Hermanus

With beaches and lagoons, restaurants and wine farms, holiday homes and general all-round beauty, Hermanus is one of the most vibrant holiday destinations in the country and is close enough to Cape Town to warrant a day trip.

Jewel of the Overberg and capital of the Cape Whale Coast Route, the greater Hermanus area stretches from Fisherhaven and Benguela Cove on the Bot River estuary, past the quaint villages of Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai, through to De Kelders, Gansbaai and Pearly Beach.

It is less than two hours’ drive from Cape Town via a scenic route through Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay, or the N2 highway. It is also only about an hour from Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

Originally called Hermanuspietersfontein, but shortened because the name was too long for the postal service (as well as anyone writing it out), Hermanus is most famous for the southern right whales which visit annually to calve in Walker Bay. Locals suggest that the best time to spot these giants from the coastline is from September to November. However, there’s even more to discover in the town and its surrounding areas.