These mammals are known to swim fairly close to the shoreline, but for first-timers they may be a bit difficult to spot. Here are a few tell-tale signs and hints to look out for when enjoying whale watching:

• Southern Right Whales are distinguishable by the white calluses which are spread across their heads; along the mouth and above the eyes. This distinctive characteristic will aid your whale watching activities as it is easier to spot white patches on the surface of the water.
• Another curious characteristic of these whales is their ability to torpedo into the air using the sheer force of their bodies and tails. This is called ‘breaching’ and is a magnificent sight to behold.
• A little known fact about Southern Right Whales is their susceptibility to sunburn. Their skins cannot tolerate the harsh sun as the rays cause lesions that can turn into a form of skin cancer. On account of this, these creatures only journey to Walker Bay during the winter months when the sun is much weaker. Whale watching may be preferable on hot days, but the likelihood of seeing them is rare, so it is advisable to look out for them on cooler, cloudier days.

Learn to appreciate these exquisite mammals with an excursion to the rugged shores of Hermanus. Reside in delightful Hermanus accommodation to enjoy a peaceful respite, immersed in nature.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimscarff/5989013820/

Established in 2006, the number of vendors at the market increase very drastically every few weeks, all of whom sell the most delicious, wholesome foods to tantalise the taste buds.  Every trader at the market comes from the local community, making it a truly home-grown affair. The basis of the market is not only to give locals a chance to sell their wares on a bigger platform, but the intention is also to run the market as energy efficiently as possible, creating an awareness of the current global environmental crisis, all the while allowing patrons to see just how much fun low energy consumption can be.

The market does not just sell eatable goods, however. Arts and crafts supplies are classes are always on offer, affording patrons the chance to look through some of the most beautiful hand-painted pictures, pots and fabrics. Home-made clothing, knits and woven delights all make for a truly wonderful, homely feeling. The atmosphere at the market is always a relaxed one, as it is geared towards families with children of all ages. There are, obviously, numerous activities to occupy the younger generations with, including games, crafts classes and cupcake decorating.

Hermanus Country Mar ket also provides work to people who would ordinarily have none. For example, car guards and musicians are employed by the market to make sure that everyone’s property is kept safe while they test out their dancing shoes! A truly wonderful experience, and all for a good cause, Hermanus Country Market is definitely not to be missed!

The town got its name after a ship that wrecked on its shores in 1815. It was previously named “Waenhuiskrans”, the direct translation of which is “wagon house cliff.” The entire town of Arniston has been declared a national monument, with the well-preserved original architecture being one of the characteristics that make the town unique.

Another popular coastal town is Hermanus, which is famed for its annual festival which celebrates the Southern Right Whales swimming in the Indian Ocean just off its coast. The best way to immerse yourself in the whale-inspired festivities is to stay in a Hermanus bed and breakfast and explore the town in detail.

With little markets, restaurants and shops drawing tourists, the Whale Festival has fast become one of the biggest annual events in the country. Hermanus bed and breakfast guest houses and hotels have grown in numbers over the years, opening the town up to a boom of economic growth and high levels of job creation.

The little town of Touwsrivier came to be because of the railway system put in place by the Cape’s former Prime Minister, John Molteno. The railway was created so that there could be a way to transport diamonds from the Northern Province town of Kimberley to Cape Town. These days, however, it is home to more than just a railway stop.

The quiet town is situated a little while away from a river of the same name. School camps are often held on the river banks and the town is used as a refuge for people looking for a retreat from the busy life of the city. Guest houses, cottages and dainty little shops line the streets of this ideal small-town getaway.

Small towns have never really been anyone’s first choice of place to spend a few days. Generally, most of us think all we’ll find there is a farm stall, some chickens and five or six locals. This may be true for some tiny settlements, but it is certainly not so for Hermanus. Known famously for its annual Whale Festival, the little town just outside of Cape Town is a vibrant one, filled with activities to entertain people from all walks of life.

Southern Right Whales love the warm waters of Hermanus and are sure to swim through them along their annual migration journey – each whale has a lifespan of between 90 and 100 years. That’s many trips to Hermanus! During the last six months of the year, whale spotting becomes more and more frequent, with the peak season being around September and October, during which Hermanus has its Whale Festival.

