Western Cape, south coast, Overberg · South Africa
The world's best land-based whale watching, on a cliff path above a bay filled with southern right whales, with great white sharks, penguins and the southern tip of Africa within reach.
Photo: Josep M. Gracia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Hermanus, a seaside town on Walker Bay, about 120 km east of Cape Town, is regarded as one of the best places in the world to see whales from land. From about June to November, southern right whales come into the shallow waters of the bay to mate and give birth, and they can be seen just a few metres from the rocks along a 12-km cliff path that runs along the shore. Whale watching is at its best in September and October.
The town has a long tradition of whale-watching. A 'whale crier', dressed in traditional costume, blows a kelp horn to tell visitors where whales have been sighted, and each September the town holds a Whale Festival. Away from the sea, Hermanus has a pleasant old harbour, craft shops and restaurants, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a cool-climate wine region known for pinot noir and chardonnay, is close by.
The wider Overberg region has more to offer. Gansbaai, the great white shark capital of the world, offers shark-cage diving, Cape Agulhas marks the southernmost tip of Africa, De Hoop Nature Reserve has dunes and whales, and Betty's Bay has a colony of African penguins. It makes a good weekend from Cape Town, or a stop on the way to the Garden Route.
Why visit
Hermanus offers easy, close whale watching, and a coast full of wildlife.
Southern right whales close to the cliff path, from June to November.
Shark-cage diving at Gansbaai, and seals and dolphins.
Cape Agulhas, where two oceans meet.
Pinot noir and chardonnay in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
About 1.5 hours by road.
Main attractions
Hermanus is compact, and the surrounding region has several excursions.
A 12-km walking path along the sea cliffs, with viewing platforms where whales can be seen very close to shore, plus rock pools and fynbos.
Tip Walk between the Old Harbour and Grotto Beach.
Sandy beaches on Walker Bay, backed by mountains, good for walks and views of the whales.
Tip Swim at Grotto Beach in summer.
A small historic harbour with a museum, and the whale crier, who announces sightings with a kelp horn.
Tip Listen for the horn.
A fishing town about 40 km east, where boats take visitors to see great white sharks from cages or from the deck. It is a controversial activity, and operators differ.
Tip Choose a responsible operator.
The southernmost tip of Africa, marked by a plaque, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, with a historic lighthouse.
Tip A long day trip.
A cool-climate wine valley near Hermanus, producing some of South Africa's best pinot noir and chardonnay.
Tip Book tastings.
Things to do
Whales, walks and wine make up the days.
Look for whales from the rocks.
Tip Go in September or October.
Licensed boats go out from the harbour, and stay a respectful distance.
Tip Book in advance.
From Gansbaai.
Tip Book in advance.
A colony at Betty's Bay, between Cape Town and Hermanus.
Tip A short stop.
Visit estates in the valley.
Tip Hire a driver.
A September festival with music and food.
Tip Book accommodation ahead.
Local food
Hermanus's food is seafood and local produce, with wine to match.
Fish, calamari, crayfish and abalone.
Where to try it Restaurants at the harbour.
Cool-climate wines from Hemel-en-Aarde.
Where to try it Wine estates.
A local favourite.
Where to try it Old Harbour.
Homemade treats.
Where to try it Farm stalls.
Local brews.
Where to try it Pubs.
Accommodation
Stay in Hermanus or at a wine estate nearby.
Transport
Hermanus is about 120 km from Cape Town.
The town is walkable, and a car is best for the wider area.
When to go
Hermanus has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and dry summers.
Peak whale season, with wildflowers.
Warm and dry, but no whales.
Warm and calm.
Whales arrive, with cool, wet weather.
Worth planning around: Whale watching outside June to November.
Itinerary
Whales, sharks and wine.
The cliff path.
A day out.
Travel tips
A few tips help you see the whales.
FAQ
June to November, with September and October the peak.
No. Whales can be seen from the cliff path.
About 120 km, or 1.5 hours.
Yes, though a night lets you enjoy the evening.
Operators follow safety rules, but it is a controversial activity, so choose carefully.
Gansbaai, Cape Agulhas, De Hoop and the Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Hermanus, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Western Cape, south-west coast, South Africa
One of the world's most beautiful cities: Table Mountain, the Waterfront, Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula's penguins and Cape Point, Kirstenbosch, Bo-Kaap and a superb food scene.
Don't miss The top of Table Mountain on a clear day, looking over the city, the bay and the Atlantic coast at your feet.
Explore Destination — Cape TownWestern Cape, east of Cape Town, South Africa
The heart of South African wine: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Constantia, with historic estates, Cape Dutch architecture, food, art and superb scenery.
Don't miss A long lunch on a wine estate terrace, with a chilled chenin blanc and vineyards stretching to the mountains.
Explore Destination — The Cape WinelandsWestern and Eastern Cape, south coast, South Africa
A scenic coastal drive from Mossel Bay to Tsitsikamma, with Knysna's lagoon, Plettenberg Bay's beaches, ancient forests, the Storms River suspension bridge and the ostrich country of Oudtshoorn.
Don't miss The sea-carved cliffs and forest of Tsitsikamma, from the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth.
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