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Hermanus Info |
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Festivals in Hermanus Whale Festival
The Whale Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the magnificent Southern Right Whales that come to Walker Bay to calve and mate.
The festival offers a variety of eco-environmental activities; a children’s festival; an arts ramble that takes visitors to the studios and galleries of local artists and other live entertainment.
There is also plenty of action for the health-conscious with several sporting events, namely a half-marathon, fun cycle ride, soccer and golf day.
Contact the Whale Festival office for more information on 028-313 0928. Flower and Eco Fair
This spectacular fair takes place at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in September each year and provides nature lovers with a colourful and spectacular showcase of the local flora and crafts. Kalfiefees
Onrus plays host to the annual Hermanus Times Kalfiefees during August, which brings a cultural experience to the local community.
The mostly Afrikaans festival offers some of the best national and local theatre productions.
For more information call 028-3163748. Food & Wine Fair
The Hermanus Food & Wine Fair, which coincide with the Kalfiefees, has become an important event on the Western Cape wine industry.
Visitors can chase away the winter chills by sampling wine and other products from over 30 exhibitors. It includes some of the Cape’s top wine estates as well as producers of speciality foods and other delicacies. For more information call the Wine Village 028 3163988 Hawston Sea Festival
The festival is held annually at the beginning of December at the Hawston camping site next to the ocean.
Fresh crayfish, perlemoen, paella and snoek is available. There is entertainment for young and old and festival-goers can take a dip in the Olympic size swimming pool. Cantact Augusta at 072 533 7313. |
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Fernkloof nature reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those willing to put a little effort into their walking. Over 50km of hiking trails traverse the reserve, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley and Walker Bay.  For the less fit, the relatively flat cliff paths that trace the coastline of Hermanus from one end to the other afford enjoyment of rugged coastal scenery and some excellent whale watching.  Walking with some of the other Fernkloof residents The gardens in Fernkloof are an ideal place to have a picnic, take gentle walks, and learn about the traditional uses of some local plants in the herb garden. There is also a mountain biking trail. Coinciding with the Whale Festival (end September) is a wild flower show, a spectacular showcase of the bounty of spring. |
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Walker Bay is known for its strong currents, which can be treacherous to the unwary, especially at spring and neap tides. The major beaches have lifeguards at peak times but it is advisable never to swim alone.  Sea view from the cliffpath
Grotto beach is the longest in Hermanus. 12km of unspoilt beach from Klein River lagoon to De Kelders. Fishing, walking and horse riding. Blue flag beach.
 Sunrise on Grotto Beach
Voëlklip beach is about 1km closer to town and has terraced lawns.
Kammabaai (also known as Nanny’s Beach and Lover’s Cove) is just alongside Voelklip and is popular with surfers.
Langbaai is a secluded beach tucked away at the foot of the cliffs just off 6th Avenue.
The Marine Tidal Pool, otherwise known as Bientang se Baaigat, lies just below the Marine Hotel, and is a great place to swim or snorkel as it teems with marine life, including fairly large fish.
Sandbaai beach – to the west of Hermanus lies Sandbaai, with several little coves are particularly popular at low tide when swimming is safe. The beach is dotted with delightful rock pools full of marine creatures. It is also popular for snorkelling.
 Sunset on Sandbaai Beach
Onrus is the beach of choice for both body-boarders and surfers. Onrus beach is very popular but can be treacherous, with strong currents. Fortunatley children can swim in the Onrus River lagoon, which empties into the sea on the western side of the beach. Davies’ Pool in the Onrus River camp is open to campers and the public, and is unique because it is entirely ‘natural’. The pool is a clear area encircled by low rocks, whole completely open to the sea it remains calm and safe for swimming.
A meandering path between Sandbaai and Onrus River beach takes one past secluded coves and over rocky ledges. It should take around half and hour.
Vermont – Brekvis Bay at Vermont lies at the boundary of the Vermont Nature Reserve and provides a perfect setting for picnicking and paddling. Flanked by high dunes, the beach is sheltered and has the freshness of unspoilt beauty. |
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Hermanus finds itself cradled in Walker Bay, a large inlet stretching from Danger Point (Gansbaai) in the east to Mudge Point (Betty’s Bay) in the west. On a narrow coastal strip between mountain and sea lie the eight diverse communities of Greater Hermanus (Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont, Onrus, Sandbaai, Zwelihle, Hermanus and Voëlklip).  View of Hermanus from Rotary Way In addition to spectacular natural beauty and the best whale watching in the world, Hermanus and surrounds literally bristles with shops, restaurants and accommodation establishments. Its two harbours (historical & fishing), pristine beaches, cliff paths and nature reserve mean there is always ample to keep even the most demanding visitor busy. |
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