Blogs from Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa - page 4

Hermanus is one of the very few places on earth you can see whales from the land. I left Stellenbosch, with some sadness in heart, made really good friends there, but the journey must go on. Hermanus Backpackers, is owned and run by a couple (a french guy and a british woman who met in Africa, got married, came to Hermanus for a weekend many years back and never left :) It was a cosy place, felt like home Hermanus Cliff Path is an amazing walk, you go there and sit in a corner by the sea, under the big blue sky and the never ending green sea. Its the amphitheater of gods and you are the audience. And then the Southern Right whales appear out of nowhere. And I watched in awe, they were less ... read more

All the blurb about Hermanus promises that you can stand on the shore and watch whales do their thing out in the bay... without even needing to leave dry land. We were a little skeptical about this promise when we arrived in town, but 20 minutes later, after we’d seen a Southern Right Whale repeatedly throw itself out of the water to the east of town, we stood corrected! Arriving in the late afternoon, when a soft orange light was settling over the town, we sat and watched the whales breach and show their tales until sunset. When we weren’t whale watching, a troupe of dassies kept us entertained, trying to steal food from unwitting tourists and posing dramatically on the rocky shoreline of the sea wall. The following morning, we boarded a boat to head ... read more

Hello All! We done quite a bit since leaving Cape Town. Our first stop was just outside of Stellenbosch, wine country. We stayed 3 nights in a really nice cabin built over a lake. The bird life there was amazing and the lake was filled with large mouth bass. The country side there is beautiful rolling hills of vineyards and the wine estates are done in the most beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. Some of the wineries have been there producing wine since the late 1600's. We did a great hike while there and I had one of the most amazing meals I've ever had at a restaurant called 96 Winery Road. It was Duck and Cherry Pie. I've got to learn how to make it, heavenly! From there we drove on down the scenic coastal highway, ... read more

After seeing the whales last night, we sat down for dinner and the chef was happy to cater for my ever whim so I had a super yummy dinner. G really enjoyed his too, although I wasn’t impressed that Santa will have one less little helper after G’s meal (G was quick to point out that I could help Rudolf with my red nose from the sun - well at least I am not patchy!). We then headed back up to our room and the hotel was spectacular at night - there were 2 little tea light candles on every step leading up to the room and more tea lights in our room - totally my scene! We started relatively early today - got up at 7.30am, with sunshine streaming in through the windows. Breakfast was ... read more

Yesterday was shark day. Today, it's the penguins' turn and they prove to be better subjects. The group has loved Birkenhead so much that Ngaire, our travel agent, arranges for a late check-out plus lunch around the pool area. We're thrilled to spend a few extra hours in this beautiful location. The back patio overlooking the ocean has been calling Alan for a little early morning whale watching. This morning he makes it down for the spectacular scene. I catch up with him for breakfast and a cappuccino. Then we explore the property before lunch beside the pool with three tables of travel friends who are all looking forward to our cruise from Cape Town to Rio. Of course the tomato appetizer, fish cake and brownie dessert were delicious. The entire Birkenhead staff waves goodbye as ... read more