Location

Hermanus is situated approximately 120 km from Cape Town in South Africa along the scenic Cape Whale Coast Route at the start of the Garden Route. It is recognized as the best land based whale watching site in the world – between 60 and 100 Southern Right Whales visit Walker Bay from July through December every year and often come within five to ten metres of the coast. The area around Hermanus has wonderful beaches – Grotto, Voelklip, Kammabaai, Sandbaai and Onrus beaches all offer either swimming, surfing, snorkelling or beautiful little rock pools.

The mountains surrounding Hermanus are home to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve with some 40 km of graded footpaths enriched with fynbos. Avid golfers will enjoy the Hermanus Golf club, the world class Arabella golf course and the courses available in Kleinmond and Kleinbaai. Hermanus has attracted a number of established artists and local galleries are well worth a visit and the Hemel-en-Aarde (heaven and earth) valley, nestling just behind the mountains framing the town, is home to some of the fastest growing young wine farms in South Africa.

From Cape Town International Airport, follow the N2 (east) in the direction of Somerset West. Proceed along the N2 all the way over Sir Lowry’s Pass, through the Elgin/Grabouw area and down Houwhoek Pass.

At the bottom of Houwhoek Pass you will encounter the Hermanus / Botriver / R43 turnoff to the left. Take this turnoff and continue along the R43 all the way to Hermanus.

When entering Hermanus, from the Cape Town side continue along the main road past the Pick ’n Pay on your left, past the 3-phase traffic lights, keep left, continue until you see the Marine Hotel on your right hand side. Turn left at the traffic circle and left into the Checkers Centre. You will see the hotel as you park.