Car Hire Durban Airport

With Around About Cars car hire Durban airport you will drive off with anticipation of indulging in a Durban travel adventure along the beachfront and exciting surrounds.

Settle your agreement with your car hire and venture toward Durban airport in anticipation and on the brink of indulging in a Durban Travel Adventure along the beachfront and exciting surrounds.

Durban weather calls for a dip in the bluest seas and a relaxing stroll along ‘The Mile’. There’s simply nothing as refreshing as divulging Eastern Cuisine whilst viewing an alluring Durban sunset.

Enduring a bumpy Rickshaw ride will be your right of passage. In fact, once you’ve allowed the colourful feather-clad ‘driver’ to lead you across the beachfront your Durban holiday has truly begun.

Of course, there are an array of sights and holiday activities to look forward to, but there are certain truly special aspects to experience before heading toward car hire Durban airport back home. One particular spot to explore is the Durban Beachfront which is truly spectacular and has recently been upgraded in preparation for the World Cup 2010 which expects hundreds, if not hundreds of tourists keen to explore the popular spot. The beachfront usually buzzes with activity and people enjoying the summer breeze. You’ll find craft stalls selling traditional African arts such as beaded belts, earrings and carved animals – perfect souvenirs.

Durban is particularly popular for the food on offer. The hot curries are a sought-after delicacy. Look forward to fish curries, lamb curry, chicken curries and bunny chows (curry stuffed into a loaf of bread) to mention but a few. Of course, curries are available in mild and very hot as well as meat dishes there are curries for vegetarians too. So, everyone is able to enjoy. A very well-known food store called Sunrise, which can be easily located by enquiring information from a tourist information office, sells various types of curries at very affordable prices. Keep in mind; most of the curries are not for the faint-hearted as it is particularly spicy and hot. Best advice to calm the burn; drink a good dose of Lassi which is a traditional yogurt type of drink.

There is plenty to explore in Durban but the best way to discover the city is to find a reliable car hire at car rental Durban Airport that will ensure a safe trip from the airport to your destination. Your safety is paramount. You could opt to make use of a cab but consider the cost of calling a cab every day for every trip. Cabs can cost a pretty penny. Before venturing on to your Durban adventure, note the places you’d like to visit, plan ahead. Durban is a fascinating city just waiting for you to grab a slice of the hot summer nights. Not to mention the Durban curries which you may want to try at home.

Source: Car Hire Cape Town

Art Gallery of Hermanus and surrounding villages

The beautiful seaside town of Hermanus in the Western Cape is only an hour and a half away from Cape Town and offers a wide range of activities. Apart from wonderful hospitality and beautiful views, Hermanus has scenic mountain walks, delicious wine tasting, craft markets, fantastic whale watching and one of only two Blue Flag beaches in the Western Cape.

Overlooking the largest natural lagoon in Africa, the whale watchers haven of Hermanus is the perfect spot to holiday all year round. Idyllic sunny days in summer, mild misty winters, crisp and colourful autumns and a spectacular Spring! The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally, but are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions which explain the whaling history of Hermanus.

Hermanus, the world's foremost land based whale watching destination offering residents and holiday makers all modern amenities, yet retaining its fisherman's village charm. It is situated between mountain and sea, has gained world-wide recognition as the world's foremost land based whale watching destination.

The only Whale Crier in the world keeps visitors informed about the whereabouts of the whales, and in his own right has become a major attraction. The kelp horn he blows has become the soundtrack to this seaside resort during the whale season. Also of historic interest is The Old Harbour, which has remained unchanged from when it was the centre of activity in the fishing village. For art lovers, Hermanus is home to many artists whose works are displayed and sold at local shops, galleries and craft markets.

Hermanus is often referred to as the Art Mecca of the Western Cape. Most of the art is shipped world-wide. Chances are there'll be an exhibition on the go when you visit, and on weekends art - as well as crafts - is also displayed and sold on the village market, near the Old Harbour.

