Tour South Africa - Hermanus

The distance from Cape Town to Hermanus is 105 kilometres. This gorgeous seaside town has a proud history dating back to the early 1800's when a man by the name of Hermanus Pieters followed a path etched into the ground by a herd of elephants. He was a teacher and he travelled south of Caledon along the elephant trail and ended up next to the sea where he discovered a fresh spring. Hermanus Pieters decided to set up camps next to a spring with fine grazing for his livestock. This beautiful setting became known as Hermanuspietersfontein. As farmers begun to hear of his success they made their journeys to this new and fertile location. The fish was plentiful and the fishermen had great successes.

A church and school were built in 1886 at Hermanuspietersfontein. 1902 the postmaster's complained of the long name, Hermanuspietersfontein became Hermanus. The town was so filled with fresh sea air that it was common for doctors to recommend a trip to Hermanus for their patient's health.

Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. The average winter temperature is 14ºC with many sunny days and high winds at times. The average temperature in summer is 26ºC, dry and sunny, with extreme heat tempered by the sea breeze.

Hermanus is one of the best whale watching spots in South Africa, with its own Whale Crier - he announces the sighting of whales with a blow of his kelp horn, calling everyone in the town to come watch the whales. Most visitors come to visit Hermanus to see the Whales.

The Old Harbour Museum is a landmark of the town, which has an outside display of an old sea wall, old fishing boats and stone fishing huts. They display anything used for fishing in the early days. In the Hemel & Aarde Valley - outside Hermanus you can visit the Hermanus Wine Route. This area is fast making a name for itself for its magnificent Burgundy varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.