Tag Archives: Hermanus Unlimited

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How to stay on the Write Track During Lean Writing Times

Warning: This is a long read.

(Replace ‘Writing’ with your Craft – the Principle Stays the Same)

Written by a human 😉

We, as writers (or any creatives), make a point of learning as much about our craft as we can. And, probably, our greatest challenge is to have a regular writing routine – a schedule to help us to get all our wonderful words onto paper and try to get it published, so that we can entertain people, and in the whole endeavour aim to earn a few bucks. And in doing so realising our dreams. Of course, we have a lot of other challenges, but building a habit of writing regularly is probably the one thing writers struggle with the most, because we are not just creatives – we are normal humans too, with normal human stuff to be done – which can absorb all of our writing time.

I too read and watch a lot of videos about successful writers’ routines to see what and how they do it. And yes, I even saved up some hard-earned money to subscribed to Master Class for a year – which cost A LOT in South African currency.

I’m often jealous of successful authors’ discipline and their productive writing schedules. One writer whose prolificness is really mind boggling to me, is Alexander McCall Smith, who, by the way, is one of my favourite authors – and who I recently had the privilege and pleasure to meet in person in my own little village! I love his beautiful prose and have read a lot of his books so far. He has written more than 100 novels already and publishes four to five books per year in four different series. That’s quite a bit of writing, yes!

During my life so far, I too struggled to have a good writing routine. Most of my writing when I was younger, happened on a Sunday afternoon while most people in the household took a nap. (I’m not a day sleeper.) Since, I had only been partially successful in establishing writing routines of my own – during different phases of my life. And this is what I found influenced my writing routine most in my life – life phases.

This piece is not about identifying or making excuses about not having time. We all have reasons and excuses – lots of them – of which some are very valid and some not that much.

Apprentices in Life

We learn most things in life from watching others. Wannabe writers tend to read about or listen to successful writers’ writing routines and try to imitate them. (There are lots of videos on YouTube about writers trying out the writing routines of Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, etc., in which they then tell what they have learned while trying it.) And although it is important to learn from and imitate the successful best, it’s unfair to compare ourselves to authors who do it professionally for decades already. Some authors write for more than eight hours a day – in different sessions during the day. They do it, because that is what they do for a life. It’s their full-time job.

Unfortunately, for most of us, still living in WannaBeAnAuthorville, hoping to be on the bus to IamASuccessfulAuthor City – still have to steer ourselves through normal family and work life, while trying to achieve our writing dreams.

And this is where the subject of life phases comes in.

Life Phases are Real – Very Real

I started writing before I could even form letters. (Read about it here.) . I toddler-scribbled in a notebook and imagined that I was writing stories. I would even read them to my dolls, all lined up on the couch for story time. My biggest frustration when I was four and five years old, was that I couldn’t write real words yet. In South Africa we only go to ‘big school’ at age six and in my day, in the small town I grew up in, pre-school wasn’t a thing yet.

Eventually the school phase came, and I learned to write and read, and I could finally start to write stories. In primary school, story writing was limited to writing essays in school about ‘My Holiday’ or ‘My Family’. In high school though, we had great language teachers who gave us a bit more challenging subjects to write about. I loved essay writing and even wrote four friends’ essays for them on a regular basis. Unfortunately, I wasn’t much of an entrepreneur, so I didn’t charge them for suddenly getting A’s – as I should have had! But the reward when getting the marks back was payment enough at that stage.

A New Phase – A Life Dream Started

Staying in a high school dormitory, we sometimes had time on our hands, and I started writing stories with friends in exercise books. We were about 15 years old then. The stories were sweeter than honey and drippier than sugar cones, but it didn’t matter because it taught us to start and finish longer pieces of writing. We later had a whole carton box filled with our ‘books’ and it became a small ‘library’, which some of the other girls borrowed to read. Unfortunately, at the end of our high school years we thought our stories too immature (which they of course were) to keep, and discarded of them – which was a pity, because they would have been really cute souvenirs of the humble beginnings of a few wannabe authors. I don’t have intimate contact with my high school ‘author colleagues’ anymore, so I don’t know if any of them still writes, but for a short while in our teens, we were a little society of writers, which felt fanciful. I went on to write and I sell articles and have a few self-published ebooks on Amazon Kindle (link here) but so far that’s it. (The rejection letters gotten from the real publishing industry is the subject of a another piece of writing on another day.)

With that life phase over, I meandered on to studies and work and married life – as most people do. For writers, this phase can be both friendly and enemy-like.

Life Phases – A Writer’s Friend or Enemy?

