Baleia de Hermanus

The Hermanus region has the richest floral diversity in Africa and is regarded as the heart of the fynbos region, the smallest of the six floral kingdoms in the world. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve, bordering the town, has over 1100 plant species in only 15 square kilometers, almost as many as all the plant species endemic to the United Kingdom!

In the nearby hamlet of Betty's Bay is the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, a sister garden to the world famous Kirstenbosch Garden in Cape Town. Many bird species have been recorded along the Hermanus cliff paths, including Cape cormorant, kelp gull, Cape francolin and sugarbird. Nearby, Betty's Bay also boasts a sanctuary and breeding colony for African penguins.

Hermanus cares well for the inner person. The village boasts a wide variety of good restaurants, many with lovely sea views and opportunities for al fresco meals.

The town is part of the Elgin / Walker Bay wine-producing region providing the opportunity for cellar visits and wine-tastings.

Hermanus provides easy access for day trips to many worthwhile tourist destinations in the Overberg.

To the south lie the historical villages of Stanford and Elim (the whole of Elim, founded in 1824 by Moravian missionaries, has been declared a National Monument).

To the west lies Kleinmond and Betty's Bay flanked by the Palmiet mountains and the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere.

Further to the east, visits can be made to L'Agulhas.