Best time to be there
October to May is the best time to visit the Cape. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
Fly to
Cape Town/Johannesburg
flying time
11 hours 30 minutes/10 hours 30 minutes non-stop
time difference
GMT +2 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
Cape Town & Garden Route
Highlights - Take a day to enjoy Table Mountain National Park; Drive to Birkenhead House... Read more ...
Deluxe South African Safari
Highlights - Game viewing at Royal Malewane is fantastic and there are plenty of opportunities for seeing big game on the 12,000 hectare reserve... Read more ...
Highlights of South Africa
Highlights - The best land based whale watching in the world; Cape Town; Explore Garden Route; Search for the 'Big Five'... Read more ...
to speak to a consultant
The Whale Coast is a pristine stretch of the South African coastline that runs from the coastal hamlet of Rooiels in the west to Quoin Point in the East. The main towns of the area are Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai. Hermanus, in the heart of the Whale Route, is just 127km from Cape Town on the Cape south coast. It has developed from a rustic whaling and fishing village into the world's best land based whale-viewing areas from June to November. During whale season Southern Right Whales come to the coast to mate and calve, with calving usually happening during August and September, and the height of the whale season between August and October. It's also home to the world's only Whale Crier, who signals whale locations using a kelp horn. The secluded, rock-sheltered coves and the long, pristine beaches are perfect for strolling. The mountains behind Hermanus offer a range of hikes through fynbos with beautiful views of Walker Bay.
There are also a selection of vineyards in the stunning Hemel and Aarde Valley near Hermanus, the wines produced in this area are unique to South Africa and similar to those of Northern France, due to the cool sea breeze and clay soil, two of the most popular wines are a chardonnay and an exceptional pinot noir.
Suggested Hermanus Accommodation
Birkenhead House
Set high up on the cliffs just outside the town of Hermanus and overlooking Walker Bay is the magnificent Birkenhead House, the ultimate coastal retreat.
Birkenhead Villa
Located alongside Birkenhead House, Liz and Phil Biden have created a luxurious house for all the family to enjoy. Birkenhead Villa, set high on the cliffs above Walker Bay has quickly established...
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos delivers the basics with ease, international cuisine, fine wines and stunning lodge accommodation along with some more refined touches. There are telescopes...
The Marine
Perhaps occupying one of the best seascape views in the southern hemisphere, perfectly positioned atop the cliffs of Hermanus and overlooking the majestic Walker Bay...
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Guest Testimonial
We had a wonderful holiday. Everything worked excellently. Charlotte Wilks looked after us brilliantly.
- TC, London
Peking to Paris Rally
Spirit of Adventure Lives On
Follow Michelle & Mike on their incredible adventure in the Peking to Paris rally and enter our competition.
A&K Philanthropy
Peninsula School Feeding Association
Aims to reduce short-term hunger and increase attendance of school children, with daily lunches for children who may otherwise not have a meal that day.
Latest from @AKTravel_UK: Experience #Siena's electrifying Palio horse race from the best spot in town http://t.co/yZ9CA5cCLS http://t.co/9dvvAbChg0 19 hours ago