Life phases are facts of life. Everybody goes through them – no matter what your path is or what life choices you make.

On a friendly note, life phases gift us with experiences, thus, they give us something to write about – something to fall back on when we craft our protagonists and antagonists and side-kicks for the novels we hope will make it big one day. They add depth to our article and blog writing, because without experiencing life, a writer won’t be able to ‘move’ his or her readers. Because only when we really feel as we write, we can make others feel too.

The same argument applies for helping others through our writing. Writing about grief must come from a place of experience, otherwise it would be empty and unbelieving. Writing about falling in love, without ever having being in love, will probably not result in believable writing. Writers need the experience of life phases to be reliable witnesses.

So, life phases help us build the knowledge we need to become trustworthy wordsmiths. No matter how unbelievable one’s fiction ideas might be, if written from conviction, the account becomes authentic.

On the opposite side, life phases keep us very busy and often distract us from writing as regular and as much as we want to. During our student years, we might have time for writing during off times, but our priorities might be focused on totally different goals. And once married and having children and juggling a job in between, we rarely have the time to spend on writing.

Throughout my life, I time and again tried to fight to find regular writing times, while managing the business of life. Oftentimes, I succeeded to an extent and became quite productive – which I enjoyed while it lasted – only to move into a next life phase and having to start all over again!

This happened to me repeatedly and every time one must start from the beginning. And starting over, means getting used to new circumstances and finding time within these changed circumstances and environment to carve out a writing routine of sorts.

Life phases Are not Set in Stone

About a decade ago, I ran a writing club for children, and I wrote regularly myself too. I had quite a rhythm and a routine, all while having a full-time homeschooling teenage son and an ageing parent in the house. I was looking forward to when our son would be finished with school, so that I could fully concentrate on ‘my writing career’. Finally, there was a life phase holding the promise of that!

New Unplanned Life Phases Can Arrive Unexpectedly

One afternoon, my then still-soldier husband came home and announced that we are relocating to another country for his last few years of service. And just like that, we were kicked into another (and unexpected) life phase while managing our son’s final school year ‘on this side’. I had to stop in my tracks again. The writing club had to end and of course, my personal writing ambitions was suddenly limited to journaling, blogging and WhatsApp messaging friends and family. Only after arriving and adapting on the other side, could I eventually get my time organised again. Or a bit at least.

I kept working on my novel, wrote short stories and fell in love with flash fiction (Drabbles – 100-word stories – to be precise). I tried a few things writing-wise, but nothing much successful happened. I started looking forward again to our next life phase, when my husband would be retired, and we would have more time to ourselves. And oh my, did I have plans! Finally, I would have that dreamt-about-plenty of time to just write.

Life phases Are not Set in Stone – Take Two

As it goes with moving from one life phase to another, this new phase took surprisingly much effort to adjust to. Because all those wonderful things one dream of, isn’t all you get. With retirement comes changes. Lots of it! You’re suddenly not working, you feel useless and one wakes up in the dark morning hours with questions such as “What now?” And “Who am I now?” And “What is my purpose now?” And “Do I have any purpose anymore? And eventually, “Am I not to old now to make it in writing? And eventually, “Do I even want to write anymore?”

To suddenly have time on one’s hands is a bit like coming into money unexpectedly and not knowing what to do with all of it. And then you start wasting it, because you have so much of it and you don’t appreciate it enough. Your days become unconstructed, unplanned, unroutined. And they merge into one another without you knowing what you have done the previous one or what you are going to do with the next.

And after many heart-to-heart talks between irritated, unsure spouses, a blessing in disguise happens – Covid. The useless-feeling husband, stripped of crises to handle, suddenly have some crisis to handle and some leading to do and snaps back into becoming his old self again.  And slowly the dream life phase turns into a dream again.

So, COVID brought a bit of order for us, where I know it brought chaos and/or disorder and/or grief to many others. As everyone else, we baked and cooked and planted. And like every other writer, I wrote. I wrote blogs with tips on how to survive the tough lockdown. And sent out a series of writing prompts and did a lot of other writers’ prompts myself. Our son and I even co-authored a writing prompts book for petrolheads (link), which we started on a plane somewhere over the Alps years earlier. And slowly I got to a place where I wrote more and more. I even started selling articles again and thought I finally had something going.

Surprise, Surprise – Another Unexpected Life Phase!

