Activities and Local Events
Hermanus, also known as the ‘Riviera of the South’ and the Heart of the Whale Route is home to the Southern Right Whale.
Amongst the rare and beautiful Cape Fynbos covering the impressive mountains you will find the King Protea and the Blue Crane national symbols of South Africa.
Close by are the Hermanus Golf Course and Walker Bay plus the myriad of shopping and entertainment options on offer in and around Hermanus.
Shark Cage Diving
Kleinbaai is well know for it’s Shark Cage diving industry and this small town is just half an hours drive from Abalone Guest Lodge.
Boats leave from Gansbaai to Dyer Island where the Cape fur Seal colony has established themselves. Seals are an attractive food source for the Great White Shark. These trips last about 3-4 hours and they start early in the morning as this is the best time to view them.
Wine Tasting
The Hemel and Aarde Valley, situated a mere 6km outside of Hermanus is host to some of the best wine in South Africa.
With Boutique Wine Estates like Bouchard Finlayson who has just received an award from the 2008 edition of the Platter wine guide that voted the Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2005 as the only Pinot noir to be awarded this prestigious 5-star rating and has been selected out of over 6000 wines to receive the prestigious and esteemed Platter ‘Wine of the Year 2008’ award.
In fact, 6 out of the 9 wine estates in this area have received numerous awards from various organizations. Two of the 9 wine estates in the Hemel and Aarde Valley offer either lunch or lunch and dinner.
La Vierge, a new wine estate to the valley, offers both, with Jazz bands on a Sunday, Newton Johnson offers superb lunches, with spectacular views over the valley and great wine, be sure to try their Rose wine called Felicité it’s so popular they are running low!
Whale Watching
Hermanus, built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale.
Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale-watching destination in the world.
These Giant creatures can be seen within 2 meters of the shore. Walker Bay has a “no go” area for boats which makes this perfect for whale breeding.
Boat based whale watching is offered by a limited number of companies. Booking is essential. Hermanus is also the only town with a Whale Crier who is in fact the only Whale Crier in the World.
He alerts guests to a whale sighting by blowing on his Kelp horn. He is a very knowledgeable and readily shares his knowledge with visitors
Golf
Abalone is situated only 300 meters from the Hermanus Golf Course that has just upgraded themselves to a 27 hole golf course.
Arabella Sheraton Golf Course situated 23km outside of Hermanus a drive worthwhile for the golf enthusiast. Abalone Guest Lodge also offers storage for golf clubs that can take so much space in your bedroom
Horseback riding
During the Whale season horseback whale watching can be arranged. Leaving Hermanus you ride all the way along the shore to Gansbaai on the ‘plaat’ to view the whales from there. Other trips include Beach Rides, Fynbos Rides and Vineyard rides.
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is very popular especially during the whale season. Leaving from the Old harbour to the open waters viewing the whales from much closer. Seals and dolphins have been known to join you along your journey.
Hiking
Fernkloof nature reserve a 5 min drive from Abalone Guest Lodge offers great hiking trails with spectacular views over Walker bay and you are surrounded by amazing birds, dassies “rock rabbits” and fynbos.
There is a variety of routes that you can take ranging from 1 hour up until 5 hours. They are uniquely designed giving you a variety of scenery and experience. Guided tours are also available from Billy an enthusiastic Hiker and Nature Lover that can tell you everything from birds, fynbos, the history of Hermanus and the animals that can be found.
