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Whale Coast

Hermanus, probably the most well-known town on the Whale Coast, is also the largest and is spread out along magnificent cliffs on Walker Bay.

The walk along the 14 kilometre cliff path is spectacular, especially during whale season, earning the village the reputation of offering the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Hermanus also has the world’s only Whale Crier who sounds his kelp horn to announce where whales have been sighted and the town is the venue for the hugely popular annual Whale Festival.

In addition Hermanus also boasts its own Wine Route that winds its way through the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde (‘Heaven and Earth’) Valley and includes the vineyards of Hamilton-Russell and Bouchard-Finlayson.
Further along the Whale Coast, a little north, is the inland village of Stanford, known for its well-preserved architecture, flowers and tranquility. The Birkenhead Brewery and Kleinrivierskloof Dairy are situated outside the village and tasting tours of these establishments are available.

Specially licensed operators in De Kelders and Gansbaai offer boat-based whale watching, and another marine drawcard is the opportunity these same operators offer to view or experience cage-diving with the fearsome Great white shark.

Cape Agulhas, the southern-most point of the African continent and official meeting place of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, is another attraction. The lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, a national monument, is the second oldest in South Africa.

The whitewashed fishermen’s cottages of Arniston have been the inspiration for many local artists and the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve, with its many hiking and mountain biking trails, a popular venue for locals and foreign visitors alike. The whole Whale Coast area is breath-takingly beautiful and is characterized by the famed Cape Floral Kingdom, blue-hued mountains and beautiful bays and beaches.

To reach the Whale Coast from Cape Town, there are two equally spectacular routes - the majestic Sir Lowry’s Pass over the Helderberg Mountain range or the scenic coastal Clarens Drive via Gordon’s Bay, Rooi Els and Pringle Bay.