From whales to wineries, sightseeing in Hermanus offers perfect day out

OUR JOURNEY began at the V&A Waterfront, where anticipation and excitement filled the air. As we boarded the City Sightseeing bus, the vibrant atmosphere of the city gradually gave way to a sense of tranquillity as we drove away for a few hours.

It was a splendid day, one that truly made us appreciate the warmth of the sun amid the icy winter. Our journey took us towards Sir Lowry’s Pass, led by our lively tour guide, Brahm Bester.

Despite the early start, Bester skilfully kept us engaged with captivating facts and intriguing tales of the surrounding areas, ensuring we remained awake and attentive.

This journey was a stunner, with endless views. We headed towards the coastal town of Gordon’s Bay and it was like stepping into a postcard.

We made a quick stop at Pitstop, AKA the Grill Shack, for delicious mini corn dogs, and a shot of sherry to get pumped for the rest of the adventure.

After a hearty breakfast, Bester, took us on a spectacular coastal drive, through Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, en route to Hermanus.

Along the way, we stopped to take in the picture-perfect views.

As we approached Hermanus, Bester led us to a hidden gem known as Rotary Scenic Drive, or as the locals call it, “Lovers Lane” for a panoramic shot of the whole town.

Hermanus is renowned for its whale spotting opportunities, and we had the privilege of witnessing, from a distance, a magnificent whale breaching.

At lunchtime, we had a delightful tasting of three white and three red wines at The Wine Glass. The restaurant’s gourmet dishes were equally impressive. We treated ourselves to crispy deep-fried sukeeni, delectable veggie wraps, duck wraps, and a South

African favourite, babotie spring rolls.

Hermanus is not only renowned for its beautiful coastal views but also for its wineries and vineyards. This tour showcases the beauty of these wine farms. We made a stop at the impressive Bouchard Finlayson wine farm.

Sitting in the atmospheric cellar, amid rows of barrels, was a special experience. Bester took us on a different route home, passing through Elgin and Grabouw, stopping at Padkos Express – the perfect pit stop before concluding our memorable journey.

HERMANUS was recently recognised as one of four Western Cape destinations featured in the prestigious ‘Most Loved Destinations in the World’ by the Tourism Sentiment Index.