And just when I thought that I had a routine figured out, our current dream life phase changed. Again. Opportunity came knocking and we answered and like many people do after retirement, we suddenly found ourselves working again – and just to keep it incredibly complicated, this work took us to another country. Again. Only for three and a half months, they said. We stayed six. And six in the second half of the following year also. So, in practical terms, my writing routine took a two year hiatus. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

That was where I found myself writing this. Sitting in yet another country in another life phase – working away from home. And I am unanchored, uncreative, unfocussed, missing our dogs, our home, our town and our wonderful new-found life. The work we were doing was, unlike creative writing, only draining energy and giving nothing (except very welcome monetary compensation) back. It was just tiresome – physically and mentally. Other factors add to the discomfort, like issues with colleagues, heat and very dry and what felt like oxygen-less air, which affects one’s body in various ways. (This sounds like moaning, but it isn’t – it is just sketching circumstances.) I am actually very, very thankful for the opportunity we had to do it, because it rid us of debt we accumulated due to a parent’s dementia care.

Finally Getting to the Point – How to Stay on the Writing Way

So, that was a long introduction to getting to a point of answering the problem stated: How to stay on track during lean writing times?

How do you stay sane and focussed and keep writing when you literally don’t have time to do it? The short answer is – in the same manner one gets any other big or overwhelming task done: By doing it in small quantities, in short bits – or in our case as writers – one word at a time. Because words become sentences, becomes paragraphs, becomes pages, becomes chapters, becomes manuscripts, becomes books.

It’s really simple – but not necessarily easy. If you can’t do something big, do something small – but try to do a lot of it.

I am no expert on anything really – least of all writing success – and I have threatened myself by myself and in public (in our home) to stop trying altogether. Only for my wise husband and beautiful son to tell me that I won’t stop and that I should keep writing, even if I do it just for myself. I found that they were/are right. I cannot NOT write. Even if it is in down times and I only write (very) irregular entries in my journal (electronically). But I keep writing. And yes, unfortunately, apart from a few sold articles etc., I still only write for myself. And that is okay. For now. Maybe, just maybe one day someone will pay to read something (like a novel) of mine.

In his MasterClass, David Baldacci says that every person that should be a writer, will be a writer. I didn’t breathe for a few moments when he said that and I’m still not sure if this encourages or discourages me, but somehow, I find peace in those words. In the meantime, I will continue to write. Maybe, who knows – if I should be a writer, I will be.

So, how do we Practically Keep Writing in Times that we can’t Really do it or don’t have Time to do it?

Fortunately, I am blessed with the ability to be able to concentrate anywhere and that helps me to at least be a bit creative (with the emphasize on ‘a bit’). Because if I’m not creative, I go a teeny-weeny bit mad. I always must have something to do. When sitting in meetings, I doodle. When talking on the phone, I doodle or play a non-thinking game. When watching TV even, I am crocheting or knitting or drawing or designing on Canva. So, while working on this energy sapping project, I’ve decided that I need to make time to do some creative writing – even when there is no opportunity to take hours or days off to write. This is where one must have a bit of a criminal mind, because if you don’t have time and cannot make time – you have to steal it!

This is literally what I was doing writing this. While my very capable colleague was presenting the class, I wrote this. Fortunately, I don’t need to interact in any way in the class, so, I stole this ‘dead’ time to create something. For my sanity. And for the sanity of those round me.

Normally, while on a road trip, working, or in a meeting or just before going to sleep, an idea would present itself out of the blue, and I will just grab my notebook or open my WhatsApp writing group I have with myself, and I would act on the idea. I wrote an 18-page children’s story (by hand) while sitting in a lecture the other day. (I had to attend, but the lecture wasn’t presented on my behalf – so no harm or disrespect there.) I then went on and wrote three more stories of the same length in the days following! On many other occasions I would spend five minutes to write a quick flash fiction story (like a Drabble). I’ve amassed quite a few so far. I’m intending of self-publishing an ensemble in the very near future.

Create Every Day – even if it is Minute!

So. I try to do something creative everyday – even if is something very small. To do this I create do-able goals and keep record of my daily creative processes. At the end of each month, I look at the record I kept for every week. If one is successful in writing something (no matter how little) only twice a week for a month, you already have a bit of a routine – and that is an amazing achievement in lean writing times! Not only do you build up ‘stock’ for you writing ‘enterprise’, but seeing that you have at least accomplished something, is very good for the mood and one’s overall mental health in general and there are ways to keep going!

