Southern Right Whale at the cliffs of Hermanus

Hermanus
Overberg Coast

The Overberg region starts about 100 kilometres east of Cape Town on the other side of the Hottentots Holland and Wemmershoek Mountains. Formerly this region was practically cut off by the mountains, which is still reflected in its name. Nowadays the Overberg can easily be reached via the Sir Lowry's Pass. The region is interesting because of a number of picturesque seaside resorts and fishing villages like Kogel Bay, Rooi Els, Betty's Bay, Kleinmond, Hermanus, Gansbaai, Struisbaai, Cape Agulhas and Arniston / Waenhuiskrans.

The most prominent seaside resort at the Overberg coast is Hermanus, one of the oldest in South Africa. By 1920 it already had no less than 16 hotels.

Hermanus can righteously call itself the "whale capital of the world". Every year between July and November dozens of Southern Right Whales come to the calm waters of Walker Bay for breeding. At times, almost a hundred whale cows and their calves can be found in the bay. The marine mammals come within a few metres of the cliffs and can be watched at close range. A 15 kilometre long cliff path borders the coast with many well placed outlook points and benches.

Accommodation and further tourist information to be found on the blue Tourist Information page.

Photo on top: Southern Right Whale at the cliffs of Hermanus. Left: The old harbour of Hermanus.

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