports:
Horseriding
Trail ride with Miranda van Rooyen along bridle paths, by the river banks and through a veld, carpeted mosaic-like fynbos. Trails are flat enough for children, but experienced riders can enjoy sundowner and moonlit rides.
Hermanus Horseriding | Lochninvar Farm | Stanford | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)72 111 8764
Sea kayaking
“Paddling within South Africa’s only whale sanctuary, you’ll spot Southern Right whales, Cape Fur seals and bottle-nosed dolphins,” says owner Herman de Vries, “You’ll see the cliffs and mountains of Hermanus from a different perspective.” Paddle with your experienced guide on an educational tour of the elements, via a vessel much kinder to the environment.
Walker Bay Adventures | Old Harbour Museum | Marine Drive | Hermanus | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)82 739 0159
Deep Sea Angling
Hermanus is a fisherman’s dream, from fresh water fishing spots in The Hemel & Aarde Valley to the beaches, lagoons and cliffs along the coast, as well as the waters of Walker Bay. Reel them in from red roman to stump nose, hottentot and silver fish, from a small boat carrying a party of up to six.
Percy Tours | Hermanus | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)83 944 5754
Quad biking
“On an exhilarating quad bike tour, there is nothing to separate you from unspoiled fynbos and small game including rhebok,” says owner of Topquads Scenic Tours, Neels Meiring. You’ll have unrivalled access to the stunning Ruwami private reserve, close to Hermanus, including safety training and gear.
Topquads Scenic Tours | Honingklip Farm | R43 | Hermanus Road | Bot Rivier | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)28 316 4226
Hiking:
The cliff path
Stretching from the New Harbour in Westcliff, all along the coastline to Grotto beach, the 12km stretch offers many benches to sit and watch the whales, or to enjoy sea views.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The reserve protects fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest, as well as the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelat River and part of the Klein River lagoon. The 60km network of trails is accessible to all levels of fitness, with magnificent views of game, bird species and fynbos, as well as Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.
Hermanus Country Market:
“The most special thing about this market is that you’re buying fresh, wholesome and good food, direct from the source,” says market organiser, Lize van Koppenhagen. Browse homemade delicacies: artisan breads, probiotic yoghurts, hand-made cheeses and home-smoked fish. Visit every Saturday, between 08:00 and 12:00 and you’ll also be treated to a variety of arts and crafts, as well as live music.
Hermanus Cricket Club | Jose Burman Road | Hermanus | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)72 883 3894
Seafood at Bientangs Cave:
Carved into a century old cave, which extends over the shores of Walker Bay, Bientangs Cave is known as the best whale-watching restaurant in the world. Pair sumptuous seafood, including seafood platters, prawns, snoek and calamari and pair with fine wines.
In a cave | below Marine Drive | Hermanus | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)28 312 3454
Cocktails at Gecko Bar:
Gecko’s is situated on a cliff top and offers 280 degree views of the bay – ideal for memorable sundowners on the wooden deck, while watching whales frolic in the sea. And in winter, tuck into hearty, thin-based pizzas hot from their log-fire pizza oven. Check out the live music calendar at the back of the bar.
New Harbour | Hermanus | Overberg | Western Cape | +27 (0)28 312 4665
By Lisa Nevitt
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