HERMANUS AT A GLANCE - Part one

HERMANUS AT A GLANCE A Town for all Seasons Part 1

Hermanus at a Glance

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Hermanus at a Glance

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Hermanus was always known as a sleepy little fishermen's village. So much has changed over the years and as a result Hermanus has become not only the best whale watching destination in the world but we also boast with amazing outdoor activities, scenic drives, wine farms, restaurants, art galleries, craft markets and more.

BIRDS EYE VIEW OF HERMANUS Hermanus at a Glance

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CONTENTS THE HEMEL EN AARDE WINE ROUTE

Pages 7 - 9

WHALE WATCHING

Pages 10 - 15

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Pages 16 - 19

SCENIC DRIVES

Pages 20 - 21

NATURE PERSONIFIED

Pages 22 - 25

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Pages 26 - 27

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Pages 28 - 29

ANTIQUES, BOOKS AND COLLECTABLES

Pages 30 - 31

CRAFT MARKETS

Pages 32 - 33

Explore and experience the passion and reputation of fifteen wineries, each growing small volumes of premium quality wine in carefully and sustainably managed vineyards. While these wines draw wine lovers from all over the world, the pristine shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the towering mountain ranges and fynbos-clad hills add to the attraction. Drinking good wine, with good food in good company is one of life’s most pleasures!

HEMEL EN AARDE WINE ROUTE

The home of World Class Wines

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The vineyards in the Hemel en Aarde Valley are breath taking all year round and the drive along the R320 Wine Route in Hermanus gives you not only the opportunity to take in the scenery but also a moment to stop and take the perfect photo.

SPRING VINEYARDS IN THE HEMEL EN AARDE VALLEY

Undulating vineyards at one of the Wine Estates with views of the majestic mountain range in the distance.

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Hermanus as we all know is the Whale watching Capital of the world and to view these magnificent mammals from one of the boat based whale watching operators in Hermanus is an experience of a lifetime. Boat based Whale watching is a definite bucket list item.

BOAT BASED WHALE WATCHING

It is truly the most humbling and breath taking experience to see our magnificent Southern Right Whales up close.

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The Whale Crier’s kelp horn was first heard back in 1992 and the now famous bellowing sounds of the Whale Crier along the cliff paths has become a popular sound alerting tourists that the Whales are in the bay.

A little known fact is that the Whale Crier is the second most photographed individual in South Africa – the first being late President Nelson Mandela‌ So a Selfie with Eric our current Whale Crier is another to do when visiting Hermanus.

THE WHALE CRIER OF HERMANUS

Get blown away by his Kelp Horn

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Whale spotting off the famous cliffs in Hermanus draws thousands of tourists to our shores from June to December each year. Watching these majestic giants of the ocean frolic and play in Walker Bay provides onlookers, both young and old a show to remember.

LAND BASED WHALE WATCHING

From June to December Southern Right Whales grace us with their presence in Walker Bay.

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Hermanus is bursting at the seems with enjoyable and exciting activities for all ages. You can choose between an adrenaline pumping abseiling session or a horse ride through the valley. Mountain bike through vineyards and farms, ocean kayak with marine life, whatever your choice, it will leave you breathless and smiling. Our Adventure Activity Operators offer a wide variety of activities for all thrill seekers.

ADRENALINE FILLED ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Horse riding trails from Karwyderskraal right through to Stanford. Enjoy an outride in the forest or along the beach.

Ocean Kayaking in Walker Bay where you are sure to see penguins, seals and even whales during season.

Hermanus at a Glance

Hermanus offers amazing Mountain Biking trails, cycling along the Mountain Ranges and thru the Wine Farms.

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Paragliding off the Klein Rivier Mountain has fast become one of the favourite adventure activities in Hermanus.

The scenery and views on this adventure include the Atlantic Ocean, Hermanus and surrounding areas, and of course the beautiful fynbos. During the winter and spring months paragliders have seen Humpback and Southern Right Whales leisurely swimming in the bay.

PARAGLIDING PARADISE

Paragliding off the top of the Klein Rivier Mountain with incredible view of Hermanus.

Ready, steady go‌ Launching off the mountain, adrenalin pumping and ready to fly.

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Ready for a Road Trip‌ Take a leisurely drive along the cliffs in Hermanus, up the R320 Wine Route or meander up Rotary Way drive offering beautiful views of Hermanus and it’s surroundings.

SCENIC DRIVES WITH BEAUTIFUL VISTAS

Scenic drive on the R320 Hemel en Aarde Wine Route.

The vineyards in the autumn sun.

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The walks give you the opportunity to get in touch with nature offering a wide variety of fynbos, ancient trees, waterfalls, trickling streams and the splendour of Mother Nature.

With 92 bird species having been recorded and over 1474 plant species that have thus far been collected and identified, nature lovers from far and wide are not disappointed when hiking along the foot paths in The Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

NATURE PERSONIFIED

Stunning nature walks in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

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The Hermanus Cliff Path is one of many unique attractions in Hermanus. It is just over 12km long and stretches from the New Harbour in Westcliff all along the coastline to Grotto beach in Voelklip. The Cliff Path has made Hermanus famous for providing the best land-based whale watching in the world, but is also alive with wondrous floral and marine life.

MEANDERING ALONG THE CLIFF PATH

The famous Cliff Path walk along the cliffs in Hermanus - take in the beauty of the ocean, fynbos and views of the majestic mountain ranges.

Sunset walks along the Cliff Path make for incredible photo opportunities and of course breath taking sunsets.

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In Hermanus one is certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to fabulous food and World Class wines all of which are served at the wide variety of Eateries and Restaurants in and around Town. Italian, Asian, Fusion, Steak Houses and for those who like something fishy, the choice is all yours‌

FOOD FOR THOUGHT‌

Fun times await every foodie.

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Hermanus can proudly blow it’s own trumpet when it comes to Art Galleries. Dotted around town the galleries are within walking distance from each other and offer art lovers variety of art works and crafts to admire. Boasting renowned artists exhibiting a wide array of ceramics, paintings, bronzes, crafts and much more.

EXPLORING ARTS AND CRAFTS IN HERMANUS

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There is nothing quite like exploring Antique and Collectable shops and Book Stores to conjure up those memories of days gone by – Hermanus certainly has its share of quaint little stores offering their visitors a wide variety of books, collectables and antiques to browse through and to buy.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

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Local crafters of hand made goodies, foods, wines, craft beers and more come together to exhibit their trades at the various Markets in Hermanus.

MORE THAN JUST CRAFT MARKETS

Festive vibes, crafts, food, wine, music and more at the Markets in Hermanus

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This publication was produced for Hermanus Tourism by getravelphotos.com

For more information on Hermanus - Click on the image below to visit the official Hermanus Tourism website: www.hermanustourism.info

Please note that this publication, including images, layout and content is copyrighted and owned by Life thru a Lens / getravelphotos.com

OUR LOVE FOR HERMANUS

Geoff and I are both passionate about Hermanus and love exploring what our area has to offer. This has inspired us to start the “Hermanus at a Glance” series in which we will feature and share our photo’s, views and stories with fellow lovers of Hermanus – Happy Reading.

Charlise Elske Editor of Hermanus at a Glance

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