If you’re looking for ideas for how to spend a day in Hermanus, look no further. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including a stroll on One Marine Drive, whale watching, and a visit to a winery. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve
In the Kleinrivier Mountains, above Hermanus, is the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. This reserve is over 1,800 hectares in size and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842 metres. It is an ideal place for hiking and cycling.
Visitors can hike or take a guided nature walk in the reserve. There are numerous trails ranging in difficulty. There are also plenty of picnic spots along the way. The reserve is free to enter and welcomes donations. You can also view a wildflower show.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is home to over 1300 different plant species. There are several trails leading to viewpoints, waterfalls, and a galpin mountain hut. There are also several endemic plant species that are native to the region.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is located on the Garden Route about five to ten minutes’ drive north of Hermanus and one hour and 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The reserve is open to the public and has an excellent Visitor Centre. The gardens feature many specimens of plants that can be found nowhere else in the world. The Fernkloof is free to visit, but donations are appreciated.
Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or a scenic drive, you’ll be able to find a trail to suit your physical capabilities and interests. Fernkloof’s trails stretch across a large portion of the northern side of Hermanus and offer unparalleled views. The trails are well maintained and offer a scenic route. The longest of these trails, the Hermanus Cycle Track, is about 15.6 kilometres in length.
Take a whale-watching boat tour from Hermanus
Hermanus is a great location to take a whale-watching boat tour. These trips feature professional guides who are knowledgeable about the area’s marine life. Along with whales, you might also spot dolphins and seals. It is always a good idea to bring a life jacket as you might encounter a shark.
You can also spend some time watching dolphins and seals from the beach. These sea creatures frequent the area during the migration season. The shores of Hermanus are also the home to the famous Southern Right Whales. If you’d like to see these magnificent mammals up close, take a boat tour to Hermanus, South Africa. The town is just 1.5 hours away from Cape Town’s city centre.
Hermanus is one of the world’s top whale-watching locations, according to the World Wildlife Fund. There are tours that take you to see whales in the wild at various times of the year, although the best time to watch Southern Right whales here is from June to December, when large numbers of these magnificent mammals congregate.
If you’re in town during the whale migration, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Some whale-watching boats are limited in size, but you’ll enjoy the view from the boat’s upper deck. You can book these tours for as little as R800 per person. While you’re here, you might want to check out the whale museum, where you can learn about these wonderful creatures.
Enjoy a stroll along One Marine Drive
While spending 1 day in Hermanus, you should consider visiting the local art galleries. The town is home to many galleries that feature contemporary and modern art. Some must-sees include the Abalone Art Gallery, Walker Bay Art Gallery, Rossouw Modern Art Gallery, Old Harbour Gallery, and Lembu Studio and Gallery. Hermanus is also home to a number of acclaimed African ceramists. You should also pay a visit to the famous Hemingway’s Bookshop, which specializes in Africana, antiquququququaria, and rare books.
Hermanus has many things to do, including whale-watching, nature, and wine. There’s also a vibrant art scene and plenty of boutique shopping. And if you’re a history buff, you can visit the Old Harbour Museum. It’s located in the town centre, and offers a free audio-visual presentation every day. It’s also home to the sepia-coloured photographic exhibition, which will transport you back to the old fishing village.
Hermanus is also a popular spot for land-based whale watching. Whales migrate along the coastline of South Africa between July and November. If you’re staying in Hermanus during these months, you can take whale-watching boat tours and get close to these gentle giants. Hermanus is also known for its annual Whale Festival, which takes place during the peak whale-watching season in September. It’s a great way to celebrate the whales and enjoy street food.
The town itself is an easy walk away from Birkenhead House, and the town is home to many upmarket shops and restaurants. The town was once a small fishing village, and it has since grown into a thriving tourist hub.
Visit a winery
There are many reasons to visit a winery in Hermanus. The town is an attractive place with a beautiful sea view, and a wine route runs along a scenic route. The Hermanus wine route features highly individual wines produced from grapes grown in soils that complement the terroir. The goal of each winery is to capture the personality of the vineyard in its wine. The wine route is popular among wine enthusiasts and wine tourists.
The wine route can be explored anytime of the year, but between September and April is considered the most picturesque. At the Hermanus Wine Village, you’ll find more than 600 South African winemakers and over 1600 labels. The Hermanus wine route also includes local artist studios and a scenic coastline. From June to December, you can also go whale watching.
While you’re in Hermanus, don’t miss the famous Cape wines. There are more than a dozen top-rated vineyards to choose from. Hermanuspietersfontein, Bouchard Finlayson, and Creation Wines are some of the top names.
See African penguins
The African penguins are the largest population of penguins in the world, and their striking black and white colours provide them with vital camouflage. These beautiful creatures are rare and endangered, and the money generated by tourists is crucial for their conservation. They are known to be tame and aren’t afraid of people, but you should be sure to avoid touching them. You should also be aware that they have their own areas where they can bask in the sun without getting disturbed. As a result, several nature reserves have been set up in South Africa to protect them. One of the most important of these is Dyer Island.
Depending on the time of year, there are several ways to spend one day in Hermanus. One option is to book a self-drive tour that includes a whale watching trip. This tour will take you on a two to three hour trip. You can also book a private tour to Betty’s Bay to see African penguins.
If you have a little time, you can also visit the Boulders Penguin Colony. The Boulders Penguin Colony is home to over 1,500 African penguins. The best time to visit this colony is early morning or late evening.