Interesting to note is the fact that the bigger of the whales that can be seen in Hermanus’ bays are the female ones – at birth, these giants measure approximately six metres long, with the males growing up to 15 metres, and the females up to 16.5 metres. Knowing that they have an audience on the shore, the Goliaths of the sea are often more than happy to put on a show, breaching (leaping out of the water), lobtailing (crashing its tail into the water, creating a supersonic boom) and spyhopping (lifting its head above the water), much to the delight of thousands of onlookers.

Southern Right calves are born tail first, easily adjusting to life outside of their mothers’ wombs, acquiring full swimming ability just 30 minutes after birth. They then go on to enjoying long and prosperous lives on a diet of plankton and the occasional crustacean, hundreds and thousands of which must be ingested each day to keep a mammal of this size healthy.

Every year, the Whale Festival brings thousands of tourists to Hermanus, each one determined to catch a glimpse of these friendly giants. The whole town comes alive with the excitement of having so many visitors – of both the human and whale varieties. Tourists fill up every restaurant, Hermanus bed and breakfasts and ice cream shop in Hermanus, making sure they take full advantage of the getaway opportunities that the town presents, and ensuring that every minute of their stay is worthwhile.

Reaching an altitude of 842m above sea level, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve was established in 1957 by the Provincial Council of the Cape with the aim of protecting coastal fynbos and the encompassed patch of evergreen forest. Famous and unique for being the only place on earth where so many different species of flora are found living in such close proximity, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve has become a household name amongst botanists and scientists visiting and residing in South Africa.

In fact, 1474 different species have been collected and identified in the reserve. Fynbos is the most common vegetation however and is uniquely found in the Western Cape. Fynbos plants are woody, leathery and firm, unlike any other flora in the world; capturing the imaginations and interest of hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the region, transporting them into a different world which overlooks the warm and beautiful Indian Ocean.

Visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of wildlife that is indigenous to the Cape, including the Grey Rhebok, Cape Grysbok, Klipspringer, Baboon, Dassie and Mongoose. If they’re luckier enough, they might also spot porcupine, a Genet or even a wild hare. Avid birdwatchers can look forward to sighting and naming some of the 92 bird species in the reserve. If you climb high enough into the mountains and obtain a good sea view, you might even be able to whale watch.

While there is so much to do and see in Hermanus, visiting the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a truly unique experience that is unmatched by any other. Highly recommended to both day trippers and those staying in Hermanus accommodation, this nature reserve provides guests with the opportunity to be one with nature, experience its diversity and uniqueness, and indulge in fresh air, peace and quiet and the great open outdoors.

The town of Hermanus is located a mere 140 kilometres from the city of Cape Town and is a favourite holiday retreat for many South Africans. Hermanus accommodation is extremely popular and the town is one of South Africa’s favourite holiday retreats. Rich in an interesting history, this area is an absolute South African gem loved since the 1800’s.

Hermanus’ history started back in the early 1800’s when a man with the name of Hermanus Pieters followed an elephant trail leading through the popular Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the sea. Hermanus Pieters, who was a shepherd and a teacher, then found a spring just to the west of the Mossel River farm; this spring he realised was the perfect spot to let his sheep graze during summer. After his discovery he quickly spread the word across the district and soon everyone was using the spring; after this the spring became known as Hermanuspietersfontein.

Later Hermanuspietersfontein was shortened to Hermanus when the town received municipal status in 1904. The first school, St Peter’s Mission School, was built in 1868 and was built attached to the St Peter’s Church. It is believed that the farmer found Hermanus, but it was the fisherman who settled there and made it their home. With plenty of fish to catch, sell and live off, the village attracted more and more families. By the 1900’s word had spread and Hermanus became known as the town with excellent fishing ground and one with beauty where the air was considered to be “healing”. It became fashionable for doctors in London’s Harley Street to prescribe visits to Hermanus’ “champagne air” to their patients as the air was considered therapeutic.

Sir William Hoy, General Manager of the Railways, was a regular visitor to the town and ensured that the beautiful Hermanus was kept unspoilt – he blocked any attempt to extend the Bot River railway line to the village. At Hermanus’ station Hoy’s legacy lives on as there are still no lines or trains; and the hill that lies in the middle of the village became known as Hoy’s Koppie – this is where Hoy and his wife are buried until this day.