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Guest House in Hermanus

Car Hire Cape Town Airport

Organising a car rental from Car Hire Cape Town airport will ensure you're able to explore the city from the onset. Here's how to enjoy every aspect of Cape Town Travel that boasts attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island and the V&A Waterfront - Cape Town has something for everyone travelling to this beautiful city.

At first point of contact car rental Cape Town airport ensures transportation from the airport. This is essential as your safety is paramount. It’s great to venture into a city with plenty to offer without considering how you’ll reach various places safely and efficiently but you’ll most appreciate the city if you’ve planned well. Of course, you’ve heard plenty about the Cape Town City Travel and this is most likely the reason why you’re considering boarding the plane and throwing caution to the wind. You’re on the right track as Cape Town’s particularly known for its beautiful scenery which lends itself to a relaxing ambiance.

"If you’re keen to withdraw from the harsh realities of everyday life, venture into a world of serenity or nightlife that dissipates everyday stresses."

One of the greatest reasons for Cape Town Travel is that the inner city offer an array of wonderful leisurely activities as well as small towns strewn a few hours outside of the city, If you’re keen for citylife, venture into the inner city and explore the V&A Waterfront where the luxurious One & Only Hotel is situated. The waterfront has numerous clothing stores ranging from South African designer stores such as Maya Prass, Stoned Cherrie and Young Designers Emporium to Overseas brands such as Jimmy Choos and Ed Hardy. The V & A Waterfront is certainly a shoppers dream as it houses various stores from camping equipment at Cape Union Mart and an Apple Computer store.

Once you’ve ventured into Cape Town’s city life, why not use your car hire, head away from the Car hire Cape Town airport and towards small towns such as Swellendam. Riversdale and Bredasdorp, or why not try a Wine Route Travel route? Cape Town offers quaint towns where you’ll find cosy bed & breakfast accommodation ensuring a relaxing no-hindrance getaway surrounded by huge oak trees and majestic mountains. Most towns have interesting historical monuments such as churches which were built centuries ago. These towns are particularly family-orientated. In Swellendam for example, you can take your family for a visit to the fairy sanctuary, a popular spot for picnics and hot chocolate.

Organising car hire and heading toward Cape Town airport is all it takes to start the journey of discovery.

Source: Car Rental Cape Town

Cape Town – What’s the Weather Like?

As with any vacation destination, the weather in Cape Town is an important factor to consider when you are planning your holiday. Certain seasons are better for some specific activities than they are for others. For example, while summer is the best time for beach lovers, the city’s winter months are better for visitors who want to head out of the city on wildlife safaris, as various weather-related conditions can make the animals more visible.

Mediterranean Climate

Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. It is located halfway between the Equator and Antarctica, so overall it has a temperate climate. Cape Town’s southernmost location on a peninsula between two oceans gives it a Mediterranean-like climate. The summers are warm and dry, and the winters are wet and cool. But be forewarned, the weather can be fickle in Cape Town at any time of year. In the summer, cool winds can bring a sudden chill to the city, ruining plans for a day at the beach. Likewise, in winter a sudden warm spell can bring gorgeous, sunny days. A rule of thumb for tourists going to Cape Town is to pack a sweater or jacket if you’re visiting in the summer, and some light clothing if you’re going in the winter to cover all bases.

Southeaster and the Cape Doctor

The nippy summer wind that can suddenly sweep across Cape Town is called the southeaster. It blows in from across False Bay and can reach gusts of up to 60 km per hour. On those days you’ll want to find something to do indoors! In its gentler form, this wind is called the Cape Doctor and is a breeze is just cool enough to provide relief from the humidity. The Cape Doctor is what causes the mantle of cloud around Table Mountain which locals call the Tablecloth. The Tablecloth is beautiful to look at, but it can shut down the cable car service on the mountain due to poor visibility.

