Cape Overberg and the famous ‘Hemel-en-Aarde’– Wine Route
This region with its scenic beauty is unrivalled along the South African coast with miles of golden beaches and romantic inlets and bays, interspersed with rocky and rugged coastline. The fauna and flora of this area is varied with some of the finest examples of Cape fynbos to be found.
The pristine beaches and delightful fishing villages surrounded by indigenous vegetation and wildlife make Hermanus a visit worthwhile. A pretty town on the Indian Ocean is the whale watching capital of South Africa where every year between July and November an estimated 100 Southern Right Whales will gather in Walker Bay.
Most definitely for the best whale viewing from land in the world!
The three most common whales to be sighted off the Cape are the Humpback Whale, the Bryde’s Whale and the Southern Right Whale which is called the giant of the sea, at a length of 15m and can weigh up to 55 tons. An estimated 2000 Southern Right Whales visit South Africa every year. Spending their summer feeding on plankton in the Antarctica, they migrate to the Southern Atlantic Ocean in winter, to slightly warmer waters to mate and give birth to calves. Walker Bay offers magnificent views of the whales which come here in winter to calve.
Hermanus is a laid-back yet thriving town which boasts excellent fishing and a historical ‘old’ harbour, a small museum which has some relics relating to whales. Hermanus Centre is pretty small and so easy to navigate by foot. There are lots of art galleries, open air cafés as well as 3 museums. Favourite time is having lunch at one of the cafés, still being able to watch the whales breaching.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve has close to 50km hiking trails with stunning views over Hermanus and the Bay. Optional guided tours available.
One of the best-kept secrets of greater Hermanus is its Wine Route with over a dozen excellent farms, all of which are situated in the ‘Hemel en Aarde’ Valley. The region is especially popular for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals.
Activities are in abundance in Hermanus. 3 fantastic golf courses in the Overberg, Shark Cage Diving, Hiking, Whale Watching Safaris, e-biking and Wine Tasting Safaris amongst many adventures, which we gladly assist you with for your ideal holiday experience.
Stony Point Nature Reserve near Kleinmond has one of only four mainland African Penguins colonies in the country.
Cape L’Agulhas is a must! Not only because this is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet but also because it has a lighthouse whose design was a copy of the Greek-Romanesque Pharos-style lighthouse of Alexandria in North Africa, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world dating back to 1840’s and the second oldest lighthouse in the country.
Feel free to contact Katrin (katrin.c@kabisafari.com) for your tailormade tour.