Things to do in Hermanus
1. Buy food at the market
Every Saturday morning there is a wonderful market in the Fenkloof Nature Reserve. The stalls are carefully selected, and the food is something special, particularly if you enjoy fresh bread, cheese and olives. The market is rather ‘holistic’ (as my daughter puts it) and many of the stall owners are apparently under the impression that all four of the Beatles are still alive, but it is nevertheless an outstanding spot to tackle on an empty stomach. Go early – by 9 am the parking lot is chock-a-block.
2. Walk the coastal path
Hermanus is a fairly big place, but the town’s coastline is almost entirely public property. The result? You can have a magnificent walk. There is a paved coastal path which stretches for almost 10 km past all the beaches and lookout points: the New Harbour, Old Harbour, Kwaaiwater, Langbaai, Voëlklip and Grotto beach. No matter how busy the town may be, there is always a quiet spot somewhere that you can sit and watch the ocean (and even spot whales in the winter and spring).
3. Visit the Plaat
The Walker Bay Reserve is one of the best coastal reserves in South Africa. You will however need a 4x4 to reach the best spots. Drive from Hermanus through Stanford in the direction of Gaansbaai. Turn right at De Kelders and follow the signboards to the reserve. The road is in places right against the ocean – it feels almost wrong to be driving there. It’s just the place if you need to get away from everybody else.
4. Drive the Hemel-en-Aarde road
Dirt roads are the perfect antidode to soothe your soul. Turn left at the Sandbaai traffic lights before entering Hermanus. This is the Hemel-en-Aarde road to Caledon. The first part is tarred, but very beautiful. Then, after about 9 km, turn left at the Bosdam turnoff and drive along this road in the direction of Hawston. This is the Karwyderskraal road – as beautiful as the name itself. It’s also a great mountain biking route. You’ll end up on the same road with which took you towards Hermanus.
5. Enjoy the view on Rotary Way
Things always look better from high up. The turnoff to this beautiful lookout point is on the left just before you pass that first ugly shopping centre on your right as you come into Hermanus from Cape Town. A five minute drive on a tarred road (and later a reasonable dirt road) and you’ll find yourself at a couple of nice spots to pull over and enjoy the view over the whole of Walker Bay. It’s always beautiful here, even if the weather is nasty. If the wind is right, there are usually even a few paragliders in the air.
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