Hermanus Hop

Wild Wellness, Whale Coast, Western Cape

A stunning 3 day / 2 night ‘hop, skip and jump’ through exquisite Hermanus, famous for its champagne air and beautiful views.

Grab your friends or come on your own to make new friends – just make sure you join us and enjoy a walking, eating, shopping, playing, exploring, swimming kinda weekend in Hermanus.

2023, 2024 & 2025 Bookings ARE OPEN

3 days / 2 nights / Easy – Moderate / 21km / 13 miles

Choose to camp, share a home, be private or enjoy some luxury!

An Overview

What is unique about this walk?

Although Hermanus is a well-known world class tourist destination, the secret spots of Cape Whale Coast are essentially undiscovered. On our Hermanus Hop, we introduce you to ancient sea caves, pristine beaches where you most likely not see another soul, the quirky shops in town – off the main road and up a mountain where few go, boasting incredible views and fynbos.

The scenery: A Kaleidoscope of beauty. The ocean, the town, the mountains, the food, the views, the people! This is South Africa’s gem. Let us, as long time locals, introduce you to it all.

The terrain: The beach walking is done at low tide when the sand is at its hardest and can be done barefoot or in shoes. The coastal path through town is a gentle meander. The mountain walk takes you to an elevation of just 300 meters, and is along well-marked paths.

Sustainability: On this walk we support local communities and businesses, help preserve the heritage of the area, report beach findings to the relevant conservation authorities and help with beach clean-ups.

The Itinerary

Day 1: A Beach Day. (10 km)

Start time is dependent on the low tide, as you visit a sea cave to begin this days adventure. Lunch stop along the way on the pristine and remote beach, which also has the most incredible rock formations. There are beautiful places for ocean swims. Transport to your accommodation for the night, and dinner depending on the package you choose below.

Day 2: Explore Hermanus along the cliff path and through the town. (7 km)

Head straight for the famous cliff path where you will spend the day meandering 7km to Old Harbour passing breathtaking beaches, tidal pools and endless views. Between June and November, you will be sure to see the Southern Right Whales. Arrive in the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus for lunch and have a chance to to explore shops, sculptures, landmarks, museums, art galleries, markets and much more.

Included in this day is a surprise pop-up! Then get ready for a Fabulous Feast.

Day 3: A Mountain Day. (4 km)

After breakfast and check out around 09h00, head to the hills to explore the beautiful mountains covered with fynbos. Maximum elevation is 300m. The views are vast and incredible. At around 12h00/13h00 we will transport you back to your cars and wave goodbye.

Rates and Packages

Camping

R3900.00 pp
R4 900.00 single supplement
Minimum of 10 people:
Big groups are welcome.

Includes

Two campsites: One on a river overlooking a mountain and one under a milkwood forest overlooking the sea with a tidal pool close by for ocean swims.
Food and drinks: Tea, coffee, cereal and fruit for both breakfasts. Both Dinners: one fireside dinner with a fun pop-up, one surprise dinner out.
Transport: All shared transport from Hermanus and transport of luggage between campsites.
A leader, basic medical kit and all permits

Excludes

Camping gear: Tent mattress, sleeping bag pillow. (This is available for hire at R500 for both nights)
Food and drinks: Picnic lunch for beach day, lunch in town, all drinks and snacks.
Transport: From the airport or to Hermanus to meet the shared transport (we offer these services as optional extras)
Emergency evacuations or any additional transport.

Shared House

Minimum of 6 people:
R5 500.00 per person sharing
R6 700.00 single supplement
Maximum of 12 people

Includes

One dorm style self-catering accommodation with linen and towels in a prime location.
Food and drinks: Tea, coffee, cereal and fruit for both breakfasts. Both dinners: one fireside dinner with a fun pop-up, one surprise dinner out.
Transport: All shared transport from Hermanus and transport of luggage between houses.
A leader, basic medical kit and all permits

Excludes

Food and drinks: Picnic lunch for beach day, lunch in town, all drinks and snacks.
Transport: From the airport or to Hermanus to meet the shared transport (we offer these services as optional extras)
Emergency evacuations or any additional transport

3 Star Bed and Breakfast

Minimum of 4 people:
R6 700.00 per person sharing
R7 800.00 single supplement
Maximum of 12 people

Includes

One bed and breakfast for both nights offering private en-suite accommodation.
Food and drinks: Teas/ coffees/ full breakfast. Both dinners out on the town.
Transport: All shared transport between hiking locations.
A leader, basic medical kit and all permits

Excludes

Food and drinks: Picnic lunch for beach day, lunch in town, drinks and snacks.
Transport: From the airport or to Hermanus to meet the shared transport (we offer these services as optional extras)
Emergency evacuations or any additional transport.

4 or 5 Star Luxury Hotel

Minimum of 2 people:
Price on request.
We will send you our preferred list of luxury hotels and rooms for you to choose from.

Includes

One Sea Front Luxury hotel in Hermanus for both nights offering private en-suite accommodation in prime locations, picnic lunch pack for beach day, lunch in town for town day.
Food and drinks: Teas/ coffees/ full breakfast and both dinners out with drinks.
Transport: All shared transport between hiking locations.
A leader, basic medical kit and all permits.

Excludes

Transport: From the airport or to Hermanus to meet the shared transport (we offer these services as optional extras)
Emergency evacuations or any additional transport.

The Details

Where do we start and end?

In Hermanus at the Tourism Centre which is situated at the Old Station Building on the corner of Mitchell and Lord Roberts Street.

Day 1: Our courtesy vehicle will transport you from there. The start time is dependent on the mornings low tide and will be confirmed when your booking is made.

Day 3: Our courtesy vehicle will drop you back by 13h00.

There is safe parking for your car nearby for R50 per day.

Price and payment policy

A R 3000.00 deposit per person (R1000.00 deposit for the camping option) secures your place and is payable within one week of your booking. The balance is payable in full, one month before your start date.

For bookings made within the month before your start date, the full amount will be due upon booking.

Travelling from out of town?

No problem! We will arrange:

Airport transfers between Cape Town International Airport and the start and end of hike.

What to wear

A comprehensive packing list will be emailed through to you four weeks before you hike.

Fitness

You have to be able to be on your feet for at least 4 hours a day, and walking fit.
Quite simply, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the hike.
To help with this, we will supply you with a free 6 week fitness program carefully designed for our hikes, to specifically build you up to a level that you will be able to enjoy the whole experience, be walking fit and strong around your knees, ankles and thighs.

Luggage

This is a slack packing experience, which means that your luggage is taken between houses by us for the camping and shared packages.
All packages walkers will need to carry a light day pack.

Gear Rentals

You are welcome to rent the following from us. Pre-booking is imperative.

Daypacks (R200)
Trekking poles (R200 per set)
If you are camping, your camping set up including tent, mattress, sleeping bag and pillow. Plus Cutlery and crockery for in camp. (R500)

What if you have to cancel?

More than a month prior to your start date: We will refund you your full deposit.
Less than a month prior to your start date: Our team will try their best to resell your place, and encourage you to try and resell it too. Once your place has been confirmed and secured under a new name, we will transfer your booking and refund you. In the event that no one can find a replacement for your booking, all monies paid to date, are unfortunately then non refundable due to the logistics of the booking.

What if our team has to cancel?

We reserve the right to cancel or postpone a hike if the minimum number is not reached. In the event that this happens, we will transfer your booking to a suitable date for you, or refund you.
In the event that we have to cancel the hike for any other reason whatsoever, a full refund will be issued on any monies that you have paid to date refund you.