Activities in and around Hermanus

Named after the HMS Arniston, a British troop ship that sank in 1815 killing more than 300 on board, Arniston is a beautiful coastal fishing village with one of the longest beaches in Africa. Azure blue water, rocky coves and authentic fisherman cottages add to the magical beauty of this coastal jewel.

Here you are still able to buy fresh fish off the fishing boats as they come into the harbour daily. There is a typical holiday atmosphere in Arniston where you can watch whales at play in the bay annually (September to November), visit the De Mond Reserve and discover the many bird species.

Don't Miss Out On

• Kassiesbaai Craft Centre
• Craftword created by locals in addition to traditional meals, home baked breads, delicious fish dishes and more.
• The Arniston Hotel
  Magnificent seaviews from the terrace where many a sundowner has been enjoyed.

A stone's throw from Franskraal and not to be missed is the enchanting hamlet of Baardskeerdersbos which is fast becoming a sought after haven for city slickers as a weekend getaway. Made up of a fascinating patchwork of rolling farmlands and small holdings with quaint homesteads, the hamlet has a fascinating history in terms of how it gained its name, which directly translated means Beard Shavers Bush!!! One can only deduce that it was so named after the fearsome looking but harmless spider the Jerrymanglum, known for its "hair cutting/shaving abilities".

The productive Baardskeerdersbos Valley is carpeted with a contrasting landscape of vineyards, flower and cattle farms. Verdant Fynbos stretches for miles as you traverse this enchanting multi-coloured landscape to reach your final destination where you will find an interesting fusion of locals who welcome you with open arms to their hamlet.

Quaint trading stores dot the main road with a store where you'll be able to get a good cup of coffee and something delicious to subdue the hunger. You may even be charmed enough to stay and perhaps invest in this delightful village!

Situated on the Danger Point Penisula, Buffeljagsbaai is home to a very small fishing community who live solely from the sea. This pristine coastal gem offers magnificent visuals of stark beauty with its magnificent untouched sweeping seascapes.

To the west of Buffeljagsbaai is a small caravan and bungalow park situated in between the dunes with access to a beautiful secluded beach and bay.

Impressive solidified sand dunes tower above Jessie se Baai which is situated on the other side of Buffeljagsbaai. Jessie se Baai was named after a ship which was wrecked there many years ago.

A typical rural town with a large farming community known predominantly for farming with Merino sheep and wheat. Bredasdorp offers a fabulous day trip with several speciality shops with pottery, antiques and local delicacies on offer.

Not to be missed is the renowned Shipwreck Museum which is the only one of its kind in South Africa. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artefacts and furniture from ships wrecked along the coast.

Audrey Blignault who was born in Bredasdorp has a room especially dedicated to her fine history as one of South Africa's most prominent writers.

Major Attractions

• Kapula Candles
  Famous for its more than 1000 candle designs
• Antique Warehouse
• Craft Corner
• Heuningberg Nature Reserve
  For short hikes - a must for birders.
• Julian Keyser Ceramics
• Klippen Coffee and Gift Shop
• Paleishuis
• Pandora's Box
• Shipwreck Museum - Bredasdorp

L'Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa and marks the point where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Agulhas is a lively little seaside resort which comes alive during the holiday seasons with visitors from far and wide. Several people have taken up permanent residence in this charming resort town with its panoramic seaviews.

There are several activities in nearby Agulhas to keep you busy when visiting.

Don't Miss Out On

• Fynbos hiking trails
• Mountain Biking
• Golf
• Swimming (Struisbaai)
• Bird Watching
• Rock and boat angling
• Farm visits
• Visit the famous Agulhas Lighthouse and Shipwreck Museums
• De Hoop and De Mond Nature Reserves

The fishing village of Hawston is located between Fisherhaven and Onrus en route to Hermanus. Hawston was named after Charles Haw who settled in Caledon in June 1859 often visiting Hawston for vacations.

The village of Hawston is rich in traditional history and the locals are eager to share their beautiful beach and ocean's bountiful catch with visitors.

Spend a fun-filled day at Hawston's olympic sized swimming pool (the only one in the Overberg), enjoy a delicious seafood meal at Hawston Abalone Village Restaurant, watch the whales and dolphins at play, take in the breath taking ocean and mountain views surrounding you and take a walk along the magnificent blue flag beach.

