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Visit
Hermanus Cape Town for great whale viewing
Hermanus
Cape Town
Hermanus
is a coastal holiday and retirement village, situated against a
mountain
backdrop, on the Atlantic Ocean, 120kms from central Cape Town. It is a
popular centre in the scenic Overberg region. The town attracts
a
lot of interest because it is
renowned for offering some of the world's best close up whale
viewing from its cliffs and rugged
coastline.
Walker Bay
where Hermanus is
situated, attracts the Southern
Right whales
which frequent the area from June to November, and congregate between
August and October for mating and calving. Keen whale watchers are
alerted by a whale crier who patrols the coastal
streets, sounding his kelp horn when a whale is sighted.
Hermanus Cape Town
The
traditional Hermanus Whale Festival
takes place during September each year and is one of the high points on
the calendar. It is held to celebrate the return of the whales
to
the Bay and to herold the arrival of Spring. To gain an appreciation for the whaling history of
Hermanus, make a point of visiting the Old Harbour
Museum in Marine Drive, which mounts various interesting exhibitions.
The
town becomes a hive of
activity during this period and plays host to musicians and artists,
who combine their talents and skills, providing
entertainment to throngs of curious visitors. Hermanus is also famous
for its craft market, outstanding cuisine and range
of quality wines from local cellars.
Other popular Hermanus
festivals are: The Kalfiefees
and The Wine Village Food and Wine Faire.
Besides whale watching,
Hermanus has much to offer visitors to this part of the Overberg region. If you're a nature
lover for example than you'll appreciate a hike in the 2000
ha Fernkloof Nature Reserve which
extends along the Kleinrivier mountain range and backs the Walker Bay
cliff path. The reserve is
one of the six recognized
floral
Kingdoms of the world, containing around 1600 species of
Fynbos, as well as many varieties of birds, mammals and rodents. There
are clearly signposted hiking and mountain
bike trails through the reserve.
Hermanus
Cape Town
Numerous
activities
in the region include guided tours, sea cruises, diving, horse trails,
golf, 4x4
trails and various adventure excursions. More
information
The
beaches of Hermanus are characterised by white sand,
good swimming and surfing. Most provide basic facilities and are
suitable for families. The largest is Grotto Beach. Hermanus beaches
Hermanus Cape Town
Getting
there: The scenic coastal route. (busy at time of whale
festival) Take the N2 Motorway - or airport road
from Cape Town and drive out through Somerset West following the signs
to Gordons Bay. From there, follow
the R44 coastal road round the mountains to Pringle Bay and Kleinmond.
Alternatively,
take the N2 out past Somerset West over Sir Lowry's
Pass, through Grabouw and follow the R43 to
Hermanus. See you there!
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