Party Time

For fun in the sun, sand and surf, the best times to visit Cape Town are from October to mid-December, and from mid-January to Easter. These periods will produce an average of ten hours of sunshine a day. From mid-December to mid-January, Cape Town is one of the favourite places for South Africans looking for a seaside holiday and this is also party time when the city hosts numerous festivals. So it is advisable to book accommodation and transport well in advance if you’re planning your holiday around this time.

Joys of Spring and Autumn

In spite of the shorter hours of daylight, the autumn period, from April to mid-May, is a pleasant time to visit Cape Town. The southeaster drops off, the temperature is comfortably warm, and the light is sharp and bright. Likewise, the spring month of September can be very attractive. These are good times to tour the Garden Route or enjoy spectacular views from Table Mountain.

Winter Wonderland With No Snow

June and July are considered the depth of winter in South Africa. However, aside from periods of heavy rain, the weather is usually quite mild and temperatures rarely dip below six degrees Celsius. Flowers are always in bloom and there are no bare trees, making it a picturesque time. In addition to being the best time to go on wildlife viewing excursions, winter also marks the beginning of whale watching season. Migrating whales begin to appear off the Whale Coast in July, and remain until November.

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Boutique Hotel Hermanus

The Whales Are Arriving in South Africa

Whale watching in South Africa: Every year, these beautiful gentle giants congregate to our shores to mate and calve. South Africa has got to be one of the most incredible destinations

in the world for watching marine mammals. In early June, southern right whales leave their Antarctic feeding ground to frolic in the warmer waters of the Western Cape coast. Here they mate, calve and generally hang out, occasionally flopping a tail up, or sticking their heads out of the water, much to the delight of onlookers. They are a true marvel to behold.

Whale watching in South Africa is done from June to November, although it's not uncommon for whales to be spotted outside this period. They pick some of the most beautiful stretches of our coast for their activities. Some of the best viewing spots include Lamberts Bay on the Cape West Coast, the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, Hermanus, Arniston, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Some 37 species of whales and dolphins are found in South African waters, but the most common are the humpback whales and southern right whales (in spring), which are frequently encrusted with white barnacles. Humpback whales are similar in size to southern right whales (around 15m), and are often seen off the South African coast between July and November as they move to Mozambique to calve and breed, and to Antarctica, where they feed.

The absolute best way to enjoy whale watching in South Africa, is to go on a whale-watching boat trip. The boats are big, comfortable and moderately dry. Boarding is easy and people in wheelchairs can be accommodated. In some cases, the prices of these whale watching boat trips can be quite high, but the chance to get within metres of whales at water-level is simply unforgettable.

Hermanus is one of the finest places for South African whale watching. It is home of the Southern Right Whale which is named as such because it was considered to be the 'right' whale to catch. Whether it is the calm waters or their well-documented curiosity that brings them closer in, whales often come within a few meters of the shore. Hermanus as a town, is very much geared towards whale watching and many vantage points have been set up to accommodate the hundreds of people who flock here for the Hermanus Whale Festival every year in late September. The festival consists of nine days filled with music, theatre, sport and parties. The famous Whale Crier will be around to give everyone the latest whale watching news.

You could also visit one of the many coastal nature reserves to enjoy more South African whale watching. For example the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp which offers numerous spectacular trails and hikes varying in distance to get the most out of your whale watching experience.

Plettenberg Bay justly lays claim to the title of the South African Whale Watching Capital. The southern right whales can be seen for the whole season and when they are getting ready to leave in early November, the humpback whales arrive with their calves, and stay until the end of December or early January. A truly memorable sight! Plettenberg Bay is where the South African dolphin and whale watching industry is said to be the most organized. There are whale watching boat trips, dolphin-watching kayak trips and a number of aircraft from which you can check out the whales from the air. The town has made a vast effort to promote a responsible boat-based whale and dolphin watching program. Viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference.

Which ever way you choose to watch these magnificent creatures, it is an absolute must. South African whale watching is truly an unforgettable experience!

