
Vacation rentals in Hermanus
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Hermanus
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Cottages in Hermanus

Ladybird - Home of the Digital Nomad
The space has been put together beautifully. We loved the art on the walls and the comfortable living areas. It feels like a home we could easily return. Easy driving access to beaches, restaurants, and the mountain. The premises feel very safe. Definitely recommend for a peaceful, relaxing getaway.

Fern Cottage tranquil retreat in a prime spot
We were there for a friend’s wedding which happened to be very close to Runette’s cottage. A beautiful little retreat. It was perfect for us and our daughter. The cottage is very nicely laid out. Everything we needed was a short drive, lots of lovely restaurants and shops. I would definitely recommend for anyone visiting the area.

Bird Song Cottage
We very much enjoyed our stay with Debbie. She gave us a very warm welcome and told us about all the rescued animals she keeps. The cottage was well equipped, is in a very peaceful location overlooking the stream at the bottom of the garden and has an excellent rain shower. We would definitely recommend Debbie's Airbnb to anyone contemplating staying over.

Fisherman’s cottage by cliff path with solar power
It was a very nice stay. Daniel was very nice and took his time and explained everything. The bed was super comfortable and the decor had everything you need in everyday life. There was even Netflix. We will be happy to come back!

Rivergate | Gatehouse Cottage
We had the most wonderful stay at Rivergate. The farm is gorgeous and peaceful and if you like these sort of environments, this place is for you. Our family enjoyed the beautiful interiors and exteriors and the hot tub was an utter hit with the kids. A highlight was the fresh breakfast basket delivered every morning. The farm has lots to enjoy from kayaks and canoes for the river, walks, flower picking and more. It was such a delight and I hope we can be back for a visit in the future. Our one negative was that we unfortunately had small bats nesting in the roof of our bedroom which disturbed us in the evenings. The Rivergate family was seeing to their removal so hopefully they won’t be a bother for anyone else. It’s a rural and beautiful setting so understandably you will share space with some creatures but this did not detract from the wonderful stay here.

Cheerful Open-plan Beach Cottage
Great experience from start to finish. Beautifully made house in beautiful surroundings

Swansong cottage
Super cute quaint spacious cottage with a distinct 1970s/80s vibe. We loved it

COSY Kaleidoscope cottage, near beach and trials
One of the nicest Airbnb's ever! The description doesn't do the place justice-it exceeded our expectations. The food goodies were unexpected and well received. Enough for 2 breakfasts and lovely quiche for lunch with proper coffee. We will be back for a much longer stay. Thanks for being a great host, Helen.
Other great vacation rentals in Hermanus

House of Happiness
Nadine, thank you for such a wonderful weekend away in your beautiful peaceful home. It was a very welcome escape from the city. We had such a lovely time and hope to one day be able to stay with you again.

Casa Kuro
What a lovely house surrounded by beautiful nature and a great view. A walk down to the lovely beach, a dip in the refreshing water and best food nearby. Nothing was amiss !! Zebras walking past your windows every day just added towards a fantastic stay. Design. Interior. What a house !!!!

Designer Villa on golf course with pool
The home is located on the 7th hole of the Hermanus golf course. Lovely golf course and Mountain View’s from all house windows and large glass sliding doors. A short drive to downtown, the beaches and a number of hiking trails. We enjoyed our stay and the houses facilities.

Beautiful relaxing Hermanus home
Fantastic house for a family to relax. Walking distance from Voelklip beaches & restaurants. Comfortable lounge, dining room, deck & braai area. Well appointed.

Cliplitter
This was a weekend of a lifetime.. This house is so lovely and we all immediately felt at home. So much thoughtfulness has gone into creating the home. Sitting in the heated indoor/under cover pool with a view of the mountain, while watching our friend doing the bbq/braai was one of those moments of shere gratefulness. It was a double blessing that we had a weekend with out wind in Betty's Bay. Thank you for sharing your home with all of us!

Close to the sea and seapath. Lovely 4bedroom home
A lovely, spacious and very well equipped beach house in a very peaceful, quiet and beautiful neighbourhood. A short stroll from the coast and Davie’s pool - a great place for a dip and to watch the sun go down. Some good restaurants and shops in Onrus and a huge shopping mall between Onrus and Hermanus. If you’re worried about security- don’t be…. The property is fully alarmed but everyone we met were so polite and friendly! Corneil and Rachelle were excellent, responsive hosts. We had a great holiday here. Highly recommended.

Beach Break Bungalow
We had a great stay at Tim's place. The house is lovely and has everything you need. Excellent location, just a few minutes walk to the beach! We will be back!

