Hermanus On a Budget
Hermanus is located on the southern coast of the Western Cape region of South Africa, situated right on the Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for being the summer home to the Southern Right Whales who migrate there from the Antarctic every September. Hermanus offers incredible natural scenery and great opportunities for adventure seekers. The best time to visit is during their winter and spring, which runs from April through October. This is the driest time of year, meaning wildlife is easier to spot and the heat is much more bearable!Sights
Gain a better understanding of the lovely village of Hermanus and its history at the Old Harbour Museum. From here, head to the Whale Museum where you can actually go below the surface and come face to face with the majestic Southern Right whales. If you're looking for a closer encounter with the whales, you can take a boat tour that gets you close to these huge animals. For those who prefer to stay on land, you can easily catch sights of the whales from the cliffs and walkways in town. One of the best places to go for whale watching is the Fernkloof Nature Reserve which features almost 30 acres of different landscapes. You can wander one of the many well-maintained trails in the reserve that wind through the valleys, gardens, lagoons, mountains and cliffs. Take the trail to the Cliff Path Nature Area where you can view the whales swimming around the bay nearby.Neighborhoods
Hermanus is a small fishing village that consists of the center of town and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Further west along the coast is Betty's Bay and the Stony Point Penguin Colony where you can get up close and personal with the penguins who live there. Further west of Betty's Bay is Cape Town, a famous port town where many day tours to Hermanus begin. Head east along the coast from Hermanus and you'll find Gansbaai, a popular fishing town best known for its large population of great white sharks.Activities
Hermanus is an outdoor enthusiast's wonderland, offering everything from scuba diving to kayaking to surfing. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even go cage diving with great white sharks. Hermanus has a number of annual festivals that bring in spectators from around the world, including the Hawston Sea Festival in December where you can try delicious, fresh caught, seafood. There is also the annual Whale Festival in September to celebrate the migration of the Southern Right Whales coming to the area and the annual Flower Festival in August that has stunning showcases of local flora and fauna.Food and Dining
As Hermanus is situated on the ocean, expect to find mostly seafood restaurants in the area that serve some of the freshest seafood you'll ever try. There are various cuisines in the area, including African, Italian, and even Thai. You'll find that the types of restaurants range from upscale bistros to more relaxed establishments with patio seating. No matter where you dine, be sure to try some of the local wine from the Western Cape area which is known for their delicious wines.Transportation
To get to Hermanus, fly into Cape Town then you can either rent a car and drive in or get a taxi at the airport. Some hotels and hostels offer a shuttle service which you can arrange to pick you up at the airport. Most of Hermanus can be explored on foot, with the option of a taxi service available to take you to areas further away. For those staying outside of Hermanus, there are many day trips that offer guided tours of the village and surrounding area.Related:
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