Ideas for Small Writing Projects if you can only Manage to Steal Small Moments of Time

  • Keeping a personal journal is the best way to help you create a daily writing routine. Choose a time of day (or even week) when it is convenient for you to write, but keep to it maybe for before going to bed or first thing in the morning. Or set an alarm at a convenient time of day. That way it will eventually become a habit (while working your way up to a daily writing routine). Many a diary entry of mine had turned out to become blog entries, and basises for writing articles and stories. Journal entries doesn’t have to be pages long. Two sentences will suffice. And if you don’t write for a week or a month or even two – don’t stop! Just keep going on where you left off. It’s your journal after all!
  • If you love writing poetry, try writing one short verse of poetry every day, until you have a whole poem at the end of the week or weeks. If you don’t or never have written poetry, try your hand at it. It will build new brain paths and even make you feel better (more productive). Poems also help when we have a bit of blues – so explore your poetic side a bit.
  • If you’re a fiction writer, write flash fiction. Set a goal to write one flash fiction story every day – or just every day of the week/weekend for a start. It might be anything between six and 500 words. If you manage to steal more time, write one or two more for the day, it will help you to have a stash of new stories at the end of this dry time, and – when you finally get out of it, you have something to show. Lean writing periods are perfect flash fiction ‘stock building’ periods. Some of these flash stories, might even become the basis for something longer.
  • Another piece of writing that doesn’t have to be very long is character writing descriptions for a story that you are busy working on or want to write. Working on this will help a lot when you finally get to write the story, and then half of the work is already done.
  • Have your notebook with you at all times and when you have quiet time or is bored during work time, and you can get away with it, think about ideas for stories and jot them down immediately. (Because by tonight or tomorrow you will have forgotten it!)
  • Use a few minutes per day and think of plot ideas for the story ideas that you already have jotted down in your notebook. These plots don’t have to be set in stone. They are just initial work to get yourself thinking about your story. This way you give yourself time to brood on plot difficulties and fix problems. It doesn’t matter if the plot lines suck initially. Fixing them is wayyy better than having nothing to fix! When you have a plotline going, start working on an outline for the story.
  • If you are really stuck and don’t know what to do, look on the internet for writing prompts or just open the nearest book you have close to you and choose the first sentence you read, as the start or finish for a flash fiction/short story. Alternatively, do some of the prompts in this exercise – https://fieliesdekock.com/category/on-writing/.

Get Doing!

It doesn’t really matter what you write – as long as you make time every day to write just a little bit and on the days that you don’t write, do something creative, such as needle work, gardening, model building, Lego building, painting, etc.. Cook or go for a walk or a swim, listen to music or visit a friend (or make that call to a friend you have put off for so long). Walking is very good for letting one’s thoughts just flow and often when walking, we relax and the things that bothers us, just resolve itself in our brains and thoughts. This is a good time to get plot issues resolved. Long or shortish road trips also does the trick for me.

Whatever you choose to do – just do something! It will surprise your brain and your body and soon enough the creative juices will be flowing again. Agatha Christie used to say that ideas come to her and plot issues solved themselves while she washed the dishes. If you’re desperate, try it!

In lean writing periods like the one I was in now, it makes no sense to set big, unmanageable goals. We all know that unrealistic goals lead to disappointment and dejection. Spare yourself that. You ARE NOT a superhuman. Stop treating yourself like one! Before I get too preachy, I will rather end with a quote:

Small things over time, can get big. (Austin Kleon from his book, Show your Work)

As I mentioned above, I stole time here and there to write this blog post during a really, really busy time. It is a testimony, to proof to you that I know what I’m talking about and that it can be done! No matter how busy we are – we CAN find five minutes EACH day to write something – even if we have to write a long piece like this, word for word, paragraph by paragraph every other day.

No apologies. No excuses. Just write – wherever, whenever.

PS: Doggy Bag/Take Away

Whenever we write articles or blogs trying to advise or teach people things – writers can make it sound so easy. But – to turn something into a success never comes easy. Most things worthwhile in life takes effort, self-discipline, routine and resilience.

(Remember this formula: Success = self-discipline + routine x repetition)

Realisation of one’s dreams does not happen while sleeping in daily, lying on the couch watching TV or playing games (and fulfilling other people’s greedy dreams). For dreams to come true – we actually need to do the work. No one else is going to hand us anything for free – or offering us our dreams on a plate, because they are too busy realising their own. Only we, ourselves, are responsible to work towards realising our dreams.

Success (like respect) isn’t inherited or gifted.

It is earned.

© 2025  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a freelance content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer-morphed-into-estate agent son – who also has crazy hair.

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Audition your Thoughts and if they don’t Perform Positively, Kick them Off the Stage!

