Hermanus and Route 62 boasts some of the finest whale-watching in the world, wine, walking and spectacular coastal scenery close to Cape Town. Whilst inland Route 62 offers a great road trip experience via wine estates, charming country villages and mountain passes.
If you think the only giants in South Africa are roaming the savanna, think again. Hermanus offers the worldβs best land-based whale watching, dramatic coastal drives, and more than a splash of good wine. Why race from Cape Town to the Garden Route when you could meander through rolling green pastures, charming fishing villages, and picturesque vineyards offering wine-tastings.
Hermanus β Whales, Wine and Winding coastal paths
Whales can be spotted between July and December (peaking between August and October). The whales come right into the bays to give birth. During peak season enthralling sightings β from land and by boat β are a daily occurrence.
But Hermanus isnβt just a whale-watching capital β itβs also a playground for foodies, wine-lovers, and beach-goers. Hike in the fynbos on the Fernkloof walking trails, laze on golden beaches, or get your heart pounding with shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai (for the brave-hearted only). Go enjoy a scenic drive of wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley.
Arniston & De Hoop
Travel a little further, and youβll find the delightful fishing village of Arniston with it warm, sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Visit the cave at Waenhuiskrans or the southern-most tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Alternatively you can stay in wild beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Swellendam & Route 62
Inland of the Cape Whale coast lies the picturesque town of Swellendam. Known for its majestic oak trees, lovely gardens and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture.
Nearby Route 62 is the worldβs longest wine route and offers a scenic alternative to the rush of the N2 highway. It meanders past the charming towns of Robertson, Swellendam and Montagu. And then on to the dramatic rugged mountain passes of the Little Karoo.
Dreaming of whale watching, wine tasting, or simply relaxing in nature? Contact us today and letβs make your Cape adventure a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the best time for whale watching in Hermanus?
The prime time for whale-watching is between July and December, (peaking between August and October). The whales come right into the bays to give birth. You are likely to see spectacular breaches and other acrobatics of these gentle giants.
Β Where is the Route 62 in South Africa?
The Route 62 is the scenic inland road between the Winelands to the west and the Little Karoo to the east. It makes a charming alternative to the slightly quicker but less scenic N2 highway. However itβs easy to combine the two by ββcrossing overββ via Swellendam or the Tradouw Pass a little further on.
Why We Love It
Spectacular whale-watching from land, sea or air
Wine-tasting at Hermanus or along Route 62
Secluded sandy beaches at Hermanus, Arniston or De Hoop
Shark-cage diving
Visit the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas
Walk along the coastal trail at Hermanus
Boat cruises to see the Cape Fur Seals and Great White sharks
Visit the Botanical centre at Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus
View the rare and endangered Bontebok at the Bontebok National Park on Route 62
Hermanus shares the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town and the Winelands. But the Southern Coast generally has a slightly more temperate climate with more variable weather. However inland, around Swellendam and the Route 62 the weather is consistently sunny, hot and dry.
This is our βwinterβ and yes it does feel wintery. But itβs a gentle winter. You may have rain, but it rains only 2-3 days every 2 weeks. July sees the start of the whale-viewing season along the coast with whales sighted frequently from July to November.
The spring is one of the best times to visit, as it is both whale-watching season. And the fynbos, the Capeβs unique flowery vegetation, is in full bloom in the late spring months of September and October. As elsewhere in the world, spring is variable. It could be sunny and warm. Or there could be late-season passing showers.