AfricaPhoto by Grant Durr on Unsplash
Hermanus
Southern Right whales, Hemel-en-Aarde wines, and coastal fynbos walks.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Hermanus claims the title of the world's best land-based whale-watching destination, where Southern Right whales calve and breach just metres from the cliff path from June to November.
But beyond the annual spectacle, it's also the gateway to the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde valley, known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and a short drive from Cape Agulhas, the true southernmost tip of Africa.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €100–250 total
- 01Walk the Hermanus cliff path for land-based whale watching. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Wine taste through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley cellars. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Hike the fynbos trails of Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Take a boat trip from Gansbaai for shark cage diving or whale watching. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Visit Cape Agulhas, Africa's southernmost tip. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 06Browse the Hermanus Country Market on a Saturday morning. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Southern Right whales, Hemel-en-Aarde wines, and coastal fynbos walks.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €50–120/night
In Hermanus
Central Hermanus
walkable to restaurants and the cliff path
Voëlklip
residential, close to beaches and quieter stays
In Stanford
Stanford
quaint village charm, good for river activities
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
A rental car is ideal for exploring the wine region and day trips to Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas. Within Hermanus, walking is pleasant along the cliff path, otherwise local taxis or ride-shares are available.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €30–60/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Braai
South African barbecue
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Biltong
cured dried meat
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Hake and chips
local fish and fries
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Bobotie
spiced mince bake
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Malva pudding
sweet sticky cake
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
70/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Winter · Spring
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Look out for the 'whale crier' along the cliff path, who blows a kelp horn to alert people to whale sightings. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for photography and quieter walks.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Winter
Winter: mild days around 15-20C, with cooler evenings and occasional rain showers, especially from June to August.
- waterproof jacket for boat trips
- warm layers for cool evenings
- sturdy walking shoes for cliff paths
- binoculars for whale watching
- sunscreen and hat
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Curated destinations, one a day.