#10

100 Words: I recently read tips on how to stay encouraged and one point was to hold ‘thought auditions’. As we’re getting older and more isolated and come into contact with others getting older and lonelier, it becomes a repeating theme. People break contact with each other because of the thoughts they entertain. The thing with one’s thoughts is that one leads to another and another… and after a while, the thoughts get intermingled with untruths, and trust is broken – and fixing broken relationships gets almost impossible. All because one little ‘unauditioned’ thought was being allowed to grow into a web of untruths.

Under 10-words Takeaway: Banish negative, untrue thoughts to save your relationships.

Read the previous 100-word Pondering here.

© 2025  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a freelance content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Tribute to a Woman Who Left her Earthly Home

From the furniture one can deduce that they always lived in large houses. They are big pieces oozing generational pedigree and there are lots of them – chests of drawers, bookshelves, couches, smaller tables, a round table looking smallish in the foyer. Despite the many pieces, the house isn’t cluttered, but thoughtfully and tastefully decorated with soulful wall hangings, a few large photo family collages and memorabilia from travels and heirlooms strategically placed on surfaces. The dogs’ oversized beds fit neatly in a corner leading to the main bedroom without looking out of place or in the way. The cat sleeps wherever and sits wherever throughout the day, but mostly on one’s lap if you allow her and at night, she crawls in wherever she is welcomed, looking for comfort. The house was a happy home, it seems, but change is visible in the pets’ subdued behaviour. They seek human contact and comfort, only to retreat again to a corner or wander aimlessly through the living areas. Quilts and crocheted blankets still cover the beds – a silent legacy to be enjoyed by those she left behind, that they will provide warmth to guest for years to come.

The real evidence sits untouched on a chair in a corner of the sunny living room, in a basket filled with crocheted blocks – some separate and some already sewn together. The pattern waits on top of the half finish project.

It will remain unfinished now.

© 2023  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a freelance content writer and blogger living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Close the Tap Every Now and Then

#9

100 Words: It’s dry season in the Cape now, so our dams are emptying rapidly. The 2017/18 drought is still fresh in our memories and with the electricity crisis, our water supply is in danger countrywide. But in a world where we operate like headless chickens, humans are in danger of running dry too. We need to help and serve others, but a tap without water cannot fill an empty cup. As we give, we also need to take in, switch off, take a rest and replenish – otherwise our taps will not only run dry, but our feeding source is threatened too.

Under 10-words Takeaway: Soak in the rain (rest) to replenish your resources regularly.

Read Fielies’ next 100 Pondering here. Start reading the series from here.

© 2023  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a freelance content writer and blogger living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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What to do in Hermanus and the Overberg

This article was researched and written and is frequently updated by the human owning this blog #writtenbyahuman

Welcome to the Hermanus for the new whale watching season.

You have chosen the perfect break-away for your holiday. We hope that you will have a fantastic time, making wonderful memories, and that you will be lured back to our little piece of paradise again and again – because no matter the occasion, the time of the year or the weather – it’s always a beautiful day in Hermanus and there are many reasons to return again and again!

We want you to enjoy your holiday, so please read these safety tips to help you have a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday in and around our village. Also make sure to save some Hermanus Emergency Numbers on your phone, should you need them during your stay.

Please keep our town and ocean clean by using the bins provided for all your rubbish and refrain from using unnecessary plastics.

So, on to why you are visiting this page…

What to Do in Hermanus and the Overberg Area

In and around Hermanus

Accommodation

Find accommodation in Hermanus to fit your needs and then plan your holiday according to the information below. Make sure to come for long enough, because Hermanus and the Overberg have is plenty to do! You will need at least four days for an enjoyable (introductory) visit.

Eating Out

In 2019 Hermanus was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Restaurants in Hermanus have exceptional food and those on the Waterfront have breathtaking views.

The children’s playground at the little open-air Amphitheatre on the Waterfront lawn offers opportunities for the whole family to enjoy breakfasting, lunching or dining here.

Wine

The wine farms of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is the hub of some of the best Pinot Noir the region has to offer.

There are fourteen farms between Hermanus and Caledon to visit for tastings, lunch, picnics and walks, with a Wine Hopper to assist you in not drinking and driving.

Beaches

Hermanus provides plenty opportunity for swimming, surfing, kite surfing (at the estuary at Grotto beach) and sunbathing on its large and small sandy beaches.

Also visit Voëlklip (great surfing), Langbaai, Kammabaai (great surfing), Kwaaiwater/Mosselrvier (picnicking) and Onrus (great surfing) beaches. Please just note that Onrus beach is still being rehabilitated after the storms and floods the region had late last year, but is open. The Onrus Caravan Park is also fully functional.

