Blogs from Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa
October 6th 2011
The ocean around the Cape is famous for two creatures in particular – great white sharks and whales. Nearly every tour operator in this area offers “cage dives” with great whites and although I would love to see these amazing fish I decided that cage diving was not for me. Firstly I’m not entirely sure how environmentally sound this kind of tourist entertainment is and secondly because the advertising is reminiscent of “Jaws” and therefore a little too sensationalist for my liking - it appears to reduce these beautiful animals to the object of some adrenalin pumping leisure pursuit akin to a bungee jump. And with sea temperatures around 15C a “proper” dive was pretty much out of the question. So I decided I was going to have to live without seeing great whites and instead ... read more
Shark Cage Diving in Hermanus
Published: March 21st 2011Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Hermanus
December 22nd 2010
After the bunjy, there didn't seem any point in staying in Storms River. I'd originally planned to spend two days there, but before the first one was over I'd already done what I came to do. Liz had been travelling in the opposite direction to me, starting from Cape Town. I told her that my next challenge was to do cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai, and she highly recommended that I stop at Hermanus. A quick look in the Coast to Coast (SA backpacker's bible!) showed that Hermanus backpackers were doing a pretty good deal, where if you do the dive, the accomodation is free. So I booked that straight away, and left the next morning. I'd originally planned to do the dive from Cape Town but it made more sense to do ... read more
HERMANUS - SUN - SEA - WHALES!!
Published: August 30th 2010Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Hermanus
August 30th 2010
Some information gleaned from a pre- World Cup Publication - and beyond. Best land-based whale watching in the world! Long stretches of pristine, powdery white beaches - sandwiched between majestic mountains and sparkling ocean - whale coast offers breathaking views! The Cape Floral Kingdon - myriad fynbos species - home to countless birds and animals. Spectacular marine wild life - whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins, seals and more!! A water wonder world: fishing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, diving, boating! A plethora of exciting activities for the adventurous - shark diving, horse riding, quad biking - micro-lighting. tree top sliding and sand boarding! Tours of townships and wineries -------- This really is a most spectacular place to visit. We were spoiled by being able to stay in a flat right on the water's edge - first floor - so ... read more
July 23rd 2010
Today was our second full day in Hermanus. This morning we went up into the wine region, the Hemel & Aarde valley, (heaven & earth) and we stopped at the La Vierge vineyard where we were able to sample a few of their wines. They also have a restaurant with fabulous views and wonderful food and the staff are very warm and welcoming. Further up the valley where the metalled road becomes a gravel track, there are some spectacular views and it was well worth the trip. This afternoon we have been in Hermanus. On the war memorial there is a plaque commemorating Roger Hollis who organised the “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft 3 during WW2, as his parents were residents here. Tomorrow we move on again to Tsala Treetops Lodge near Plettenberg Bay, which is ... read more
July 22nd 2010
Today has been windy. It is howling and making the sash windows in our hotel room rattle. However, this being SA and winter, the wind is warm, so not totally unpleasant to be out in, which is good, as we will soon be going out to dinner in one of Hermanus’s many restaurants. Whale watching was the order of the day. Whales come into this bay to enjoy the warmer waters during winter and to breed. Today we were told the whales were across the other side of the bay and one of the best places to see them was a coffee shop overlooking the cliff. It wasn’t very well signposted and by the time we got there the whales had just headed off back round the coast. It was a lovely coffee shop though and ... read more
July 14th 2010
Tuesday (6/7/10) We left the stormy skies of Cape Town head back on the Baz bus bound for sunny Hermanus. Happy to leave the hype of the World cup. We were collected by our shuttle service to Hermaneus , arrived at the refreshingly bright and friendly Hermanus backpackers and checked into our own room! Both struck down with the 'World Cup flu', we designated the day to a bit of R & R. We regrettably opted for some greasy fish and chips for lunch, a couple hours internet to post some blogs whilst we dropped our washing at the Laundromatte. With the icy winds of the previous night’s storm still whipping around we retreated to the backpackers, whipping up some chicken and veggies for dinner and an early night. Wednesday Despite a fantastic sleep we were ... read more
July 7th 2010
What to do today? Ok, whale watching in Hermanus. If it’s anything like looking for the cats - no chance of us seeing anything. Still full of optimism off we set. The journey to Hermanus took 2 hours. Anything below a 6 hour drive is looked upon by the South Africans as “oh ya, just around the corner” 5 hours just around the corner, who are they kidding? I could feel the vibes from Roger that this was going to be a wasted journey. We looked and we looked and thanks to the eagle eye of a man near us we, kinda saw a black shape in the sea. Off for lunch and a break from whale watching. After lunch, armed with our binoculars and renewed optimism, back to the sea front for one last look. ... read more
July 5th 2010
Once we got ready to go this morning, we called and booked 2 spots on a whale-watching boat that was due to leave the harbour at noon. The trip would take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. We thought, after yesterday’s experience, that we should first find a pharmacy and get some nausea pills, which we did find. So to not keep you in suspense, they worked wonderfully...YAY!!!! We then drove past the town center and saw lots of people looking towards the ocean. That could only mean one thing in Hermanus: a whale was close enough to the coast. We parked our car and quickly found a spot. I spotted the whale in no time, right in front of us, about 50 yards off the coast I’d say. I took a few pictures to give ... read more
South Africa Day 7 & 8: New Year 2010
Published: December 31st 2009Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Hermanus
December 31st 2009
We are relaxing poolside today but the Arabella Western Cape Resort and Spa is a severe let down, right down to the restaurant manager making up today's forecast yesterday so that the day is only passable for the pool. I have figured out the right location in the hotel to make the internet work, so we want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2010 before we drive off to Cape Town. We did not do anything too crazy last night, as a matter of fact I feel asleep as Moscow was celebrating the New Year, so about an hour early. I am very tired and this go-go is really wearing me down. On top of that, we are really enjoying Namibian beer and South African beer and wine and that does not help when combined ... read more
Admitting guilt in Hermanus....
Published: December 16th 2009Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Hermanus
December 2nd 2009
Having fed and watered ourselves Paula and I jumped into the Corsa and headed for Hermanus. This was going to be our chilled out and relaxing time. We arrived into Hermanus without incident and checked into the hostel. We decided to walk into town and stretch our legs and also see if we could spot any Whales however they weren't playing afternoon. That evening we headed out into the town and searched for food and we ended up at a really nice Italian. Here in South Africa it is funny as often if you park in the streets you will find parking attendants both official and unofficial who will “look after you car” whilst you are away in return you usually pay them between R2 and R5 (16p to 40p). Having eaten we returned to our ... read more
