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Hermanus is well known as being the best land based whale watching site in the world. The whale season is from June to December and you are almost guaranteed to see whales during this time. If you do not have accommodation with a sea view the whales are best spotted from the cliff top paths which stretch the length of the Hermanus and provide excellent views of the bay.
While whale watching in Hermanus, you are most likely to spot the Southern Right Whale. This is because the warm shallow waters of the Hermanus bay provide the perfect accommodation for the whales to mate and calf their young. They are not the only whales to visit Hermanus however and there is also a good chance of seeing both Humpbacks and Brydes.
Hermanus also boasts the only official whale crier in the world. He announces the presence of whales in the bay by blowing on his unique kelp horn. He is also an expert on both Hermanus and the whales and is always eager to accommodate visitor’s questions.
Every September, in the height of the whale season, Hermanus hosts a whale festival. It is the only enviro-arts festival in the country fusing together environmental issues and conservation with arts and culture. It is advisable to plan visits during the festival in advance as hermanus accommodation becomes booked up very quickly. .
Hermanus is the only town in the country to boast a railway station but no railway lines. This is because Hermanus was a favorite holiday destination of Sir William Hoy, the general manager of South African railways. He overruled the plans to build the railway to Hermanus as he did not want to ruin the tranquility of the charming village. The old station building is now the headquarters of the Hermanus tourism office providing visitors with information on events and accommodation in Hermanus.
Hermanus is famous for its ‘champagne air’ which was believed to have healing powers. In the 1900s doctors in Harley Street, London would often prescribe a visit to Hermanus to rejuvenate ailing patients. It became so popular that large sanatoriums had to be built in Hermanus to provide accommodation to the sickly visitors.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus contains over 1400 different species of plants within its 1800 ha area. This makes Hermanus the most biodiverse area in the world. Outdoors enthusiasts can stay overnight in the reserve. The botanical society provides accommodation in the form of Galpin Hut which is which is on top of Galpinkop, a two hour hike into the reserve.
In addition to being a top whale watching site Hermanus also has a healthy population of baboons. They are mostly found in the nature reserve but they can also be spotted near town and on the golf course. While they can be a great source of amusement remember that it is illegal to feed them and always make sure that your accommodation is baboon proof. Never leave food lying unattended outside and always check that all doors and windows are closed when you go out.
Keen on this activity? Book your Hermanus
accommodation with Villa Blu and be sure to
pay the beaches of Hermanus a visit.
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