1 Day Hermanus Whale Wander | Whale Coast Closed Group | 1day Hermanus Tour | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
Medium pace
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Group Savings

Whale Coast Wander

wishlist it

from

$126
$114

per person for group of 8
Duration of tour
1 day
Join Group

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Departs when minimum requirements met
Saturday & Sunday & See Calendar
Group Savings

Book 5-or-more adults on the same date for this tour to claim R200 (± 9%) discount. Terms apply.

Overview

Wander the winding roads of the Whale Coast that lead to Hermanus – considered to be the best land-based whale watching spot in the world – and visit the African Penguin colony at Betty's Bay and if time permits, the Harold Porter Garden's coastal fynbos kingdom along the way.

Whilst the Big Five draw many visitors to Africa, the Marine Big Five – whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks – are the stars of the show on this tour, with cliff path hikes and the opportunity to make African penguin pals at Betty's Bay. During whale season (June - November) you'll also have a chance to gaze upon enormous southern right whales from one of the best land-based whale-watching sites in the world.

If the big blues didn’t tickle your fancy then the visit to the Stony Point Reserve in Betty’s Bay (home to one of the largest successful breeding colonies of African penguins in the world) will certainly do the trick! These feathered entertainers always come dressed to the nines and are bound to waddle their way right into your heart. Learn about the conservation efforts of the reserve and have a peek into the many artificial penguin homes littered along the shores. 

End off your adventure with a delight for the senses as you drive along Clarence Drive, with dramatic twists along steep mountainsides, the perfect vantage point to view the vast False Bay. On a clear day, you can even see waves crashing on the tips of the Cape Peninsula.

 

 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
300
km
Tempo
Medium pace
Ideal For
Couple
Family
Friends

Why You'll Love It

  • Walk amongst fragrant fynbos along the Hermanus cliff paths for some of the world's best seasonal land-based whale watching.

  • Meet the cute resident penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

  • Wind along the wild beauty of the Kogelberg Biosphere with the dramatic coastal scenery of Clarence drive.

  • Get a front row seat to view some of Hermanus' largest residents on a Whale Watching cruise.

  • Hike the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Itinerary guideline

This tour itinerary may run in different or reverse order.
Day 1
Cape Whale Coast > Hermanus
±300km

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

Leaving behind the city lights of Cape Town region, this trip takes you towards whale country along the Southern Coast of South Africa. The annual migration (July to November) of humpback and southern right whales along this region's coastline has earned the unassuming, little holiday village of Hermanus the honour of becoming the best land-based whale watching town in the world. By land or by sea, visitors are able to watch these gentle giants of the deep frolic freely and launch their aerial acrobatics in the Atlantic.

Spend the time at the coastal haven of Hermanus where winding ocean cliff paths await. Meander along paths lined with indigenous fynbos, lulled by the crashing sounds of ocean waves against the adjacent rocky shoreline. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the rich birdlife and the chance to see local marine life frolicking about. Out of season you'll have the choice to travel to Gansbaai if you'd like to experience a Marine Big5 eco cruise.

After lunch, journey back to the Cape and if time permits, stop at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Naturalists will delight in the diversity of plant life with more than 1600 species of plant life and fynbos and eagle-eyed twitchers might spot the timid African black ducks, ancient beehives, tortoise, proteas and disa orchids on a short walk along the river and park in the reserve grounds.

The journey continues as you take the scenic road along the beautiful, rugged coastline to the tiny coastal hamlet of Betty’s Bay to meet on of the Marine Big Five. The endangered and cute African penguins at Stoney Point, with their tuxedo-like plumage, charm from the first sight. This is one of the largest and most successful breeding colonies in all of Africa and gives wildlife enthusiasts a chance to observe them at close quarters.

Curving along the epic Clarence Drive coastal road, appreaciate the wild beauty of Kogelberg Biosphere along this picturesque stretch of road that connects Rooi Els village and the naval town of Gordon’s Bay. Arguably the most scenic drive in South Africa, this coastal route snakes its way between the rugged mountains – giving you ample opportunity to snap farewell landscape photos over the 21 jaw-dropping kilometres before arriving at your end destination, Cape Town.

 

 
 

End with a drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

 

Included

Join Small Group or Private

You'll join a small group on scheduled departure days. A minimum of 5 customers booked are needed to start a tour date and confirm the departure for single travellers to join.

I private tour may be booked on other days too at an additional exclusive tour fee. 

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pick-up + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Hermanus Cliff Paths Walk
  • Harold Porter Waterfall Walk
  • Meet the Betty's Bay Penguins
  • Wind Along Coastal Clarence Drive

Excluded

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Meals + Drinks

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.

✕ Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

✕ Optional Boat Cruise

Subject to availability.

This optional whale watching boat cruise needs to be specifically reuested and booked and paid in advance at least a work week before the tour departure date.

 

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Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 14 days prior.
*Buy Refund Protector policy for full refund

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 14 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking if made lass than 14 days before.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
14+ days notice: 100% refund
13 to 8 days notice: 50%*
7 days or less notice: 0%*
 

Full payment is due at least 14 days before the tour departure.

If there’s no other option than to cancel or change your booking, fees may be involved depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.

  • 14+ days notice before departure = free cancellation 100% refund 
  • 13 to 8 days notice before departure = 50% refund*
  • Up to 7 days notice prior, no shows or early checkout = no refund*  

*Exception:  Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

 

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

Travel insurance is not included in tour fees, invest in good travel insurance to cover you if you need to cancel or change a tour date due to any reason.  

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Booking changes; including date changes within 7 days of the booking date is seen as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms will apply. 

Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to the customer.

Child Policy: Child Friendly

Children are welcome on private tours. Some activities will have age limits and alcohol may only be served to adults over 18 years of age. 

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

contact me

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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