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Hermanus is a town that lies along Walker Bay on the south coast of South Africa’s Western Cape. It is situated 115km from Cape Town and is famous for being one of the highlights for Garden Route tourists leaving from Cape Town, with Hermanus having gained the title of being the world’s best land-based whale-watching location. Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Many other whale species can also be seenWhales were once hunted locally, but are now strictly protected. The whale has even changed South Africa’s “the Big Five” to the “the Big Six” because of its popularity and regularity of being spotted in the area. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route, alerting tourists and the locals to their presence.

Hermanus plays host to the Whale Festival at the end of September each year. It has become a big feature on the town’s event calendar with visitors from far and near attending. Although the town is cosmopolitan, it has still retained much of its fisherman’s village heritage. This can be seen though the various craft markets and the original town harbour where they restore old boats. Several exhibitions which explain the whaling history of Hermanus can be viewed at the well-known Old Harbour Museum. The town also boasts an historic railway station worth seeing.

Hermanus has many other activities to keep tourists entertained. Whether you are wild at heart or prefer life at a slower pace, Hermanus has something for you. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers spectacular walks among the fynbos. There are a range of golf courses in the area, many shops and many stunning white sand beaches to relax at. If you enjoy the rush of adrenaline pumping through your body, there are sea or lagoon kayaking trips, paragliding and shark cage diving.

Hermanus has many types of accommodation due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Those on offer include guest houses, bed and breakfasts, hotels, self-catering, and guest lodges.