Ons C-Huis: Gansbaai Seafront, back-up power
We loved our stay here. The view and sunset was magical. Lovely beachy home. Nothing was too much for these guys, being available 24 hours a day for whatever we may have needed. Highly recommend!
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Hermanus
Total rentals
1K properties
Nightly prices starting at
$10 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
34K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
650 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
150 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
380 properties have a pool
Your guide to Hermanus
All About Hermanus
The small town of Hermanus at the tip of the Western Cape in South Africa is one of the world’s top whale-watching centers. Hermanus lies along Walker Bay, just over 100 kilometers southeast of Cape Town, and you can watch the mighty mammals breach from the cliffs surrounding the town. Hermanus has a long fishing and whaling history, which you can explore in the museum housed in the preserved Old Harbour.
Hermanus is also the gateway to the Western Cape wine country, and you’ll find some of South Africa’s finest wineries a short drive away. To make art more accessible on the first Friday of every month, Hermanus holds an art walk, with more than twenty galleries throwing open their doors so visitors can look around and browse.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Hermanus
Hermanus has a warm, tropical climate. Summers are warm and dry, winters are cool and overcast, and while there’s little variation in temperature between seasons, it’s smart to bring layers to protect against the wind all year round.
To make the most of your time in Hermanus, plan your stay around the annual Whale Watching Festival at the end of September, with a week of eco-marine celebrations, live music, food, and all-ages entertainment. The best time for whale watching is between June and December. You have very good chances of seeing Southern Right whales from September through the end of the year, when they arrive from Antarctica to mate and raise their calves, with numbers reaching a peak in October. The best time for birders is between October and March, when migratory species are passing through town.
Top things to do in Hermanus
Whale Watching
Some of the best whale-watching viewpoints are along the 7.5-mile clifftop path which runs through Hermanus. Most days you won’t even need binoculars here, as whales can be seen playing just a few feet from the shore. Gearing’s Point and the Old Harbour have panoramic views across Walker Bay, allowing you to catch the whales in action from another point of view.
Wine Tasting
The Hermanus official wine route winds its way up the Hemel-en-Aarde (“heaven and earth”) region, taking in 15 of the country’s finest wineries. You’ll find classically styled South African Pinot Noir and Chardonnay among the varieties produced here, which you can sample against scenic backgrounds of the three continuous “wine wards” comprising the town of Hermanus, a nature preserve, and the South Atlantic Walker Bay.
Birding
You don’t need to be an avid bird watcher to understand the importance of Hermanus as a birding paradise. More than 100 species can be seen at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve just outside of town. The Hermanus Bird Club runs regular walks around the area, helping you spot the Cape sugarbird, the Cape siskin, and many other exotic species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Hermanus?
Hermanus experiences a mild climate with temperatures reaching up to 26°C (79°F) in summer and dropping to an average low of 7°C (45°F) in winter. The region receives most rainfall in winter, making summer a pleasant time to visit.
What are some of the best things to do in Hermanus?
In Hermanus, you can explore nature at the Cliff Path Walk, visit the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, or indulge in bird-watching at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. For a marine adventure, go on a whale-watching tour.
What is the best time of year to visit Hermanus?
The most popular time to visit Hermanus is from July to November, during the whale-watching season. The Hermanus Whale Festival in September is a popular event that celebrates the annual return of the southern right whales.
What are the best places to stay in Hermanus?
Popular areas to stay in Hermanus include the central town for its proximity to local shops and restaurants, Voëlklip for access to the beach, and Westcliff if you enjoy stunning sea views. Hemel-en-Aarde valley is frequently suggested for wine lovers.
What are the best places to visit in Hermanus?
Popular places to visit in Hermanus include the Old Harbour Museum, Voëlklip Beach, and the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Additionally, you can visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to enjoy the area's rich biodiversity.
What are some hiking trails in Hermanus?
Hermanus has several hiking trails including those of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, providing sweeping views of Walker Bay. The Cliff Path trail also offers a scenic coastal walk, while the Leopard's Kloof Trail is a popular spot with waterfalls.
What are some family activities to do in Hermanus?
Hermanus is known for family-friendly activities like visiting the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, exploring the Whale House Museum, or enjoying the beauty of Grotto Beach. For the adventurous, there are boat tours to view marine wildlife.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Hermanus?
Popular day trips from Hermanus include a drive along the scenic R44 coastal road to Betty's Bay to see the penguin colony, visiting the Cape Agulhas lighthouse, or exploring the wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
Do apartment rentals in Hermanus have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 apartment rentals with self check-in in Hermanus. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
How much does it cost to stay in villa rentals in Hermanus?
Experience the best of Hermanus with our villa rentals, starting at about $100 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
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