Hermanus & Overstrand Activities
Many of the following places or trips we have had personal experience of - either one of us or both of us have been there or done it. Dave particularly likes the sea, so has been a few times on the kayak/boat trips.
If there is anything you would like to know, please feel free to ask us.
We also welcome guest feed back so we can pass on your comments.
On arrival to our guest house we try to give as much advice as we can regarding activities, walks to town, and restaurants etc. Feel free to book anything on arrival or in advance.
Wishing you a happy & memorable stay in Hermanus,
Annamarie & David
Cliff Path Walk
The Cliff Path attracts thousands of whale-watchers every year for the best shore-based whale-watching in the world; but not only whale-watching may be enjoyed on the Cliff Path - it is also a nature-lover's paradise, - home to many rock rabbits (Dassies), oyster catcher birds, and an abundance of fowers.
You can pick the cliff path up within just a few minutes from the bottom of our street (Albertyn). Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk to town or continue to Grotto Beach. Maybe stop at Flicks pool on the way for a quick dip or lunch at Bientang's Cave , a seafood restaurant named after the last survivor of a band of strandlopers, who died at the end of the l9th century.
Walkerbay Sea Kayak
An absolute must for those that love the sea. From young teenagers to pensioners this trip seems to be a hit.
After a thorough briefing on kayaking techniques and safety you paddle from the historical Old Harbour and do a round trip. The direction dependant on winds, swells and paddling abilities. A knowledgeable guide is with you all the way in a small group.
We often walk along the cliff path just to watch the kayaks and whales.
The company aren't allowed for legal reasons to advertise as a 'whale watching' trip, but in season its amazing how close the whales come to the kayaks.
The trip runs all year weather permitting. Of course, at certain times of the year you wont see any whales but the trip is fun, and regularly sited are cape fur seals, penguins, dolphins, cormorants and other sea birds and marine mammals.
Our local birding expert and photographer is often taking pictures of the trip. There's is no obligation to buy but I think it's fantastic to come back to land and view photos of yourself in the kayak close to whales.
Hermanus offers some of the most amazing beaches!
Grotto Beach has been voted one of the 4 Blue Flag Beaches in the Western Cape. You can walk to Grotto along the cliff path or drive there in less than 10 minutes. The golden sand stretches for about 17 miles, with plenty of sand dunes along the way. Unlike the beaches in the Mediterranean it rarely seems crowded. In peak season you just need to walk about 2 minutes to find a quiet spot.
Take a picnic or have lunch at Dutchies (the restaurant right at the beach entrance). They have recently got a liquor license so you can enjoy a glass or two of local wine and hopefully see some whales, seals or dolphins.
If you walk along the beach for about 5-10 minutes you come to the lagoon, one of the few places in the world where you have the sea on one side and the mountain on the other. Absolutely stunning! In summer the water is warm, and shallow in places so great for children. Lots of little fishes swimming around too!
Onrus Beach About a 10 minute drive from our Guest House. Onrus River flows through a small opening in to the sea. This is an ideal area for families with young children. It's also popular beach for surfers and body boarders. The Milkwood Restaurant provides eat in meals and take-aways.
Kammabaai, also known as Lover's Cove, has the best waves for surfing as well as picnic spots and braai sites under the milkwoods.
The Wine Wander
We have excellent wine estates about 10 minutes from here in the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley. Sample wines at Hamilton Russell, Southern Right, Bouchard Finlayson, La Vierge, Sumaridge, Newton Johnson, and Ataraxia.
Wine tasting is free at most of the estates. Some charged R10 last year. Hamilton Russell also sells delicious honey and pepper olive oil (also available for tasting).
Newton Johnson has fabulous views and an excellent restaurant called Heaven!
If you are driving from Stanford, Raka Wine Estate is also worth a visit.
Whale Watching
Whales can be seen from the cliff paths and at the "Old Harbour", from around June until early December. The whales come here to have their calves. Another good place for whale watching is at Seivers Punt, which is off the Main Road just by the golf course.