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Whale Watching in Hermanus, South Africa

And what better time to do this than during the whale season, as this is the home of the Southern Right Whale. These beautiful creatures can be seen between the months of July and December when they come into the bay to mate, calve and just relax in the relatively warm water.

Hermanus, also known as the "Riviera of the South", has been said to be the best location for land based whale watching in the world. It is situated on Cape South Coast. It is also possible to take a boat trip and on such a trip you might even see three types of whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and a variety of sea birds.

However, the whales are usually so close to the shore there is no need for a boat trip. You can see them frolicking at Walker Bay, and have to wonder if they aren't watching you, instead of only you watching them. Hermanus is the only town in the world which has its own a whale crier who alerts everyone to the whereabouts of the whales by blowing a horn.

The most popular whale to be seen from Hermanus is the Southern Right Whale, given its name while still hunted as it was the "right" whale to hunt. Reason for this being that the whales float when dead, instead of drowning. They also have a large amount of oil (also known as blubber) and baleen.
Today these whales are rather looked at with awe than hunted. The estimated number of Southern Right Whales is 7000 and approximately 2000 of this total can be found on the shores of South Africa. The birth rate of these whales is 7% which means that every 10 years the population doubles.

Most of Hermanus' shoreline is rocky cliff, high above Walker Bay, thus offering magnificent viewpoints from which to observe the whales.

Every year a whale festival takes place in Hermanus during the month of September. This festival is a joyous occasion filled with music, theatre, fairs and even sporting events. People come from all over the world to marvel at these giant and graceful mammals. There is a wonderful atmosphere in Walker Bay and Hermanus during this time, where a variety of entertainment in available. From stalls, galleries and craft markets, to performers who delight in a variety of drama and comedy. Of course the highlight remains the land based whale watching!

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The Whale season has begun.

The whale season in Hermanus has officially begun. The first few whales are being sighted off the coast as our old friends return to breed and calve. In honour of this occasion here is some info about the Southern Right Whale courtesy of Hermanus.com

The Southern Right Whale
(Eubalaena australis)

The Southern Right Whale is a baleen whale, which means that instead of teeth it has long plates hanging from the top jaw. These baleens work like a sieve when the whale feeds.

The Southern Right Whale got its name during the time when they were hunted. They were reffered to as the "right" whales to kill because they would float when dead (which made it easy for the whalers to find them in the ocean and transport them back to the whaling station. These whales have a large amount of oil (also called blubber) and baleen.

They are named "Southern" as there are two species worldwide of Right Whales, one in the Northern Hemisphere and the South African species in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Southern Right differs from most other whales in the following ways:

• It has no dorsal fin on its back
• When it breathes out there is a V-shaped cloud above the water.
• Presence of callosities on its head. These callosities are white warts or rough skin patches on which little creatures, called whale lice, are attached.

The Southern Right Whale is a migratory whale, which means that they spend one season in one place and the rest of the year in another, and travel long distances between these seasons. In summer (December through May), they are in the cold polar regions of the Southern Hemisphere where food (mainly krill) is present and in quantity. Winters (June through November) are spent around the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America and Australia.

Our coast is exactly what they need during this season.The shallow, sandy-bottomed and sheltered bays are perfect for mating, calving, nursing their young and resting.

One female will mate with a number of males. There can be even up to 8 males at a time trying to mate with one female. During mating, there is a lot of activity on the surface (splashing, pushing, shoving, large and frequent blows). The males producing the most sperm is probably the father of the calf. This mating strategy is known as sperm competition.

Females usually have one calf every three years. gestation (pregnancy) is about 13 months. Most calves are born during August. They have an average length of 6.1 meters (20 feet). They suckle for 4 to 8 months and drink up to 600 liters of milk per day growing 3 cm (1.2 inch) per day. The mothers apparently do not feed during this season but live on the blubber they store up during the summer feeding season closer to Antartica.