The Cliff Path

Starting at Grotto Beach, the cliff path snakes along the coast for 12,7 km, which makes it a fantastic walk, whether walking as a whole or just taking a short walks. It’s ideal for an early morning or early evening walk from almost wherever you stay in the village.

Benches are placed along the path for enough opportunities to rest. Take snacks and water along, as the sun can be scorching especially during the summer months. Always use sunblock on your walks and wear a hat.

Fernkloof

Hermanus has plenty opportunities for walking. The three dams nestled in the mountains are reachable from Fernkloof, where there are various trails to follow to explore the mountains. Please be careful on the paths, as there is still damaged from the recent floods.

Always walk in groups and do not take dogs on paths where they are not allowed, (because of possible baboon presence). This precaution is for your own safety.

Be vigilant when walking and rather walk in groups than alone.

The Hermanus Camino

Hermanus has its own Camino! So, if you have five days open and fancy a walk, register now for 2024.

The Rotary Way

The view from Rotary Way on the top of the mountain is spectacular and is a good starting point to orientate yourself with a ‘live map’ of the village underneath.

Do not feed the baboons if you encounter any there. If you experience any trouble with them, call the baboon hotline. Read tips on how to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday in Hermanus here.

Hermanus Golf Course

Hermanus is a proud host of a 27-hole golf course (different course options), with beautiful fynbos, restored wetlands and wildlife to appreciate. There is plenty to keep the rest of the family busy, while Dad spend a few guilt-free hours on the greens.

There are other golf courses in the vicinity as well.

Sports

The Hermanus Sports Club offers squash, tennis and table tennis. Make sure to book in advance. There is also a skateboard park and a gym. The newest addition to our sporting adventures, is the Hermanus Padel Courts.

Bicycles can be rented to explore the village and beach.

Kayaking between the old and new harbours can be enjoyed on good weather days.

Extreme sports are popular in the Overberg region and there are plenty of activities to choose from. A local not-to-miss sports event is the annual Walker Bay Outdoor, held at the end of April each year, where young and old can participate. Something to start planning for so long!

If you have your own set of Bocce/Petanque, you can make use of the court in Swallow Park to play.

Art

Hermanus brags with more than twenty art galleries in the CBD and a few more in the suburbs, as well as in Onrus.

Open-air art installations are placed at various points in town as part of Hermanus FynArts and can be admired throughout town at any time. Gearings Point is a good place to start. A weeklong annual FynArts event is held in June every year.

The First Fridays Art Walk was extended to an all around the year activity after lockdown, so make sure to plan your trip around a first weekend of the month, because on the first Sunday of the month the Art in the Park exhibition.

Our Famous Visitors

Scores of Southern Right Whales visit Hermanus’ shores between July and November every year, while a few shy local Bryde whales is also observed in the bay from time to time throughout the year.

Other wildlife to check out on and from the land, are the dassies (hyrax), dolphins and penguins, birds and seals.

Penguin sanctuaries can be visited in Kleinbaai and Betty’s Bay.

Markets

Apart from the permanent Old Harbour Market at Market Square in the CBD, there are markets at the Wine Village, High Street and Hermanus Country Market (09:00-14:00 at the cricket grounds) on Saturday mornings. During the festive season in December there are also night markets between 17:00 and 21:00. (Dates are published here during the season.)

The Hermanus NG Kerk (DR Church) has a Son en See Feesmark market from middle December to the beginning of January (dates are published here in season) in the Grobbelaar Hall in town, while St. Peter’s Church has a Saturday morning market in the church garden right through the year.

A Saturday morning drive to surrounding towns provide more market options.

Shopping in the CBD

The CBD offers lots of shopping opportunities with permanent shops during the year and pop-up shops during holidays.  

In High Street, shops and buildings are newly renovated and upgraded and the street provides a beautiful and vibrant walk within the village, with little tea and coffee shops and restaurants lining the street.

Museums

There are a few museums to visit in town. The De Wet’s Huis Photo Museum next to Market Square showcases photos telling Hermanus’ history and in the Old Harbour, the whale museum houses bones and information regarding our large Walker Bay inhabitants.

Old Harbour

Apart from visiting the museum, the Old Harbour is ideal for fishing, snorkelling, diving and swimming in the small cove, with Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar offering a picturesque ocean view after the activities have left you hungry and thirsty.

The New Harbour

The New Harbour (read about its history) is situated at the end of Westcliff Drive. (Marine Drive becomes Westcliff Drive at the bend when you leave the CBD.)

