Luxury holidays in Hermanus

When to go

Hermanus has mild climate and even the blustery winter season has plenty of sunny days. Summers months are dry and hot, although the sea breezes offset the temperature. Early March is perfect, with afternoon mists known as ‘champagne air’. The all-important whale-watching season is from July to late November, with activity peaking from August to October.

Getting there

• Planes

  Cape Town International (+27 (0)21 937 1200) is the nearest airport | 90 minutes north of Hermanus. Flights take 11.5 hours from London; Virgin Atlantic | BA and South African Airways operate direct flights from London.

• Automobiles

  A car is ideal in Hermanus. It’s cheap | and easy (particularly if you’re British: they drive on the left side of the road) | although you will need to reserve a car well in advance. It’s worth noting that it is South African law to carry your international driving licence at all times. Also | some driving tips: at roundabouts | there are four-way stops where the rule is | whoever gets there first | leaves first. Minibus taxis have right of way – let them go ahead.

• Taxis

  Taxis are plentiful and cheap; ask your hotel to call you a cab.