After the mating and calving season ends (November / December), the Southern Right Whales move South. By April they are between 50 and 55 degrees South (2000 kilometers or 1300 miles South of Cape Town) where they then feed.

Females measure about 13.9m and males are generally slightly smaller, average weight estimated 41 tonnes. They have a life expectancy of about 50 years.
Their favourite food is small animals called copepods (a plankton crustacean) of which they consume up to 600kg per day.
Right whales only long-term bonds are between mother and calf.
Their number grows by about 7% every year, which means that their population doubles every 10 years. The number of Southern Right Whales should be back to what it used to be in 2040.

Hermanus Accommodation

Swiss winemakers find heavenly spot near Cape

Hemel-en-Aarde, "heaven and earth", is a region east of Cape Town, South Africa, where two Swiss expatriates produce their own selection of wines.

The last stretch of the drive to the vineyards of Jean-Claude Martin and Christoph Kaser is a reddish-brown dirt road. A gate with the South African flag - and a smaller Swiss one - indicates the entrance to the Creation Wines estate, a few kilometres inland from the quaint coastal town of Hermanus.

It is distinctly cooler here 350 metres above sea level. Yet it is still warm for a winter day in South Africa. The sounds of frogs and crickets from the nearby water reservoir welcome visitors. The scent from the tasting room and a garden around the cellar hangs in the afternoon air.

Ideal conditions for winegrowing and little piece of heaven for 37-year-old JC, as Martin is called by his staff.

“It was love at first sight,” he recalls. He and his Swiss business partner bought the land in 2002.

Sheep were grazing here before the two winemakers decided to turn the virgin land into vineyards. The terroir stretches around between two mountain ranges, which occasionally receive a sprinkling of snow in the cold season.

“Temperatures can also drop below freezing at night on the estate, which is good for the vines. But the weather conditions are stable throughout the year,” says Martin.

The 22 hectares now yield about 200 tons of grapes and an annual output of 120,000 bottles. It is a niche production for South Africa but remarkable compared with Switzerland.

Standing in the middle of the hilly territory of the valley, away from the bustle of the city, the quiet is interrupted only by a farmer’s car on the road in the distance or the hum from a ventilation system in the cellar.

Jean-Claude Martin (swissinfo)

Production

Growing as many as ten different varieties of white and red wines, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and merlot, on a plot this size might not necessarily be best from a commercial viewpoint, Martin acknowledges.

But it’s the quality that counts. “At this stage it is also about finding out what varieties do better than others here,” he explains.

The first wines were only harvested four years ago and in 2009-2010 the estate reached full production levels.

Martin and Kaser know they are in for a long haul as it will take up to ten years before their investment could begin to pay out.

So far there has not been a day when Martin has regretted the decision to leave Switzerland and settle in the country of his South African wife.

Entrepreneur

Martin is aware that he has been taking a risk as a young entrepreneur, but he is confident. “You don’t know how things will work out in the end. But it is important for me to have taken the step and I have a great time here.”

The Swiss is also quite optimistic about the future of South Africa, despite the problems that plague the country.

There’s no denying the huge gap between the rich and the poor and the potential for tensions between blacks and whites.

Martin says by settling in South Africa he has been creating jobs that can feed around 30 families in the area. He employs farm labourers and local staff for the cellar and the wine tasting facilities.

He says he makes no difference between people of different backgrounds. “It is their work that counts.” He says he wants to pay fair salaries and to keep work done manually in the vineyards and the cellar rather than use machines.

Swiss or South African?

Martin says he knows of other Swiss winemakers in the region, but he doesn’t seem to feel a special urge to seek close contact. “We all have our own busy lives and clients,” he says.

He aims for an international market and exports his wine to ten countries. His winery also attracts an increasing number of South African wine enthusiasts who find their way to Hemel-en-Aarde.

He feels a greater degree of independence as a winegrower and entrepreneur in the Cape region than in the closely-knit Swiss society, where projects can be blocked by long administrative procedures and complaints by jealous neighbours, he says.