It harbours (pun intended) three restaurants/bars, as well as the offices of whale boat watching and diving and fishing excursions.

The Station 17  National Sea Rescue Institute building keeps a watchful eye over the harbour.

A tour of the abalone facilities can be booked on weekdays to learn more about this delicacy.

Various companies offer fishing opportunities from The New Harbour.

There is also the option of taking a scheduled/chartered eco or sunset cruise on a 36’ sailing catamaran from the New Harbour.

Picnicking

Picnicking can be done in the gardens at Fernkloof, on the beaches and even on top of the mountain, while watching the sunset.

Most of the wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley also have picnic opportunities.

Adventure Activities

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley also hosts regular adventure activities such as a Zip line, weekly Saturday Park Run, quad biking, cycling and walking are fun day activities for individuals and families to do.

Short Day trips

Shark cage diving is something for the not-so-fainthearted and is done at Kleinbaai (Gansbaai).

A wonderful and informative place to visit is the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary near Stanford.

Stanford offers trips on various river boats for fun family/group activities.

A visit to the wineries near Stanford, can be combined with tastings/lunch at the cheese farms.

Go see the Klipgat Cave near De Kelders, go up in the lighthouse at Danger Point, visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, do shark cage diving at Kleinbaai and/or have an encounter (swimming!) with crocodiles at Afrikanos (near Danger Point).

Drive a bit inland and visit Riviersonderend, Caledon, Genadendal, Greyton, Grabouw, Elgin, or Napier, Bredasdorp, Baardskeerdersbos and Elim. Other great options are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Montagu, Worcester and Matjiesfontein.

Go horse riding at Karwyderskraal or Pearly Beach and drive a bit further to visit the cave at Waenhuiskrans/Arniston (at low tide), and end your afternoon where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at L’Agullas (and visit Struisbaai harbour while you are there), before you head back for a night of fine dining back in Hermanus.

And on another day, go in the other direction and visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay, or go sunbathing and swimming at other nearby beaches at Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooiels and Kogelbaai.

Longer Day Trips

With the long days during summer time, day trips to as far as Paternoster are perfect to experience a different place, but be back in Hermanus by dusk, because – let’s face  it – once here, you don’t really want to be away for too long! Consider the following possibilities.

Driving to Cape Town via Clarence Drive through Gordon’s Bay to go up Table mountain. Or shoot past Cape Town to see Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand.

Sleep-over Trips Inland

If you absolutely, absolutely must leave Hermanus, take a drive inland and visit Matjiesfontein, Paternoster, L’Agulhas, Stilbaai, Mossel Bay and surroundings, George, Knysna for a night or two. And then come back.

Because, you will always want to come back.

Hermanus Emergency Numbers

Safety Tips

© 2022 Fielies De Kock

Wife. Mom. Blogger. Content writer. Living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with a crazy-haired husband and two dogs. Author of a children’s chapter book and a few short reads, and co-author of a writing prompts book with her content writer son, who also has crazy hair.

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Tell your Stories

#6

100 Words: It is quite a normal thing to start thinking back on one’s life as we get older. I assume it’s our brain’s way of sorting itself out and making backups of our memories. Retrospect brings perspective. Unfortunately, most people’s stories die with them and they don’t leave a legacy behind. Telling stories, keeping a journal or writing down our memoires are great ways to leave answers to questions our children and grandchildren don’t yet know they have. It also teaches them to tell theirs. Sharing our stories is a gift. Don’t wait for ‘one day’. Start doing it every day.

Under 10-words Takeaway: Jot down a memory per day.

Read Fielies’ next 100 Pondering here. Start reading the series from here.

© 2022  Fielies De Kock Fielies De Kock is a freelance content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Fielies’ 100-word Ponderings: Where had all the Seconds gone?

#3

100 Words: One thing everyone agrees about nowadays, is that time is flying. Within the wink of an eye, we are facing the middle of the year already. Where had all the seconds gone? And what have I done to fill them? It feels that I am only brushing my teeth and going to bed. Is the earth moving faster around the sun or am I spending too much time using a screen? It might be the latter, because my screen time app shocks me daily. I have the same amount of time I always had, but get fewer physical things done.

Under 10 Words Takeaway: Switch the addiction (off) for more living.

Read Fielies’ next 100 Pondering here. Start reading the series from here.

