Above the cove to the west of the Old Harbour at Hermanus there is a plaque marking the spring which attracted the first permanent resident, Hermanus Pieters, to what is now one of the most fashionable seaside and retirement resorts on the Cape coast. Pieters, a Hollander who came to the Cape early in the nineteenth century, was an itinerant teacher of Caledon farmers' children. He also had sheep and it was in moving them to fresh pastures that he came upon the enchanting bay-subsequently named after a Royal Naval officer called Walker - on which Hermanus was eventually established. The spring came to be known as Hermanuspietersfontein, a name which was also applied to the early settlement but shortened to Hermanus when municipal status was accorded in 1904.
For more than a century the Old Harbour was the heart of a thriving fishing industry based on the large catches in and around Walker Bay. Its exposed position and tricky entrance held many a peril for the fishing crews, however, and it has long been replaced by a safer, more modern harbour further west. Among the attractions which make Hermanus popular are its fine, safe beaches; the Kleinriviersvlei Lagoon, with its opportunities for yachting and other water sports; the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the saddle between Lemoenkop and Olifantsberg; the extensive cliff-top walk with endlessly unfolding vistas over the rocky coastline; the Rotary Mountain Way which runs along the heights above the town; and the bounty of Walker Bay which anglers share with professional fishermen.
| CODE: | SCCF |
| MEALS INCLUDED: | None |
| DEPARTURE: | Daily, exact times to be confirmed depending on seasons. |
| DURATION: | Full day |
| ROUTING: | Cape Town - Hermanus - Betty’s Bay - Gordon’s Bay - Somerset West - Bouchard Finlayson or Hamilton Russell |
| SPECIAL NOTES: | None |
| MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: | None |
| DRESS REQUIREMENTS: | Comfortable casual |
Betty’s Bay.
Betty's Bay is a coastal town situated between Kleinmond and Pringle Bay. Just off the R44 lies the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens. This piece of land was bought in 1938 to preserve its beauty for future generations. Lovely walks can be taken here and there is also a restaurant within the Gardens that could be visited for light meals or drinks.
A visit to Stoney Point is a must. This is a breeding colony to the Jackass Penguin. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk and watch these cute little birds going about their daily business and if you are lucky you might spot a whale or two swimming in the ocean too!
During early colonial times this area was favored by runaway slaves. In the late 1800s it became a whaling station. In the first half of the 1900s numerous weekend and holiday cottages were built without proper town planning.
A visit to Stoney Point is a must. This is a breeding colony to the Jackass Penguin. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk and watch these cute little birds going about their daily business and if you are lucky you might spot a whale or two swimming in the ocean too!
During early colonial times this area was favored by runaway slaves. In the late 1800s it became a whaling station. In the first half of the 1900s numerous weekend and holiday cottages were built without proper town planning.
Gordon’s Bay
A picturesque coastal town at the sun drenched foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range and the False Bay Coast.. Home to the SA Naval College, this Mediteranian-style village is situated only 30 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.This serene resort is ideally situated for a relaxing seaside holiday. The climate is typical of coastal resorts, with a winter rainfall and mild sea and air temperature throughout the year. The south easter or ``Cape Doctor" affords welcome relief from the heat in summer.
Gordon's Bay is famous for its safe bathing, with both Main and Bikini Beaches attracting thousands of happy sun worshippers.
Fishing from the rocks and the old harbour wall is a popular pastime with locals and visitors alike. Pleasure trips on luxury yachts and cruisers are available from the two harbours while Steenbras Dam is sought after as a picnic spot.
Gordon's Bay is famous for its safe bathing, with both Main and Bikini Beaches attracting thousands of happy sun worshippers.
Fishing from the rocks and the old harbour wall is a popular pastime with locals and visitors alike. Pleasure trips on luxury yachts and cruisers are available from the two harbours while Steenbras Dam is sought after as a picnic spot.
Somerset West.
Named after Lord Charles Somerset in 1819, Somerset West has thrived and is now the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg Basin whilst maintaining its village atmosphere. Lying on the slopes of the Helderberg, the town is 6km inland from the False Bay coast and the resort towns of Strand and Gordons Bay, is 20km from Stellenbosch and its wine route, a mere 35 minutes' drive to Paarl, Wellington and Franschoek and forms an integral part of the Winelands Region.
The entire region is renowned for its scenic beauty, flora and fauna, wine and fruit, gastronomic experiences, friendly hospitality and historical heritage. The wine route is part of the greater Stellenbosch wine route and incorporates wine estates from 10km out of town, the oldest wine co-operative in the country, a brewery and wine estates bordering on the town.
About 15km from Somerset West on the N2 is the fruit route which starts at Elgin and the coastal whale route to Hermanus.
The entire region is renowned for its scenic beauty, flora and fauna, wine and fruit, gastronomic experiences, friendly hospitality and historical heritage. The wine route is part of the greater Stellenbosch wine route and incorporates wine estates from 10km out of town, the oldest wine co-operative in the country, a brewery and wine estates bordering on the town.
About 15km from Somerset West on the N2 is the fruit route which starts at Elgin and the coastal whale route to Hermanus.
Bouchard Finlayson or Hamilton Russell
Stop off at the famous wine estate of Bouchard Finlayson or Hamilton Russell for wine tasting. The Bouchard Finlayson winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, repeated vintages of this pathblazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map. Wine varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Mourvedre and Barbera.
Hamilton Russell
Hamilton Russell Vineyards – one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea - is located in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The Estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir driven Pinot noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the best in the New World.Anthony with winemaker Hannes Storm and viticulturist Johan Montgomery are completely dedicated to expressing the personality of the Hamilton Russell Vineyards terroir in their wines. Tiny yields and intense worldwide demand keep the elegant, highly individual, Estate grown Pinot noir and Chardonnay in very short supply.
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