Hermanus & Route 62

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.

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Overview

Klipgat cave, de Kelders near HermanusIf you think the only giants in South Africa are roaming the savanna, think again. Hermanus offers the world’s 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 – 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 – from land and by boat – are a daily occurrence.

But Hermanus isn’t just a whale-watching capital – it’s 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

Fynbos & Walker Bay, HermanusTravel a little further, and you’ll 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 world’s 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 let’s make your Cape adventure a reality!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Route 62 sceneryWhen 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 it’s easy to combine the two by β€˜β€™crossing over’’ via Swellendam or the Tradouw Pass a little further on.

Why We Love It

Where to go in Hermanus & Route 62

On The Map

When to visit Hermanus & Route 62

Summer Beaches

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.
AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 34 mm
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 63 ℉
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Great for Hiking

Autumn is a lovely time of year on the South Coast. Though it is cooler, it’s a great time to be active as the sun is not so strong.
AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 58 mm
MAX TEMP 22.5 ℃ / 72 ℉
MIN TEMP 12 ℃ / 54 ℉
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Winter

This is our β€œwinter” and yes it does feel wintery. But it’s 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.
AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 52 mm
MAX TEMP 19 ℃ / 66 ℉
MIN TEMP 8 ℃ / 46 ℉
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Spring fynbos

The spring is one of the best times to visit, as it is both whale-watching season. And the fynbos, the Cape’s 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.
AVG MONTHLY RAINFALL 49 mm
MAX TEMP 22 ℃ / 72 ℉
MIN TEMP 12 ℃ / 54 ℉
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Nita Kemp

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Nita , I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH