Hermanus South Africa General Info
Hermanus lies
along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most
tip of Africa. The magnificent mountains of the Overberg
towers over the town - home of the Southern Right Whale.
The Brydel Whales can be found all year round. Whale
enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world
visit Hermanus to enjoy these magnificent creatures
playing and frolicking. Hermanus is the best land based
whale watching destination in the world. Hermanus is
Known as the heart of the whale route. The popular cliff
path stretches from one side of the town to the other,
about 12 km of fresh unpolluted air. An excellent walk
and place for whale watchers to study and enjoy these
amazing gigantic mammals and get within closer range
than you can dream of.
Telescopes situated alongside the Old Harbour Museum
makes it possible to survey the entire Walker Bay and
the whales and dolphins at close range.
The Whale Crier keeps visitors informed as to the
whereabouts of the whales. The sound of his kelp horn
has become a well loved and awaited sound during the
whale season.
Writers & Artists
Hermanus has become renowned for housing many artists
and writers. There are interesting Galleries to visit
and a Craft Market in the centre of town every weekend
and Public holiday.
South African Wines of Hermanus
The Wines of our region has made a name for itself over
the last centuries.
Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson has become some
of our superior export wines, while there are many other
excellent wineries around Hermanus. Our temperature,
humidity, latitude and altitude has proven perfect for
the cultivation of the finest wines. Both white and red
wine grapes do exceptionally well around Hermanus and
produce wines we are very proud of.
DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa the vehicles are right hand drive and
have to drive on the left of the road.
Wearing a seat-belt is compulsory.
Hands-free kits should be used for mobile phone use
while driving.
Watch out for animals when driving in rural areas.
Distances and speed limits are always stated in
kilometres.
Petrol stations are not self help and it is customary to
tip the attendants roughly R5.00
and only South African Petrol Cards and cash are
accepted - no credit cards.
HERMANUS BUSINESS HOURS: General shopping hours are from
08h30 to 17h00 on weekdays and 08h00 to 13h00 on
Saturdays with some shops open for a limited time on
Sundays.
HERMANUS CLIMATE: Hermanus enjoys a mild climate.
Winter, although the rainy season, has many sunny days
and is generally mild, with high winds at times. Summer
is dry and sunny with extreme heat tempered by sea
breezes. Early autumn (March to April) is idyllic, with
balmy days and later afternoon sea mists, the so-called
Hermanus “champagne-air”. Average temperatures summer
27° winter 14°.
HERMANUS ELECTRICITY: 220/23O volts AC at 50Hz
HERMANUS EMERGENCY SERVICES Telephone numbers: to save
on your mobile Ambulance 10177 Hospital 028 313 0168
Fire 028 312 1122
Police 10111 Rescue 028 312 2626 Weather 082162
HERMANUS FOREIGN EXCHANGE: Most SA banks are represented
in Hermanus and have foreign exchange facilities. ATM
machines are found in the city centre. Please take
precautions at Automatic Teller Machines when entering
PIN codes and collecting cash. Most international credit
cards and travellers cheques are accepted.
HERMANUS TOURISM BUREAU is situated at The Old Station
c/o Mitchell & Lord Roberts Streets.
International telephone number 0027 (028) 312 2629
HERMANUS LITTER & FIRE LAWS: Litter has severe impacts
on ecosystems and affects a variety of animals in these
areas. Imagine the fishing gut you didn’t need and the
penguin that gets it caught up around its body and the
hook it its mouth. Please take all of your litter with
you – no matter where you are and what or how much of it
there is. Dispose of it in rubbish bins accordingly.
Fire is a big threat in these areas in that Fynbos needs
fire to germinate but it has to be controlled. Out of
control fires caused by throwing cigarettes out of car
windows or onto the ground results in large fines and
could lead to other charges depending on the
circumstances of the fire.
HERMANUS MOBILE / CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Mobile networks
are Vodacom, MTN and Cell C.
HERMANUS POSTAL SERVICES are situated in the Main Road.
HERMANUS TIPPING is usually 10% to 20%.
HERMANUS VAT (Value Added Tax) of 14% is levied on
nearly all goods and services, meals and accommodation.
Foreign tourists may apply for a VAT refund at the V&A
Waterfront or airport on items purchased and taken out
of the country, providing their total value exceeds
R250.
HERMANUS WATER CONSERVATION: Please use water sparingly
as the whole of the Overberg is a water conservation
area, Hermanus in particular as the dams are well below
the “safe” mark and rainfalls not as frequent as in past
years.
HERMANUS WEEKLY NEWSPAPER: The Hermanus Times comes out
weekly on a Thursday and has current information on all
aspects of life in Hermanus including news, views,
happenings, specials, sales and accommodation.
www.news24.com/HermanusTimes
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