The annual Whale Festival is held every September and draws crowds from all over the country. The festival offers not only national theatre productions and south African bands but local arts and craft stalls, cuisine and wines from more than 60 exhibitors....and growing!
Whale Boat trips!
The whale boat trips leave from Hermanus New Harbour (about 3 minutes drive) at 9.00 (am), 12.00 and 3 .00pm. . The cost is R550 per adult. We send a lot of guests on this trip and get many glowing reports! The boat can take up to 42 passengers and the trip is about 2 hours.
The flight of Giants
- take a flight over Walker Bay and view the whales from the air.
The ultimate whale viewing experience. An eagles eye view of whales undisturbed and unaware of human presence.
From the comfort of the dedicated whale watching aircraft you can watch calves touching their mothers for reassurance.
During the whale season sightings are guaranteed. A full refund is given if whales are not found.
Shark Cage Diving!
The shark trip is said to be fantastic.
The company can pick you up or you can drive there yourself. It departs from Gansbaai about 40 minutes from here.
The cost is R1350 if you book direct, but if you book through us it will be R1200. Breakfast, towels, wet suits,
snacks and light refreshments are included. About 5 people go in the cage at a time.
For those that aren't brave enough to go down in the cage, you can view the sharks from the boat. The cost is the same whether you go in the cage or not. You don't need experience, diving or breathing apparatus.
Old Harbour Museum
The Old Harbour was proclaimed 'a Museum' in 1972. The area that had been neglected for years was cleaned up and the cement work repaired. Old fishing boats were collected and repaired for outdoor display. An indoor Museum was planned and eventually built along the slopes where many old fishing shacks stood in early days.
The Old Harbour Open-Air Museum is a provincial heritage site. It is unique in that apparently it is one of only two fishing harbours in the world that has been conserved in tact.
The indoor museum houses a specimen display of flowering coastal fynbos that is linked to the Hermanus Botanical Society display in Fernkloof."
Quad biking:
This is a trip we have both done and was absolutely fantastic!
I arranged this trip as a surprise for Dave's birthday and not being very adventurous I hardly slept for a week before the big day. I was so nervous - but this was excellent and not scary at all. The guide meets everybody's needs and takes it slow for those that don't like fast and hectic. They also have obstacle courses for those more adventurous.
Last week they took somebody out who was 70 years old - and if you have young children that aren't old enough to ride alone, they can go on the bike with a parent or guide - so this really is something for the whole family.
This tour goes up through the Hamilton Russell vineyards and olive groves, and was just WOW! The views of Hermanus are stunning from Rotary Way. It was an experience I will never forget.
Make sure you take your camera for this one. I'm happy to forward you my photos - and you can see for yourself how amazing the views are.
This company also offers paint balling and has full insurance for their activities.
Golf
The Hermanus Golf Club lies in the centre of the "Whale Capital" on the Overberg coast, minutes from The Potting Shed Guest House.
This 27 hole course is set in magnificent scenery with views of the sea and a backdrop of the mountains. Wild life and natural Cape flora are attractive features and the many trees provide the beauty for ideal golfing terrain.
David has been a member for a couple of years now and is happy to book a round for you.
Alternatively, Experience the Cape's top ranked golf course at Arabella in Kleinmond about 20 minutes from Hermanus
Surrounded by the magnificent mountains and Bot River Lagoon, and edged by wild fynbos, the picturesque Arabella Golf Course is the ideal place to pursue a passion for golf and enjoy an ideal golf holiday. The fabled 18-hole, Par 72 Championship course has consistently been ranked in the top 10 courses in South Africa (currently ranked #4 in South Africa by Golf Digest magazine). The 8th hole has been described as one of the most beautiful par 5's in South Africa and the 18th hole was rated one of the finest finishing holes in the country.
