Hermanus
Hermanus lies along the shores of Walker Bay near the southernmost tip of Africa. With magnificent mountains as a backdrop, this picturesque seaside resort is known to be one of the premier land based whale-watching destinations in the world.
About Hermanus
A leading tourist destination year round, Hermanus has much to offer the tourist. From adrenaline junkies looking for the thrill of great white shark cage diving to nature lovers wishing to experience the magical Fernkloof Nature Reserve, part of our world-renowned fynbos floral kingdom.
Southern Right whales visit Hermanus annually between the months of July and December, coming within metres of the shoreline and entertaining visitors with their antics as they breach and play in the ocean. The Hermanus Whale Festival is held annually to welcome the whales.
Arniston
Named after the HMS Arniston, a British troop ship that sank in 1815 killing more than 300 on board, Arniston is a beautiful coastal fishing village with one of the longest beaches in Africa. Azure blue water, rocky coves and authentic fisherman cottages add to the magical beauty of this coastal jewel.
Baardskeerdersbos
A stone's throw from Franskraal and not to be missed is the enchanting hamlet of Baardskeerdersbos which is fast becoming a sought after haven for city slickers as a weekend getaway. Made up of a fascinating patchwork of rolling farmlands and small holdings with quaint homesteads, the hamlet has a fascinating history in terms of how it gained its name, which directly translated means Beard Shavers Bush!!! One can only deduce that it was so named after the fearsome looking but harmless spider the Jerrymanglum, known for its "hair cutting/shaving abilities".
Bredasdorp
A typical rural town with a large farming community known predominantly for farming with Merino sheep and wheat. Bredasdorp offers a fabulous day trip with several speciality shops with pottery, antiques and local delicacies on offer.
Not to be missed is the renowned Shipwreck Museum which is the only one of its kind in South Africa. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artefacts and furniture from ships wrecked along the coast.
Buffeljagsbaai
Situated on the Danger Point Penisula, Buffeljagsbaai is home to a very small fishing community who live solely from the sea. This pristine coastal gem offers magnificent visuals of stark beauty with its magnificent untouched sweeping seascapes.
Cape Agulhas
L'Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa and marks the point where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Agulhas is a lively little seaside resort which comes alive during the holiday seasons with visitors from far and wide. Several people have taken up permanent residence in this charming resort town with its panoramic seaviews.
There are several activities in nearby Agulhas to keep you busy when visiting.
De Kelders
Die Kelders, so named after the "Drup Kelders" which are naturally formed caves which have deep freshwater rock pools filled by water seeping from a freshwater fountain, known also as one of the natural wonders of the old Colony. The natural formation of stalagmites and stalactites are evident throughout the caves and tours are conducted regularly by appointment.
De Kelders is an expansive coastal town stretching from Perlemoenbay to the well-known "Plaat" a popular fishing spot where thousands of silver-grey fighters are caught.
Elim
Elim, long been declared a national monument is famous for its thatch roofed homes as are the thatchers from Elim who are sought after as masters of their fine craft. The quaint white washed cottages are painted each year before Easter as a tradition symbolizing purity and simplicity – integral to the lifestyle of the village people who live their lives close to their Church.
The picturesque town is one of the oldest surviving mission stations and is inhabited only by members of the Moravian Church.
Franskraal
Franskraal, a modest seaside village bordering the White Shark mecca of South Africa, Franskraal is home to several artists and skilled craftsmen and women who hone their skills in this unassuming town with its endless pristine sand beach and prime fishing spots.
A birders paradise, Franskraal's long white sandy beach crosses the outlet of the Uilkraals estuary which will keep avid birders happy for hours.
For the intrepid hiker there's the Groot Melkhoutbos Trail which is open to the public with interesting birds and plants to spot along this beautiful hike. On the edge of the coastline of Franskraal is the historical Strandveld Museum with the largest collection of relics of the HMT Birkenhead which was wrecked at Danger Point in 1852.
Gansbaai
Gansbaai is located at the foot of the Duyenefontein Mountains and has grown from a small seaside village to a bustling tourist attraction during the past few years as a result of its White Shark Cage Diving industry.
Renowned as the world's premier White Shark Cage Diving destinations in the world, the cage dive operators launch their specially equipped boats daily from the Kleinbaai Harbour to take visitors out to view these magnificent predators.
Hawston
The fishing village of Hawston is located between Fisherhaven and Onrus en route to Hermanus. Hawston was named after Charles Haw who settled in Caledon in June 1859 often visiting Hawston for vacations.
The village of Hawston is rich in traditional history and the locals are eager to share their beautiful beach and ocean's bountiful catch with visitors.
Kleinbaai
Situated just 3 kms outside the town of Gansbaai, this is where it all happens when it comes to White Sharks. Licensed White Shark Tour operators launch their well equipped boats from the Kleinbaai harbour out to Dyer Island and Geyser Rock where all the action takes place on a daily basis, weather permitting.
Whale watching tour boats are also launched from this bustling little harbour which has become a veritable tourist attraction since White Shark cage diving has become so popular.
Stanford
With the Klein River meandering through this picturesque village, Stanford offers one of the finest bird watching venues in the Overberg.
A popular weekend getaway for city slickers, this town is home to several permanent residents who prefer the fresh air and tranquility of this interesting Overberg town.
There are a multitude of country restaurants serving excellent cuisine made from the freshest ingredients, art and craft shops, hiking trails, cruising down the Klein River on the African Queen or kayaking on the river.