Martin is convinced that he could go and live in many other places around the world as he finds it easy to adapt to a new environment.

And when it comes to the football World Cup in South Africa he takes a pragmatic view.

“I think my family supports neither the South African nor the Swiss team. Together with our son we will be rooting for Spain.”

Urs Geiser in Cape Town, swissinfo.ch (With input from Stéphane Gabioud, RSR)

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If you are interested in visiting Hermanus check out this great Hermanus Guest House and find info on all Hermanus activities.

Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!

If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few things you'll hear people say is:

"Hermanus has the best land-based whale watching in the world" and "You're sure to see hundreds of whales breaching from the waters off the rocky cliffs to the West" or "You'll definitely see them lob tailing from the vantage point of the golden beaches to the East".

And this indeed is a fact.

Every year, like clockwork, the whales return to Hermanus for their yearly rendezvous in Walker Bay, carrying out their annual rhythms of mating and calving.

Considering what people actually understand about the Southern Right Whale - named because it was the "right" whale to hunt - the whales perspective will always be something mysterious and unknown.

What we do know is that they prefer the warmer waters of Walker Bay for a breeding ground rather than the cold waters of their usual haunt, the Arctic Circle.

According to the calendar they can be seen from July to November. What areas of Walker Bay or the time of day to expect them is hard to say. But there is one expert in Hermanus who is sure to know.

The Whale Crier of Hermanus

If you've never heard of the Whale Crier of Hermanus, it's because Hermanus is the only place in the world to have one. If you're interested in whales this is one whale expert you definitely need to meet.

Pieter Claasen was the first to lift a horn-shaped tube of kelp to his lips at age 11, sounding the first base notes announcing the arrival of the whales. Since then, his predecessor, Wilson Salukazana, has become Hermanus's second whale crier.

He answers any questions posed to him about whales...

Wilson can tell you where they come from, what kinds there are in the bay and even the names of the aerial stunts they perform. He also knows the best coves along the shore and the places where you can get within 20m of these gentle submariners.

However, his most useful service is a system for notifying whale enthusiasts by coded calls issued from his kelp trumpet.

When he sees the whales on yonder horizon, he blows his trusty horn like he was at home watching a soccer match! And the crowds come running. Two long calls for the viewing spot at Roman Rock. One short call for the Old Harbour, where you can zoom in on the whales with the telescopes provided. One long, one short and another long call for the Voëlklip lookout position.

These are just a few, but there are other spots the Whale Crier claims are even better standpoints for whale watching.

Wilson, the Whale Crier, has many whale tales to tell. If you catch him at the right time, you can hear the legends he has gathered from the past that only he knows how to tell.

The ancient whale migration patterns have remained unbroken for thousands of years...

The Moby Dick Hermanus Whale Festival

Another thing you can count on is the annual Moby Dick Hermanus Whale Festival, happening during the last week of September. Expect things to be in full swing, offering festive greetings to the whales on their return.

The festival is perfectly timed for the spring season and serves as a great way of welcoming back the spirit of springtime for both parties.

The festival centres on the towns market place. Food stalls sell freshly produced foods from the nearby farms, crafters display skilfully made earthenware pottery and assorted trinkets all uniquely crafted by hand. Restaurants bustle with activity and the pubs pour drinks well into the night.

Hermanus is for Everyone

Hermanus is a haven for crafters and musicians, quiet folks and artists. All see its mountains, beaches, wild flora, fauna and of course the whales from their own point of view.

Whether you're gazing at the ocean from the rocky cliffs to the West or marvelling at the sunsets from golden beaches to the East, the friendly people of Hermanus invite you to draw your own experiences.

The Windsor Hotel is situated on a cliff edge just meters form the sea. Providing advantageous perspectives on the Indian Ocean, it was built in 1896 making it the most well-established hotel in Hermanus. The staff at the Windsor Hotel will make your stay a seaside holiday you'll never want to leave behind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregory_Hudson

If you are keen for more info on whale watching in Hermanus check out the info at this Hermanus guest house.

