Hermanus

We had wanted to visit Hermanus for quite a while, because some of our very favorite wineries are in that area (Bouchard Finlayson, Ataraxia, and Hamilton Russell).  We finally made it down there, and it did not disappoint.

Hermanus is a small town, about 90 minutes east of Cape Town.  It’s famous for its beaches and champagne, and also for whale watching.  Beginning every July, the Southern Right Whales come back to Walker Bay to breed.

We did not visit during whale season this year, but we had a wonderful visit.  We stayed in a small bed & breakfast by a river that come off of the ocean.  In the tall grasses between our place and the water, birds and crickets chirped as we watched a beautiful sunset.  Later that evening we braaied (barbecued) up some delicious food in our kitchenette, and relaxed in the warm evening.

We’ll definitely return to see the whales in a few months.

Hermanus Valley

Hermanus Sunset

Lisa Trying to Braai

De Hoop Nature Reserve

A beautiful spot to visit in the Western Province is the De Hoop Nature Reserve.  It’s a broad length of coastline including the coastal plains and the actual sea coast near the furthest point south on the continent, and it’s one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation.  It’s made up of clear blue ocean with huge white sand dunes, alongside miles of scrub-brushed plains.    We went there for an afternoon, but it definitely deserved more time.  There is great snorkling, biking, swimming, and bird watching.

We saw beautiful little houses that people can rent to stay in the park, probably some of the same that those on the Whale Trail hike along the coast later in the year, will stay in on their journey.  We really enjoyed it, and plan to make it back there.

De Hoop

De Hoop Ocean View

Tiffany with Bonteboks

Chris on the Dunes

Penguins at Boulders Beach

A classic Cape Town weekend for us is visiting Boulders Beach. It’s just down the road from Simon’s Town, on the False Bay coast.  We love going there to see the penguins.

Penguin at Boulders Beach

This is one of the spots in the Cape where you can go to see African Penguins.  The penguins are everywhere, it is truly their beach, and we are all  just visitors.  They nest in every nook and cranny on the beach, along the boardwalk, even in the storm drains.  The are adorable and amazing to watch.

Jumping for Joy at the Site of Penguins

Penguins on the Rocks

Tiffany and the Penguins