Cape Town to Hermanus by car
The distance from Cape Town to Hermanus is a mere 123km and will take a scenic hour and 45 minutes by car. So, it’s doable for a day trip, but as there is so much to see and do there, it’s best to take a weekend or even a week!
The quickest route is along the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass, but you could always opt for the scenic route which takes you along the R44 past Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. This is a good route to take in whale season as you will probably spot some whales breaching on your journey around the coast. More about the whales further on…
But there’s also lots to see and do on the quick route. As you climb up Sir Lowry’s Pass, you can enjoy a spectacular view of False Bay stretching all the way to Table Mountain in the distance. Once over the Pass, there are two farmstalls worth a stop. Firstly, at the turnoff to Grabouw you’ll find Peregrine Farm Stall. It’s been there for at least 50 years and sells delicious pies, freshly baked breads, farm produce, wine and loads more. There’s also a play area for kids needing to get rid of some energy, a lovely nursery selling plants (which could be a great gift for someone you are visiting). Their coffee is delicious, but in winter I prefer to order Milo, not often on the menu these days.
After a picturesque drive with apple orchards on each side of the road and border fences dripping with Old Cape Roses, another farm stall looms. The Houw Hoek Hotel is the oldest licensed hotel in South Africa, built in 1779. It’s a great place for lunch or a quiet drink, and please do pay homage to the gigantic Blue Gum Tree at the entrance, said to be one of the oldest and tallest in the country. But if you just want a short pitstop, then stop in at the Houw Hoek Farmstall across the road. The jury is still out on who makes the best pies, Houw Hoek or Peregrine, but both bakeries offer delicious breads, tarts and quiches along with the usual fresh produce, jams and locally made craftwork.
If the queues were too long at either, there is an Ou Meul Bakery at Salandra Park on the R43 quite soon after the Hermanus turnoff on the N2. The usual fair is available, but their added extra is freshly ‘braai-ed’ ‘roosterkoek’, which is bread rolls baked on the coals. They are delicious and can be filled with eggs and bacon, cheese and jam or even a meat patty and trimmings for a delicious hamburger. Best to phone ahead and order the ‘roosterkoek’ to avoid disappointment,
The entrance into Hermanus is slow but beautiful. Soon after Ou Meul you will travel over the lagoon at the mouth of the Bot River, then through the villages of Fisherhaven, Hawston, Vermont and Onrus with the sea unfolding on your right, and the Kleinriver Mountain range rising on the left.
As you enter Hermanus, you will travel on the main road towards the Old Harbour and then veer left which will take you through the pretty town dotted with quaint shops, fabulous hotels and delightful eateries. You may like to stay in the town centre, and there are lovely options, or you might like to travel further on towards Voelklip where the beaches are located.
Cape Town International Airport to Hermanus
The road trip from Cape Town airport to Hermanus is even shorter from the airport at only 109km and taking about an hour and a half by car. So, if you’re flying in from somewhere else, you’ll be able to go straight to Hermanus from the airport. There are shuttles that ferry visitors from the airport to Hermanus and back again for a reasonable fee.
FAQs
Is there a bus from Cape Town to Hermanus
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus to Hermanus from Cape Town but, as previously mentioned, shuttles from the airport are readily available. Some of the guest houses in Hermanus would be able to organise a shuttle service for you upon enquiry.
Is there a train from Cape Town to Hermanus?
The short answer is NO, there is no train to Hermanus, but the long answer is quite an interesting one. William Hoy was the General Manager of the Cape Government Railways. He and his family holidayed regularly in Hermanus, always staying at the Marine Hotel. He was knighted after the First World War for his work in constructing a railway in record time to German South West Africa as manager of South African Railways. He was known as a pioneer for tourism, and helped establish the Kruger Park as a tourist destination. However, he was also instrumental in prohibiting the sleepy little village of Hermanus from becoming a tourist hub by refusing the extend the railway line from Bot River to the village. Sir Hoy was an avid fisherman and eventually retired to Hermanus, so perhaps he was just safeguarding his own peace and quiet. He and his wife are buried on Hoy’s Koppie, just behind the United Church near Lord Roberts Drive.
What is there to do in Hermanus?
There is so much to do in Hermanus, you had better plan to stay for a few days. You can eat a delicious meal at a different restaurant every day of the week. There are several beaches to choose from whether you are a surfer, a sunbather or a family in search of a picnic spot and a safe swim. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers several different hikes in the Kleinriver Mountains. You can spend a breathless hour trudging up and down Lemoenkop, or a whole day walking along beautiful paths past waterfalls and spectacular views.
The whales come into Walker Bay to calve from July to November. So if you if your trip falls within this time period, make sure you plan sometime to walk along the cliff path and sit on one of the benches with your binoculars at hand. It is a wonderful sight to see whales breaching out of the ocean. The more adventurous can also buy a ticket for a boat trip which takes you even closer to these huge and majestic mammals.
And then of course, there is the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley. Just a short 15-minute drive from Hermanus, there are several award winning wineries that offer an array of excellent wines. Close to the sea, and in an elevated position in the mountains, this is an area for cool climate wines.
At Bosman Hermanus there is something for everyone: The Frame House is the tasting station where visitors can taste wines from the farm which is located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The Bosman Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are all made from grapes grown on sea-facing slopes of the Babylonstoren Mountain, but this line-up is augmented by their impressive wines from their farm in Wellington where single site wines such as their Optenhorst Chenin Blanc and Twyfeling Cinsaut bring a little sunshine from the Boland, as well as their Generation 8 range, Nero, Loose Cannon Cap Classique and the flagship Erfenis.
The Frame House cheese platter is an excellent accompaniment to your wine tasting and can be shared amongst guests. There are a few small plates on offer, but the Bosman-by-the-Sea Pairing Menu is a must for the serious wine lover. The three Upper Hemel-en-Aarde wines are paired with small plates of locally sourced seafood and charcuterie – it’s the very best way to spend your afternoon with not only the wines and food for company, but served from the beautiful Frame House with 360˚ views over fields of fynbos, rolling vineyards, towering mountains, and even a glimpse of the sea far below.
So the simple answer to the question: Is it worth visiting Hermanus? Is a resounding YES! So get out your calendar and book a trip to Hermanus, you definitely won’t be disappointed.