Hermanus - Garden Route South Africa

Hermanus is a lovely little, rapidly growing town which forms the centre of the Whale Route. A bustling cheerful Whale Festival, celebrating these trusting gentle giants is held at the end of September in Hermanus each year.

Once hunted almost to extinction from the Hermanus harbour, they now loll around within a stone’s throw of the rocks where you can sit and commune with them for hours. The most common species arriving here to calve and mate, are the Southern Right Whales. They are amongst the biggest in the world, measuring 11-18 metres and weighing 30-80 tonnes. Don’t pass the quaint little Hermanus museum on the harbour’s edge - the whale song playing in the background comes live from underwater microphones in the bay. Accommodation in Hermanus is plentiful but gets quite booked up over public holidays and during festival time.

Accommodation

Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Drakensberg and Wild Coast regions.
Accommodation in Hermanus
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.
Hortensia Lodge
Idealy situated near the picturesque old harbour, Hortensia Lodge offers spacious comfortable accommodation. Set in a large garden with sparkling pool and panoramic mountain views with delightful guest lounge and separate dining room ensure privacy and comfort. German and French spoken.
House on Westcliff
Experience warm hospitality with Mira and Ray only meters away from the cliff path spotting whales and dolphins in the ocean. Enjoy the tranquil garden swim in the heated pool or enjoy the jacuzzi. Bedrooms have their own entrances. Bath room en-suite with heated bath towel rails. Perfect for golf and beaches
La Fontaine
Views, elegant luxury and gracious living near the edge of the sea. The sight and sound of waves and whales in season. Decorated colonial style, La Fonteine offers spacious bedrooms with all comforts including satellite TV, hairdryer heated towel rails mini bar and tea tray. Breakfast on the patio with views across the bay. The village of Hermanus makes a nice walk.