Hermanus (originally called Hermanuspietersfontein) is a seaside town situated along Walker Bay on the south coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is famous as a place from which to watch Southern Right whales, during the southern winter and spring and is a popular local holiday spot. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally, but are now protected. Hermanus is 40 km from Gansbaai, a famous spot where one can dive amongst the Great White Sharks. It is also notable that Hermanus still boasts an historic railway station building although eventually no tracks were laid to connect the town to the national network. The founders of the town decided not to lay any tracks as this would have made Hermanus more commercial and they felt Hermanus needed to stay a small Fisherman Village and is still to this day know by the locals as “the Village”.
The Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival celebrating its 20th year as the only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, “puts the creatures of the deep on stage and under the spotlight alongside top performers and musicians from 30 September to 4 October 2011”.
Hermanus plays host to thousands of visitors (2010 saw some 130 000 visitors) who flock to the seaside resort to exhilarate in the unique natural environment, watch the whales and revel in music, and African rhythms during the festival. The Whales are always the star performers at the festival and will be joined on land by great food, quality crafters, sport events, kids entertainment and thousands of people celebrating Spring in one of the most beautiful place on earth.
The Evening Music line-up in the Two Oceans Marquee on Market Square is Prime Circle on Friday 30 September and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels on the Saturday 1 October. The Hemel en Aarde Forest Theatre presents Chris Chameleon on Saturday 1 October. The variety of events planned will keep the whole family entertained throughout the festival which includes a street parade on Saturday 1 October 2011. Contact us at Road Travel to find out more about this party of note.
Southern Africa Travel 