Abseiling
Hermanus Old Harbour at Gearings Point is a perfect spot for abseiling, as it’s not too high (about 20 metres) and has marvellous views.
Tel: +27 (0) 72 062 8500
PERCYTOURS
Birding
Birds are prolific at Hermanus. There are more than 100 species of which several are endemic.
Tel: +27 (0) 28 314 1167
HERMANUS BIRD CLUB
Botanising
Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 1800 ha in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842 m. In late 1957, this reserve was proclaimed by the Provincial Council of the Cape. It protects coastal and mountain fynbos and a small patch of montane and dune forest. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path, the Mossel River valley, and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated into the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Braai at Bottom House
Sit on the terrace and braairoom and enjoy the balmy summer air, while the memories of onerous tasks dissipate and you are enveloped in the atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
View splendid sunsets from the terrace as the sun sets over the sea, see the town in the distance.
Boating
Hermanus
- Neptune's Divers for Sunset Cruises and Diving Lessons
Tel: 071 424 3428 - Whale Cruises for whale-watching cruises
Tel: 028-3132722 & 082 369 8931 - The Whale Watchers for whale-watching cruises
Tel: 028-312 4957 or 082 931 8064 - Southern Right Charters for whale-watching cruises and sunset cruises
Tel: 082 353 0550
Stanford
- Klein River
For a funfilled day on the Klein River in Stanford, join the team on the African Queen for an eco-friendly cruise down the Klein River. With breathtaking views of the Klein River Mountains, this cruise is unforgettable. The Klein River itself, features more than 127 kinds of birds as well as a variety of salt and fresh water fish, including bass. Otters, terrapins and various other indiginous animals are also found here.
Cycling
Serious road cyclists meet at Voëlkip traffic circle at 6h00 in peak season.
Mountain Biking (MTB)
Wine2Whales MTB Race is an annual event.
Mountain BIking Routes
- Parallel to Cliff Path – 400 m from Bottom House
- Fernkloof MTB trail - 2,5 km from Bottom House
- Hemel and Aarde. Permit required (10 km from Bottom House)
- Elgin Valley (Brochures at Elgin Valley Tourism +27 (0)21 848 9838
- Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Eating out
MORE INFO to follow our extensive Hermanus restaurant guide.
Festivals and Events
There are numerous festivals happening throughout the year, which always attract large groups of people. So if you don’t like crowds, stay away but if you enjoy a bit of festivity take note of the events listed below. The dates vary from year to year and can be obtained from the Tourism Bureau on 028 312 2629
- Sandbaai Kalfiefees (baby-whale festival)
- Hermanus Whale Festival
- Hermanus Wine and Food Festival
- Mountain Run
- The Wildflower Festival
Parkrun is a weekly event. The Colour Run and Sandbaai Fish Bash are annual events.
Golf
- Arabella Golfing Estate
Golf Club (Bookings are to be made in advance)
028 284 9383
Restaurants and Spa
028 284 0000 - Hermanus Golf Course
The Hermanus Golf Course is located on Main Road. Travel through the towncentre and you will find the entrance to the Hermanus Golf Course on the left hand side, a kilometre or two further. - Type: Parkland
Holes: 27
Par: 72
Hire Facilities: Clubs, trolleys, drive carts, caddies
Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting and chipping greens
The Club has a shop, a bar and restaurant/halfwaystop.
For bookings please call the Hermanus Golf Club on
Tel: 028 312 1954 - Kleinbaai Golf Course (Gansbaai)
Tel: 028 384 1441 - Kleinmond Golf Club
Tel: 028 271 3525
Horse Riding
Horse riding can be enjoyed at several venues in and around Hermanus.
Kayaking
Kayaks are the only craft allowed in Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary. Enjoy magnificent views of the cliffs, sea life and the possible opportunity to view whales from their level.
Markets & Galleries
Art galleries at Hermanus and in the residential areas abound.
- Hermanus Country Market (09H00 - 13H00 Saturdays)
Famous market for veggies, cheeses, breads, jams, etc. Great fun to have breakfast there - Market Square – Central Hermanus (09h00 – 17h00 Daily)
Crafts, gemstones, clothing, African art. Some stalls remain open all week. - Hermanuspietersfontein Boeremark (farmer’s market)
Hemel-en-Aarde Village (08h00 – 13h00)
Cheeses, olives, wine, oils, organic vegetables and more - Market at St Peter's Church
- Onrus Craft Market - The charming Onrus Craft Market runs on the first Saturday morning of each month at the De Wet Hall in Roos Street. With its fun, eclectic mix of old-school stalls and activities it offers a great way to fill up on bargains and catch up with the locals.
Reading
Bottom House has a well stocked book shelf for cold and rainy days. Alternatively please feel free to visit the library in Hermanus.
- Hermanus Library
Tel: 028 - 313 8012
Address: Harmony Avenue, Hermanus
Shark-Cage Diving
For adrenalin junkies you've come to the right place. Just 35 kms from Hermanus lies Kleinbaai Harbour where all white shark diving tours are operated. To book in advance for an adrenalin and funfilled day follow the link below:
Shopping
Hermanus offers an enormous variety of shopping 7 days a week. Health stores, speciality shops, boutique shops, country and food markets.
Swimming
The ocean is 400 metres away down 9th Ave. A further 200 meters to the main beaches, to the left is Grotto Beach (Blue flag status) and to the right is Voëlklip Beach, with lifesavers at both during peak season, Further on from Voelklip is Kammabaai and Langbaai.
Dressing kiosks, showers all year round at Grotto and Voëlklip. Coffee shops serve breakfast etc. at Grotto, and above Voëlklip on c/o 7th Ave and 10th Street
Walking/Hiking
The famous Cliff Path, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Contour Path and Grotto Beach are respectively 400 m, 2.5 km, 500 m and 1 km away from Bottom House.
Whale Watching
Wine & Wine Tasting
Wine Tours
For bookings
- Hermanus Wine Hoppers
Tel: 076 991 2498 - Hermanus Wine Route
- Hermanus Wine Tours
Wine Tasting
Hermanus and surrounds are well know for wines of top quality. Amongst others, wine tasting can be done at the following venues.
Ashbourne
Ataraxia
Bouchard Finlayson
Creation
Domain Des Dieux
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hermanuspietersfontein
Jakob's Vineyards
Mount Babylon
Established in 2001 by Johan Holtzhausen, Mount Babylon is a family-owned wine business situated amid unique fynbos and bird life in the foothills of the Babylon’s Toring Mountain Range that overlooks the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Johan’s brother Mauritz joined in the business in 2007, and today Yolanda, Ewan and Leila Holtzhausen complete the team.
Having planted its first virus-free vines in 2001, Mount Babylon was the first wine farm in the cool Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Ward to venture into grape-growing. This pioneering estate was also the first in this wine Ward to deliver a 4-star Platter for a red blend, namely its maiden vintage, SMV. This is Mount Babylon’s flagship wine, a unique blend for South Africa consisting of Shiraz, Malbec and Viognier. The 2007 contrarian Cap Classique is another popular Mount Babylon innovation made from Shiraz grapes, rather than Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Mount Babylon falls under the appellation of Walker Bay.