Hermanus is alive with history and stories, from the whaling museum that funded the city’s economy for many many years to the Harbour Museum that encompasses the feel of exactly what the old harbour was like.
Whaling season generally lasts from June through to November, this is when the small city is filled with visitors from all walks of life.
Hermanus might be famous for the whales that visit its shores, but many forget about the brilliant shopping opportunities in this friendly city.
Rich in art and local entrepreneurship, this thriving city should be a pit stop on any holiday makers’ journey.
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening today and this weekend in Hermanus.
Grotto Beach
One of the popular beaches along the Hermanus coastline is Grotto Beach, this Blue Flag Beach boats a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor. Grotto Bay is a family friendly beach which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just spending a leisurely day with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
The white sands stretch for 18km, making this ideal for exercise or finding a private spot for chilling out. There is ample safe and secure parking available.
- Address: Grotto Street, Hermanus
Tip: This beach is pet friendly so bring along those family members with tails, but remember to keep them on a lead
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a must-visit for all nature lovers, rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor there is plenty to see and do at Fernkloof. The Reserve spans for 18 square kilometres within the Kleinrivier Mountains in Hermanus.
Some of the 100 bird species and other wildlife that can be spotted at Fernkloof include:
- Cape sugar bird
- Sunbirds
- Rock thrush
- Rock jumper
- Raptors
- Jackal buzzard
- Black eagle
- Grey rhebok
- Cape grysbok
- Klipspringer
- Baboon
- Mongoose
- Dassie
There are 63km of clearly marked hiking trails meandering through this Reserve, boasting spectacular ocean views with benches scattered along the way. This is a nature lovers paradise and well worth the visit.
Tip: Hides are a great unobtrusive way to view nature without scaring the smaller critters, remember to keep very quiet in hides as people spend hours trying to see some of the shyer animals.
- Address: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Fir Avenue, Hermanus
- Contact Details: 028 313 0819
- More Info: Facebook Page
Voelklip Beach
This beach is ideal for families with smaller children. There is a river mouth that gently enters the ocean, during winter it becomes a stunning lagoon with little streams the kids will love playing in.
The parking is safe and off the main street adjacent to the Beach Front. Tripadvisor rates this beach 4.5 stars and reviewers remind visitors to bring wetsuits as the waters can be icy cold.
- Address: 7th Avenue, Hermanus
Tip: Don’t forget to bring the buckets and spades. The white sand beaches are not only endless but great for building sand castles.
Other Things To Do
Other activities nearby include:
Leaving Hermanus is always a sad occasion and the thought of driving away from that friendly city leaves tears swelling in our hearts. Experiences and friends made here are for life, the residents seems to live with a magical energy that becomes so contagious you’ll never want to leave.
Hermanus offers something for every member of the family so why not make this your next pit stop on a classic South African road trip.
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