The Historical Wale Watching Town Of Hermanus
By Sarah Manners, Thu Dec 8th

Each year thousands of domestic and international tourists flockto the shores of the gorgeous coastal town, Hermanus.Internationally renowned for its whale watching, Hermanus is anideal holiday destination. Despite being one of South Africa'smost loved tourist destinations Hermanus has managed to maintainthe quaint and tranquil atmosphere of years gone by.

The Hermanus of Days Gone By

This gorgeous seaside town has a proud history dating back tothe early 1800s when a man by the name of Hermanus Pietersfollowed a path etched into the ground by a herd of elephants.Hermanus Pieters was a travelling teacher and shepard whogrowing tired of his locality, made the decision to pack up andtry somewhere new.

He wandered south of Caledon along the elephant trail and endedup next to the sea where he discovered a fresh spring. HermanusPieters decided to set up camps here because of this spring andthe fine grazing the land provided for his livestock. Thisbeautiful setting became known as Hermanuspietersfontein(directly translated as Hermanus Pieters Fountain). Once farmersin neighbouring districts begun to hear of his success they toobegan their journeys to this new and fertile location. Many ofthe farmers only vacationed in Hermanuspietersfontein during thewarmers summers months. They spent their time fishing whilsttheir wives and children spent many a happy day along themagnificent beachfronts. Once the winter months set in thefarmers would return to their homes, the fishermen howeverstayed. The fish was plentiful and the men had great successesin the ocean that lapped the shores of this small town.

By 1886 so many families had moved to Hermanuspietersfonteinthat a church and school were built. In 1902 after an iratepostmasters complaint due to the towns' exceptionally long name,Hermanuspietersfontein became Hermanus. The town was sobeautiful and filled with fresh sea air that it was not uncommonfor doctors to recommend a trip to the seaside town for theirpatient's health.

The Sleepy Village Beside the Sea

The residents of Hermanus fought strongly for their home toremain a sleepy, quaint seaside village rather than succumb tothe modernization that was creeping up all around them. One ofthe most significant contributors to this "village feeling" wasWilliam Hoy who was a frequent visitor to Hermanus. Hoy was thegeneral manager of the railways and he ensured that the naturalbeauty of Hermanus would not be marred by the extension of therailway line into the village. Hundreds of years later Hermanusis the only railway station in the country with no trains.Hermanus is historically rich with many tales and interestingfacts about the people who were responsible for making the townwhat it is today: from anti-railway activist William Hoy to thelast indigenous beachcomber who lived in a cave in town. Thesepeople amongst many other contributed to both the developmentand the uncommercialised feel of Hermanus today.

What to do in Hermanus

Hermanus may be a quiet town but it is definitely not anuneventful one. There are a number of choices for beaches, fromrock-protected coves to long expanses of sandy beach, perfectfor safe swimming and strolling and the many tidal pools providesafe bathing and are perfect for children. The variety of cliffpath walks and hiking trails, magnificent diving spots andexcellent birdwatching opportunities are a treat for the naturelovers.

Many renowned artists, sculptors, ceramicists, writers,jewellers, glass designers, quilters and photographers havesettled 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 purchaseanything from clothing to curios. The museum enables visitors afascinating glimpse into what the town was like in the past.

It is however the whale watching which draws so manyvisitors to this seaside paradise. Each year from July toDecember

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South Africa becomes home to thousands of Whales wholeave the icy Antarctic to mate and birth their calves. TheWestern Cape is a hot spot for Whale watching in South Africa.The most common whales in this area are the majestic and oncenear extinct Southern Right Whales. Hermanus, which is located amere 45 minute drive from Cape Town, is known as the "heart ofthe Whale Coast" and is recognised by World Wildlife Fund as thebest land-based whale watching area in the world. The AnnualWhale Festival held in September celebrates these trulymagnificent creatures. A trip to the festival, 5 days ofexhibitions, boat trips, flea markets and entertainment, ishighly recommended.

About the author:During your visit to this gorgeous town say at the Windsor Hotel whichis situated on a cliff edge with spectacular panoramic views ofthe Indian Ocean below. This Hermanus hotel is perfect for arelaxing seaside holiday break, and the frolicking whales in theIndian Ocean will add to your enjoyment!