Great Cape Escapes: Whale Tales in Hermanus, South Africa

You won’t need to hunt as hard as Captain Ahab to find whales in and around the South African seaport of Hermanus; in fact, you won’t even have to leave dry land.

This picturesque town, located about 69 miles southeast of Cape Town, is the center of South Africa’s well-named Whale Coast, which draws hundreds of the magnificent mammals each year between July and November.

The Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay to mate, give birth, and raise their calves in deep waters that run near the shore, making Hermanus one of the world’s best places to see the leviathans without getting wet.

Southern Rights are huge (up to 50 feet and 70 tons), frisky and so friendly that they were easily harpooned to the edge of extinction in the 20th century. Now protected, they’ve staged a major comeback—and you can enjoy the show all over town.

On an October visit, my husband and I spotted our first whale waving his tail about 30 feet offshore minutes after we’d parked on Market Square. We saw two more spouting off as we hiked the Cliff Trail that skirts the town. And at dinnertime, one young male whale seemed to breach so close to our window table at Lemon Butta restaurant that we feared we might have to share our tasty curried prawns.

We watched a dozen different whales cavort, including our very own “Great White,” a rare albino who led us out into the wild South Atlantic for a few thrilling rides up and down the 9-to-15 foot waves. About 14 of us on the foredeck clutched the ropes and railings and screamed with delight—and, ok, maybe a little bit of terror. Our “Moby Dick” was kinder than the original, though; after blowing a few bubbles, he guided us back to safe harbor.

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Hermanus Attractions

Hermanus Accommodation

Full Day Hermanus Tour

Leave the city and drive towards the mountains of the wine country before continuing towards the coast. Drive through the seaside towns of the Strand with its beautiful beaches, and Gordon’s Bay nestled below the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. This is a charming fishing village with magnificent views across False Bay, and on a clear day Cape Point can be seen in the distance.

Continue along the spectacular Marine Drive, which cuts along the mountain slopes and overlooks a precipitous and rocky coast. During the whale season, between July and November, Southern Right Whales are often seen along this drive.

Drive further along the coastline passing the white sandy beaches of Koelbaai and the villages of Rooiels, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. This area has a wealth of flowering plants and one can visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, famous for the beautiful Red Disa and the flowering fynbos of the area. Take a walk through the reserve and up the slopes of the mountains to the waterfall in Disa Kloof where some of the indigenous trees of the Cape can be seen. Continue on, over the Bot River and into the Walker Bay area and the charming village of Hermanus.

For wine enthusiasts a stop is made en route at the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde valley where the cool maritime climate creates ideal conditions for the growing of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. Here, wine farms such as Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell and Whalehaven Wines produce acclaimed wines.

Because of its shallow, sandy beaches this area is where many of the Southern Right Whales come to mate and calve. Whales often come very close to the shore in Hermanus, and there are some excellent vantage points from the cliff paths that run from one end of town to the other. After lunch at one of the seafood restaurants in the village, there will be time to browse at the many stores and craft markets in the town.

Return to the city over the Hottentots Holland Mountains, driving through the apple growing regions of Grabouw and Elgin, and stopping on the spectacular Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass for beautiful views of the Cape Peninsula.

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Guest House Hermanus

Hermanus - The World's Best Whale Watching Destination

Hermanus Accommodation - Bed & Breakfast

Hermanus: the best land based whale watching in the world. Hermanus town looks over the protected shallow waters of Walker Bay where the Southern Right Whales come to mate, calve and rear their young. Between June and December every year you can sit on the rocky cliffs overlooking the bay and watch the whales breaching, sailing, bobbing or just frolicking around in the waves. August is peak time for calving and August and September are the months you will find the most whales in the bay. An incredible site that cannot be missed!

