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The Historical Wale Watching Town of Hermanus
Each year thousands of domestic and international tourists flock
to the shores of the gorgeous coastal town, Hermanus.
Internationally renowned for its whale watching, Hermanus is an
ideal holiday destination. Despite being one of South Africa's
most loved tourist destinations Hermanus has managed to maintain
the quaint and tranquil atmosphere of years gone by.
The Hermanus of Days Gone By
This gorgeous seaside town has a proud history dating back to
the early 1800s when a man by the name of Hermanus Pieters
followed a path etched into the ground by a herd of elephants.
Hermanus Pieters was a travelling teacher and shepard who
growing tired of his locality, made the decision to pack up and
try somewhere new.
He wandered south of Caledon along the elephant trail and ended
up next to the sea where he discovered a fresh spring. Hermanus
Pieters decided to set up camps here because of this spring and
the fine grazing the land provided for his livestock. This
beautiful setting became known as Hermanuspietersfontein
(directly translated as Hermanus Pieters Fountain). Once farmers
in neighbouring districts begun to hear of his success they too
began their journeys to this new and fertile location. Many of
the farmers only vacationed in Hermanuspietersfontein during the
warmers summers months. They spent their time fishing whilst
their wives and children spent many a happy day along the
magnificent beachfronts. Once the winter months set in the
farmers would return to their homes, the fishermen however
stayed. The fish was plentiful and the men had great successes
in the ocean that lapped the shores of this small town.
By 1886 so many families had moved to Hermanuspietersfontein
that a church and school were built. In 1902 after an irate
postmasters complaint due to the towns' exceptionally long name,
Hermanuspietersfontein became Hermanus. The town was so
beautiful and filled with fresh sea air that it was not uncommon
for doctors to recommend a trip to the seaside town for their
patient's health.
The Sleepy Village Beside the Sea
The residents of Hermanus fought strongly for their home to
remain a sleepy, quaint seaside village rather than succumb to
the modernization that was creeping up all around them. One of
the most significant contributors to this "village feeling" was
William Hoy who was a frequent visitor to Hermanus. Hoy was the
general manager of the railways and he ensured that the natural
beauty of Hermanus would not be marred by the extension of the
railway line into the
village. Hundreds of years later Hermanus
is the only railway station in the country with no trains.
Hermanus is historically rich with many tales and interesting
facts about the people who were responsible for making the town
what it is today: from anti-railway activist William Hoy to the
last indigenous beachcomber who lived in a cave in town. These
people amongst many other contributed to both the development
and the uncommercialised feel of Hermanus today.
What to do in Hermanus
Hermanus may be a quiet town but it is definitely not an
uneventful one. There are a number of choices for beaches, from
rock-protected coves to long expanses of sandy beach, perfect
for safe swimming and strolling and the many tidal pools provide
safe bathing and are perfect for children. The variety of cliff
path walks and hiking trails, magnificent diving spots and
excellent birdwatching opportunities are a treat for the nature
lovers.
Many renowned artists, sculptors, ceramicists, writers,
jewellers, glass designers, quilters and photographers have
settled here and brought international recognition to Hermanus.
These artists often hold exhibitions which should not be missed.
There are also a wide variety of shops where you can purchase
anything from clothing to curios. The museum enables visitors a
fascinating glimpse into what the town was like in the past.
It is however the whale watching which draws so many
visitors to this seaside paradise. Each year from July to
December South Africa becomes home to thousands of Whales who
leave the icy Antarctic to mate and birth their calves. The
Western Cape is a hot spot for Whale watching in South Africa.
The most common whales in this area are the majestic and once
near extinct Southern Right Whales. Hermanus, which is located a
mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town, is known as the "heart of
the Whale Coast" and is recognised by World Wildlife Fund as the
best land-based whale watching area in the world. The Annual
Whale Festival held in September celebrates these truly
magnificent creatures. A trip to the festival, 5 days of
exhibitions, boat trips, flea markets and entertainment, is
highly recommended.
About the author:
During your visit to this gorgeous town say at the Windsor Hotel which
is situated on a cliff edge with spectacular panoramic views of
the Indian Ocean below. This Hermanus hotel is perfect for a
relaxing seaside holiday break, and the frolicking whales in the
Indian Ocean will add to your enjoyment!
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