The Hermanus Walk is at a town famous for its champagne air, long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and is the best shore-based whale-watching destination in the world. It is also described as the Riviera of the South. Walk, whales and wildflowers.
With its unparalleled scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops, and endless adventure options, it's little wonder that Hermanus has grown in size and popularity over the last decade.
Hermanus is arguably the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane, or from the shore. The town is home to the world’s only Whale Crier, who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted from the coastal cliffs adjacent to the town center.
Hermanus is a cosmopolitan town that has retained much of its historical fisherman’s village heritage. A number of craft markets sell interesting wares, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The old harbor with its restored fishing boats offers a glimpse of times past.
Hermanus' two lagoons and the ocean provide a water sports paradise for kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and more. Shark cage diving provides an adrenaline fix for adventure lovers. Hermanus truly has something for everyone.
While it may no longer be a village, the character and atmosphere of this vibrant town offers a lifestyle few places can match.
Beaches:
Long stretches of soft, white sand beaches, small rock-protected coves, and spectacular wave action. One of the most beautiful coastlines in South Africa, with unique cliff paths.
Whale Watching:
Hermanus is arguably the best land-based whale watching destination in the world, with the whale season lasting from June to December.
Fynbos:
The region is rich in fynbos, a diverse plant community that adds to the area’s unique beauty and biodiversity.
Arrival in Hermanus for overnight.
Enjoy stunning views of Hermanus, the Fernkloof Mountains, and Walker Bay from Hoy’s Koppie and the Elephant Path.
Fernkloof is part of the Cape Floristic Region, home to the greatest non-tropical concentration of higher plant species in the world. The Cape Floristic Region is the only hotspot that encompasses an entire floral kingdom, and it holds five of South Africa’s 12 endemic plant families and 160 endemic genera.
Covering 78,555 km², this region is located entirely within South Africa’s borders. It is one of the five temperate Mediterranean-type systems on the hotspots list and is one of only two hotspots that encompass an entire floral kingdom.
From the reserve, there are also magnificent and unequalled views of Walker Bay and Maanskynbaai.
Distance: 10 - 25 km (4-7 hours)
One of Hermanuss main attractions is its beautiful coastline. During the day you will have beautiful views of the coastline from the path on the mountainside and will end the day near the sea, in the Volklip part of Hermanus.
Distance: 13 km (4-6 hours)
The Cliff Path is one of the unique attractions of Hermanus. There are benches at strategic points which provide a place to rest and watch the whales (in season) or enjoy the sea views. In summer you will be able to enjoy safe swimming at four different beaches. Your walk ends in town where you can explore a wide variety of attractions.
Distance: 9 km (3-4 hours)
The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers not applicable, guiding and other services. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
EXCLUDED
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
What to take
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.


