Visit Hermanus, South Africa’s number 1 whale-watching destination The scenic fishing village of Hermanus clings to the cliffs of the south-eastern coast of the Western Cape. This beautiful seaside town was once one of the hubs of the South African whaling industry, but has been turned to kinder purposes, offering some of the best whale-watching opportunities on the planet. Whale-watching During the winter and early spring, several species of whale approach the south-eastern coast of South Africa. The cliffs of Hermanus provide an unparalleled vantage point from which to view these spectacular aquatic mammals from up close. Visitors to Hermanus are alerted to a whale sighting by the town’s whale crier, who indicates the type and location of the whales spotted by blowing on a kelp horn. Many visitors to the town choose to book their Hermanus accommodation during the Hermanus Whale Festival – a carnival held annually to celebrate the arrival of the whales. Nature walks and hikes The town of Hermanus is located adjacent to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. A number of wellmarked and maintained hiking trails venture into the Cape fynbos of the nature reserve, with walks ranging in difficulty from casual to strenuous. Alternately, a number of interesting trails are located within walking distance of the town centre. The most popular of these is the Cliff Path, which takes hikers from the town down to Grotto Beach, offering unobstructed views of the ocean, and its inhabitants, along the way. Cuisine and culture There’s more to Hermanus than whales and walks. Once visitors to the town have checked into their Hermanus accommodation, they’ll find a variety of market stalls surrounding the fringes of the town, purveying arts and crafts produced by local artists and craftsmen. The town also boasts its share of good restaurants, with a number of quality dining establishments based in the town centre. Visitors to the town can also sample the wares of local vintners along the Hermanus wine route. Booking a Hermanus holiday Hermanus is a growing town, but nonetheless, most accommodation is snapped up during the whale-watching season and the mid-summer holidays. Fortunately, online booking portals provide a quick, secure booking service, enabling travellers to browse and book accommodation in Hermanus well in advance of their holidays. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to enjoy a tranquil stay in this vibrant Cape fishing village – book your Hermanus accommodation at e-southafrica.com today! About the Author: e-southafrica.com is a premium online accommodation booking portal that provides quick and easy access to accommodation in South Africa, including holiday lodgings in Hermanus and other popular destinations in the Western Cape.