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Vacation rentals in Hermanus

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Popular amenities for Hermanus vacation rentals

Stay near Hermanus's top sights

Voëlklip Beach55 locals recommend
Whale Coast Mall87 locals recommend
Hermanus New Harbour10 locals recommend
Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar91 locals recommend
Harbour House Hotel4 locals recommend
Gearing's Point21 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Hermanus

Total rentals

970 properties

Rentals with a pool

380 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

150 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

630 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

28K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

$20 before taxes and fees

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.

  • Do cottage rentals in Hermanus have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 cottage rentals with wifi in Hermanus. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

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