Your golf journey will take you through breathtaking scenery, pristine kikuyu fairways, challenging bunkers and water hazards; and will then test your skill on immaculate dominant-bent greens. All of which receive frequent high praise from golf professionals and amateurs alike.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve - Just 5 minutes from our Guest House. Walk or hike with splendid views of mountain and sea. There are many pathways (and benches if you want to take a rest), and the walk to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes.
Picnic area's are provided at the bottom of the reserve and plenty of parking spaces too.
In Fernkloof 92 species of bird have been spotted, including Sunbirds, Rock Thrush, Cape Sugar and Rock Jumper.
1474 species of plant have so far been collected and identified . Nowhere else on the planet are so many different species found growing so close to one another - and one can view them in the Hermanus Herbarium at Fernkloof, which has achieved international status. Housed in this herbarium are more plant species than those found in the entire United Kingdom.
The Hermanus Wildflower Festival is held each year at the Fernkloof Reserve and coincides with the annual September Hemanus whale festival.
Visit Fernkloof Nursery where masses of Eco-friendly, indigenous plants are on sale. There are often exhibitions in the reserves "big top" which display an exciting range of exhibitions such as the extremely popular "mini indigenous gardens" display.
Animals can also be found at the reserve, including Baboon, Klipspringer, Mongoose and Dassies.
Abagold
Abagold produces abalone, the world's most desirable seafood. Enjoy a tour of their farm and learn about the cultivation of this delicacy.
Farmers Market
Every Saturday there is a Farmers Market, where locals sell home grown fruit and veg and other produce such as bread, cakes, and jams. There is often a steel band or similar live music.
Craft Market Daily at the old harbour
The daily craft market is held close to the old harbour, in the centre of town. It's a hive of activity with objects of interest for every member of the family, where beautifully creative pieces of art jewellery, carvings, beads and clothing can be found.
Bird Watching
With knowledgeable birder and photographer - Half day and full day options.
Southern Africa is home to almost 10% of the world's bird species and coastal towns like Hermanus offer a unique opportunity for ornithologists to see a variety of birds species in a diverse array of habitats. Keen bird spotters can observe birds in a marine, estuarine, mountain, river or coastal habitat. Fernkloof is the headquarters of the Hermanus Bird Club, which has been going strong for more than eight years. Visitors are more than welcome to attend their meetings on the third Wednesday of every month.
Horse Riding
We can organise horse riding for the experienced and non - experienced.
Take a ride on Grotto Beach or through the vineyards.
Klein River Cheese Farm
This is such a beautiful place to visit!
Here on the banks of the tranquil Klein River or in the garden you can enjoy a
picnic made for you in a basket with cheese, cold meat, salad & home made bread.
Wine is also available.
It's a perfect outing for the whole family, children can enjoy the petting farm and get to see chickens, ducks, foals and calves and also play on the play area.
Birkenhead Brewery
About 20 minutes from our Guest House, at Stanford is the Birkenhead Brewery. It has a pub and a lovely restaurant with a fabulous view. You can sit inside or out, overlooking the mountains.
Enjoy the freshly brewed beer, and visit the vineyard and winery where Walker Bay wines are produced, or go on a tour of the brewery itself. Here you can see how they make their Old English Bitter, Premium Lager and Honey Blonde.
Art Galleries
Home to several talented artists, Hermanus is rich in art galleries where artists display their beautiful works for sale.
Arniston
A peaceful quaint old fishing village on the Indian Ocean. Only about 20 minutes from the Southern most tip of South Africa "Cape Agullas". You will not find a pumping nightlife and adrenalin-packed attractions here, only an azure sea, peace and quiet. This is one of my favourite seaside places! Visit the magnificent Waenhuiskrans cave, which can only be accessed during low tide. This cave, according to a local theory, is so big that a wagon with a full span of oxen can turn around in it. The view out to the Indian ocean is awesome! Be sure to climb the sand dunes for more spectacular views.