Situated at the northern end of Walker Bay, the attractive clifftop town of Hermanus was founded by German settlers in 1855 and later established itself as a trendy seaside retreat from nearby Cape Town. A mesh of cobblestone alleys and relaxed harborfront restaurants ensure that Hermanus retains a quaint resorty atmosphere, but the town is best known as arguably the world’s best venue for land-based whale-watching.

Discover Hermanus

The whale-watching season might start as early as Jun and extend through to Nov, but it usually peaks over Sep-Oct, when 100 southern right whales and a smaller number of humpback whales converge on Walker Bay to calve. At this time of year, whales are often seen breaching and lobtailing immediately below Castle Rock, a 100ft-high vantage point above the harbor.

For those who don’t have any luck from the cliffs, licensed boat operators offer oceanic whale-viewing excursions out of Hermanus.

The Old Harbor Museum broadcasts live whale songs directly from a strategically placed submarine microphone.

Less than 7 square miles in extent, the out-of-town Fernkloof Nature Reserve protects almost 1500 different plant species, most of which are unique to the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region.

Set on the scenic coastline between Cape Town and Hermanus, Betty’s Bay is home to a breeding colony of African penguins and the lovely Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.