Once a humble fishing village, Hermanus has recently transformed into a charming holiday hub with an international eco-tourism reputation. This area of the world is most renowned for being the home of the Southern Right whale, which travels from Antarctica to the shores of Walker Bay to breed and give birth each year. Roughly 150 of these deep sea behemoths come as close as 30 feet to the rocks and cliffs above Walker Bay, providing the best land-based whale watching in the world. One of the most exciting celebrations on the planet is Hermanus’ annual whale festival to celebrate the Southern Right whales returning to the bay for calving and mating season. Thousands of visitors from across the globe are known to flock to its shores for a three-day series of sporting events, crafts, great food, and musical performances to celebrate their arrival. A Hermanus vacation with Ker & Downey is a spectacular way to experience all this and more!

Hermanus also hosts the South African Shark Conservancy and serves as an excellent base from which to try your hand at that bucket list activity of shark cage diving. The density of the Great White Shark population here is spectacular, and for the avid adventurer, there is no better way to experience them than seeing them face-to-face in the water. Visitors will get a rush out of climbing into the impenetrable floating shark proof cage and feeling the adrenaline pump through their veins as the shark swims toward the cage, opens its mouth, and bares its teeth.

For those who prefer more relaxed, land-based activities, Hermanus offers up beautiful Fynbos-rich mountains and Milkwood Ancient Forests with wonderful hiking trails and many different species of plants and birds. Right in front of Hermanus are miles of unspoiled sun-bleached beaches for long, romantic walks and horseback rides. Don’t be surprised if you spot some African penguins, Great White Sharks, Cape Fur Seals, and various sea birds and dolphins greeting you along the way.

Talk to your Ker & Downey travel expert to begin planning a handcrafted Hermanus, South Africa travel experience.