Boat based whale watching is offered from Hermanus where one can get within a few metres from the whales. The Whale Show is offered, a unique whale and dolphin audio-visual presentation that runs twice daily (10h00 & 15h00) at the Whale Museum - A worthwhile show that provides you with detailed, fascinating information on our gentle giants.

Not too far from Hermanus is the Great White shark cage diving mecca, Gansbaai. Six nautical miles away is Dyer Island, possibly the best place in the world to view these magnificent predators. The island is a bird sanctuary and a breeding site for the African penguin and many other coastal birds. Adjoining it is a second, smaller rocky island called Geyser rock, which supports a large seal population. Separating Geyser and Dyer is a channel aptly named "Shark Alley", arguably THE prime spot in the world for encountering the Great White shark. The cage diving is an exhilarating experience and a "must do"

Blue Gum Country Estate kindly invited me to come and stay for the weekend. Accepting the offer with glee, I disappeared from the hustle and bustle of the city driving only 2 hours to arrive in the Overberg region. Blue Gum is situated on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains just outside Stanford only 20min past Hermanus. It offers a luxury country lodge feel, superb service, great food and beautiful surroundings. After arriving in the late afternoon, I was invited to the cosy lounge area to enjoy tea and scones with jam and fresh cream.

Unfortunately I chose the worst weekend to get away. The weather turned really grim and 3 consecutive cold fronts bringing massive amounts of rain, hit the western cape. Thousands of people were left stranded, homes washed away particularly in the poorer rural areas. The Klein River, which Blue Gum Lodge overlooks, came down in flood and completely washed the bridge away between us and the outside world! I must have arrived at about 16h00 and by 17h30 water rushed over the bridge preventing the remaining guests from joining us for the night. They were forced to retreat to Stanford.

Rain belted down during the night, thunder and lighting created a dramatic atmosphere. The guests huddled inside around large cosy fireplaces after a great 3-course dinner, the friendly staff offering nightcaps. I got chatting to a fun English couple, Douglas and Nicky who were visiting the area hoping to go Shark Cage diving. Much to their disappointment this was called off due to the bad weather. Douglas was celebrating his 40th birthday this day so we enjoyed a couple drinks over a game of Trumps, a card game introduced to us by Douglas. Louise the lodge manager joined us and merrily served us more and more tequilas and Jagermeister as the night went on. I retreat to my luxury spacious room before things got too out of hand!

In the morning we heard about a back route out from the lodge to Stanford that travelled through farmlands at the base of the mountain, a rough gravel road crossed by 3 little rivers that tested our off road driving skills in our low laying city cars. Nic, the owner of the lodge, led the way in his pickup truck assisting us where possible. The largest river at one point was approximately 25cm deep at its deepest point and about 6m wide, all very well if you were driving a 4x4, but most of us weren't! After a couple of knocks and bumps and much adrenalin racing through our bodies, we made it! Only to return again later in the afternoon once we had enjoyed our days excursions.

Blue Gum offers a number of activities although all weather dependant, such as horse riding, mountain biking, quad biking, tennis, hiking and boat cruising on the Stanford River. The Birkenhead Brewery is just down the road. From Wednesday to Friday at 11h00 and 15h00, one can enjoy a tour of the brewery and learn how the beer is made. The tastings can be enjoyed everyday at the restaurant and it is nice to combine it with a pub lunch. After enjoying the good service at Blue Gum, I was disappointed with the service here though.

I returned to the lodge for an afternoon nap, happy to see that the rivers had subsided a bit making the road a little less of a challenge. At 18h00 I awoke with a knock on my door. Delicious snacks and an aperitif were brought to me. What a nice surprise! I sat in the quietness of my room enjoying cheese and biscuits and fresh fruit served with white sherry while looking onto the beautiful Klein River Mountain.

Although Blue Gum Lodge is a lovely place to get stranded, we were all hoping that the rain would ease off. If more rain fell, even the back road would become a problem. All the rivers subsided nicely by the morning, I checked out and said my farewells to everyone at the lodge and commenced my journey home.

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