Hermanus walking tour & city guide
The world's best land-based whale watching.
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Hermanus, on Walker Bay, is famous for whales: southern right whales come close to the shore between June and November. A cliff path runs along the coast for the best views.
Whales
The Cliff Path runs for about 12 kilometers along the shore. During whale season, a whale crier once announced sightings, and the town hosts a whale festival in September.
Wine and coast
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley produces excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Grotto Beach is a long sandy beach.
A day in Hermanus
Walk the Cliff Path, which runs along the rocky coast for about 12 kilometers, with benches and viewpoints where you can watch whales just meters from the shore in season. The Old Harbour, with its small museum and old fishing boats, is a good place to start. Visit the Whale House Museum to learn about southern right whales.
In the afternoon, drive into the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, whose name means 'heaven and earth', for wine tastings with views of vineyards and mountains, or relax at Grotto Beach, a long stretch of white sand.
Good to know
Whale season runs from June to November, peaking in September and October, when the Hermanus Whale Festival takes place. Boat-based tours also leave from the New Harbour.
Hermanus is about 90 minutes from Cape Town along the scenic Clarence Drive. Further along the coast, Gansbaai is known for shark cage diving, and Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans officially meet.
Top sights in Hermanus
- 1
Cliff Path
A coastal walk for whale watching.
- 2
Old Harbour
A historic fishing harbor.
- 3
Grotto Beach
A long sandy beach.
- 4
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Wine estates.
- 5
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fynbos and trails.
Food markets & where to eat in Hermanus
Old Harbour
Seafood restaurants.
Village center
Cafés and markets.
Wine estates
Lunch with views.
Food to try in Hermanus
Abalone
A prized local shellfish.
Pinot Noir
From Hemel-en-Aarde.
Fish and chips
By the sea.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Hermanus
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in HermanusCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Hermanus.
- eSIM for South AfricaStay online from the moment you land.
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