Don't Miss Out On

• Olympic size swimming pool
• Hawston Abalone Village Restaurant
• Whales and Dolphins
• Caravan Park
• Beach walks
• Fynbos
• Bird watching
• The famous wild horses

Franskraal, a modest seaside village bordering the White Shark mecca of South Africa, Franskraal is home to several artists and skilled craftsmen and women who hone their skills in this unassuming town with its endless pristine sand beach and prime fishing spots.

A birders paradise, Franskraal's long white sandy beach crosses the outlet of the Uilkraals estuary which will keep avid birders happy for hours.

For the intrepid hiker there's the Groot Melkhoutbos Trail which is open to the public with interesting birds and plants to spot along this beautiful hike. On the edge of the coastline of Franskraal is the historical Strandveld Museum with the largest collection of relics of the HMT Birkenhead which was wrecked at Danger Point in 1852.

The Strandveld Museum

The quaint Strandveld Museum houses the largest collection of relics of the HMT Birkenhead which was wrecked at Danger Point in 1852 amongst several other historical collections and artefacts.

The owners of this stunning little coastal gem are local historians Jan and SD Fourie who lovingly dedicate their time and knowledge to the upkeep of this significant attraction. This formidable husband and wife team will amuse and enthrall visitors with stories of the area.

SD is a qualified National Tour Guide and is renowned for her extensive knowledge of the area. She arranges several tours which are booked up well in advance; one of which is the legendary "Spook Toer" (Ghost Tour).

Jan, a retired teacher and aficionado on matters "Strandveld" and history thereof, will entertain and impart all his knowledge as only he knows how. Concertina and mouth organ always close by!

With the Klein River meandering through this picturesque village, Stanford offers one of the finest bird watching venues in the Overberg.

A popular weekend getaway for city slickers, this town is home to several permanent residents who prefer the fresh air and tranquility of this interesting Overberg town.

There are a multitude of country restaurants serving excellent cuisine made from the freshest ingredients, art and craft shops, hiking trails, cruising down the Klein River on the African Queen or kayaking on the river.

Not to be missed is the Birkenhead Brewery which not only produces its own local beer but has planted extensive vineyards which will soon come into production. You can also enjoy a great meal at the restaurant on the premises. Magnificent views.

Don't Miss Out On

• Birkenhead Brewery
• Bird Watching
• Kayaking
• Klein River Cheese Farm
• Antique and craft shops
• Picnic on the river
• African Queen River Boat
• Restaurants

Napier, Cape Overberg: The town, named after the governor of the day, Sir George Napier, was founded 12 April 1838 when the first erven were sold. The town is central to a prosperous wheat and wool producing area in addition to producing large quantities of strawberries in summer.

Napier lies beneath the Soetmuisberg surrounded by bright yellow canola fields, barley and wheat. A typical country town steeped in history with its main road lined with the prominent Dutch Reformed Church, houses and interesting stores selling antiques and various specialties. It's not unusual to find a little shop operating from the front stoep of a home in Napier. Photographers, nurseries, artists, potters and restaurateurs all exist side by side in harmony.

There's a spirit of kinship and understanding in this country town where everyone knows everyone. Breads, croissants, jams and preserves are made locally and you'll find these delicious homemade goodies in many accommodation establishments as the locals support their own.

Restaurants, pubs and farmstalls abound in this village where you can enjoy traditional country fair, French cuisine or a delicious pizza or pasta. The choices are endless. Farmstalls offer anything from olives, olive oil, jams, preserves, farm fresh breads and cakes, fruit and vegetables to West Coast Bokkoms (dried mullet - traditional salted and dried fish).

Napier is proving to be an ideal wine producing area as new vineyards are planted for production. Already, there is a wine tasting boutique in Napier where you can sample wines from the area.

The town is a shoppers paradise when it comes to antiques and collectibles. Speak with the locals and you'll find what you're looking for.

Don't Miss Out On

• Moerse Farmstall
  Delicious country fare, West Coast Bokkoms, fresh produce. An absolute must.
• Art & Toy World
  Art Gallery • Toy Museum • "Rose" Toy Steam Boats
  5 Almond Street "Chris Vilas Arts & Crafts"
• Green Chameleon Shop
  T-Shirts, Keyracks, Cards, Coasters, Games, Pet Mags, Doggy Bandanas and 100% Napier Products
• Greta's Place
  Collectibles • Antiques • Bric a Brac
• Napier Antiek
  Antiques and Collectibles
• Napier Farmstall and Restaurant
• Jean Daniel Wines (Boutique Winery)
• Vindigo Wine Tastings
  Specialising in wine sales, local arts and crafts.