Hermanus has always succeeded in holding its fishing village charm and since 1992 became known as the most land based whale watching spot in the world. A town so wonderful you can stay there forever, Hermanus has many luxurious guesthouses and great hotels for you to stay in. Hermanus accommodation offers you the perfect starting point to enjoy the most magnificent holiday.

Just an hour and a half on the east coastal road out of Cape Town lies the tranquil seaside town of Hermanus. Famous for being South Africa’s most popular whale watching town, this gentle town is the perfect getaway escape for a local and a truly enchanting destination for a tourist visiting the Western Cape.

Villa Blu is a quaint B&B guest house in Hermanus, offering truly idyllic views, accommodation and hospitality. While the town centre of Hermanus offers vibrancy and summer holiday excitement, Villa Blu is just a few minutes out of town, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing environment in which they can kick their feet up.

Run by Tino and Riana, Villa Blu has a range of B&B accommodation. Decorated with earth tones and relaxing shades of blue, many guests find themselves automatically unwinding while arriving at their accommodation.  Each suite also has its very own private patio with a view of the pool, garden or sea, while each room is decorated with the sole purpose of being a comfort to their guests. Each room is also equipped with a bag of beach towels for the guests to conveniently take with them to Grotto – a blue flag beach just a few minutes’ walk away.

Villa Blu’s secret, however, is that their guests have exclusive access to the world’s best whale viewing deck. With 360 degree views that stretch outwards into the Indian Ocean, the Hermanus lagoon and the bay’s beaches. Here, guests can relax on a deck chair and enjoy the panoramic views which surround them, while enjoying the fresh air and a gentle sea breeze.

Although you’ll find it quite hard to tear yourself away from the tranquil environment of the Villa Blue guest house, Hermanus offers a relaxing and fun day out. Here, you’ll be able to wonder through an arts and crafts market, enjoy local cuisine and wines at a number of restaurants and cafes, and can browse through the town’s boutiques and shops.

For the adventurous, there are also several exciting outdoor activities to participate in. From lounging on a beach, hiking in the mountains, swimming and paddling in the lagoon, cycling, bird watching and playing golf, if you’re looking for an exciting pastime in the beautiful Hermanus outdoors, you’ll find it.
If you’ve been dreaming of a relaxing escape to the seaside, Villa Blu in Hermanus is the perfect place for you to visit. With affordable rates, idyllic accommodation and truly astounding views, you’ll find yourself unwinding and relaxing in a matter of hours.

From market places to whale watching there truly is something for everyone in Hermanus. Accommodation to suit every budget is widely available and the linear layout of the town means you don’t need to spend a lot of money to be near the beach. Even the most modest guest house in Hermanus will be within walking distance of the beach, the shops or even a popular hiking trail.

Accommodation in the town centre consists for the most part of privately owned bed and breakfasts or self- catering accommodation. If you have chosen a small guest house in Hermanus then the proprietors should be able to point you in the direction of activities that will suit you. Lying on the beach all day is good for some, but many of us would like some more adventure and for those there are many exciting activities in Hermanus. Accommodation owners will be able to provide hiking routes or at least tell you where you will be able to get one. The walks around Hermanus are second to none. The most well-known and well-trodden is perhaps the cliff path that stretches from the new harbour in Westcliff to Grotto beach; 10 km’s in length it is the ideal spot for whale watching during the season.

Whale watching can be an incredibly serene and humbling experience and if you’re in the Western Cape during the months from August to November then it is well worth spending a few nights at one of the wonderful guest houses in Hermanus. Most accommodation in Hermanus offers views of the sea and if they are close enough to the ocean they will more often than not have a whale watching deck. Due to the topography of Hermanus these decks will often provide fantastic panoramic views of both the mountain and the sea. A small detail like this that can be the pivot on which you choose your Hermanus accommodation.

Hermanus is also home to the world’s only whale crier, who along with his kelp horn, alerts tourists and locals alike to the whereabouts of the whales during the whale season. The whale crier has been an establishment since 1992 and once travelled to the UK to take part in a celebration of town criers he also received the honour of leading the town criers parade through the main streets of Topsham.

Hermanus is a town with a lot to offer and is the perfect place for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or weekend with friends to let loose. The accommodation in Hermanus is always clean and comfortable even if you’re on a budget. Hermanus accommodation is varied and you will always find something to suit you, no matter who you’re with.

Ground floor

Ground floor with private patio onto garden