Beach & Coast in South Africa
Whales from the cliff path
Hermanus is a pretty seaside town on the Walker Bay coast, about 90 minutes from Cape Town, and the best place in the world to watch whales from land. From June to November, southern right whales come into the bay to calve, and they swim so close to the cliffs that you can see them from the town's cliff path, a trail of 12 kilometres along the shore.
The town has a whale crier who blows a kelp horn to announce sightings, a historic old harbour, good restaurants, and the wine valley of Hemel-en-Aarde next door. Nearby are Gansbaai, famous for great white shark cage diving, and the beautiful Cape Agulhas, Africa's southernmost point.
The southern right whales are the star, with several hundred visiting the bay each year to mate and calve. Humpback and Bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals and African penguins are also seen offshore. Gansbaai and Dyer Island have great white sharks and a large seal colony.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A rocky coast and a wide bay under steep mountains, with fynbos on the slopes and vineyards in the valley.
Activities here
Hermanus has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers (days of 24°C to 27°C) and cool, wet winters (days of 17°C to 19°C). The whale season coincides with winter and spring.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25 | 15 | 15 |
| Feb | 25 | 15 | 15 |
| Mar | 24 | 14 | 20 |
| Apr | 22 | 12 | 40 |
| May | 20 | 10 | 60 |
| Jun | 18 | 9 | 75 |
| Jul | 18 | 8 | 70 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 65 |
| Sep | 19 | 9 | 45 |
| Oct | 21 | 11 | 35 |
| Nov | 22 | 12 | 25 |
| Dec | 24 | 14 | 15 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
December to March is dry and sunny, ideal for beaches, hiking and the wine valley.
May to August is wet and cool, with storms and clear days between fronts. The whales still come into the bay, and the town is quiet.
September and October are the best months for whales, with the highest numbers and the best weather. The season runs from June to November.
Best time to visit Jul to Oct
Hermanus is about 120 kilometres from Cape Town, a drive of an hour and a half. The road passes through the coastal route via Gordon’s Bay and Kogel Bay, one of the finest drives in South Africa.
Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
Hermanus is malaria-free. The sea is cold, so swim only at lifeguard-patrolled beaches.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
Time a stay here for September or October if whales are your priority, and ask for a sea-view room.
Safaris from
US$5,734 per person
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