© 2022  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus (@hermanus_unlimited) in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Fielies’ 100-words Ponderings: Stay in Touch

#2

100 Words: I fail this test again and again. I get an inclination to call someone, but with everyday things interfering, I don’t get around doing it. Two weeks ago, I had the feeling again. Life interfered. I didn’t make contact. Yesterday I got the message that the person I wanted to call – a friend from when we lived abroad – passed on. This morning my heart is heavy. Not just because he is not walking with us anymore, but because I denied myself one last opportunity to talk to him. Rest in peace, our friend. You will forever dance in our hearts.

Under 10-words Takeaway: Make that call. Stay in touch.

Read Fielies’ next 100 Pondering here. Start reading the series from here.

© 2022  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Read my New Series ‘Fielies’ 100-words Ponderings’ Here

#1

100 Words: I ‘m sometimes pleasantly surprised and sometimes unpleasantly shocked by events and trends that arise or by our Creator’s unpredictable flock. As I’m not an orator as such and I don’t always know what to say about our world that is changing so much, I try to find my way – thinking things through – by pondering about what to do. I am neither politician nor preacher and I don’t pretend to be visionaire or teacher. So, this space will be the place to house my ponderings for you to see – and maybe help you, finding light in a dark world too.

Under 10 words Takeaway: Now read the paragraph as a poem – just for fun.

Read the Fielies’ next 100-word Pondering here.

© 2022  Fielies De Kock

Fielies De Kock is a content writer/blogger (www.fieliesdekock.com) living in Hermanus in the Overberg, South Africa, with her crazy-haired husband and two dogs. She authored a children’s chapter book and a few short reads and is co-author of 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads (available on Amazon Kindle) with her content writer son – who also has crazy hair.

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Winter is Whale Time in Hermanus!

Hermanus is in the privileged position to not only be a great summer destination, but also have more than enough to lure holidaymakers to its shores during wintertime. The reason? The annual return of the Southern Right Whales, of course!

With 2020 and 2019 not being the best whale seasons with regard to the number of whales returning, we hope that the three-year cycle will not disappoint and that there will be more to see this year. If the local Bryde’s Whales’ generous presence during the last few months in the bay is something to go by, we might just be in luck this year.

Hermanus is one of the twelve best whale watching destinations in the world according to the World Wildlife Fund. Walker Bay (the bay area between Hermanus and Gansbaai) is famous for being the breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whales, travelling all the way from their feeding grounds around Antarctica. The whales normally arrive from the end of May and entertain locals and holidaymakers until the middle of October.

When to Come

The best time to see whale moms and calves frolicking in the bay, is from end of June to November. The climax of the season was normally the Whale Festival on the last weekend of September, but unfortunately, the festival is postponed until 2022. Fortunately though, Hermanus and surrounding areas have more than enough other charms, such as wineries, fantastic restaurants with delicious food, adventure sports, lots of walking opportunities etc. for a memorable holiday.

How and Where to Watch the Whales

Hermanus has whale watching boats which take visitors to experience the whales up close and personal. Book in advance (online or at the offices in the new harbour) and keep in mind that all boat trips are weather permitting.

For visitors on a tighter budget or for those preferring not going on boats, the good news is that the whales are visible from the promenade – with Gearing’s Point, the Old Harbour (in the CBD-area) and further alongside the coast, with Die Gang and Siever’s Punt, popular places to watch from. Hermanus’ own whale crier could be found on busy days, blowing on his kelp horn in town when a whale is observed.

What to pack when visiting Hermanus to do Whale Watching

From May to August we can have anything from wonderful sunny beach days to days when the wind tries to blow one away to heavy stormy weather! Although spring starts showing its warmth in the rest of South Africa from August, Hermanus can see some of the coldest days during September and October, with rainy and windy days sandwiched in between beautiful wind-still days. So, when packing, keep the following in mind:

  • Bring a raincoat/jacket and an umbrella.
  • Pack a wind breaking jacket and warm clothes for cold weather and layer when getting clothed in the morning.
  • With the cool sea breeze almost a constant, carry a jacket, scarf and beanie when going out.
  • Bringing good binoculars will ensure a great viewing experience.
  • Although cell phone cameras are incredibly good these days, bring a DSLR or small camera if you have one. If going on a boat, you might be able to take close-up photos of whales, but from the shore you will need a camera with a good zoom ability.
  • Good walking shoes is a must for going ‘whale hunting’ from spot to spot in the village to get good pictures.

Planning your Stay

Most places of accommodation have Covid specials which might surprise you, so even if your budget is tight, don’t shy away of staying long enough. A weekend in Hermanus is a nice break away, but to enjoy more of the village and the surrounding areas, you need at least four days. A week would be better!

Other related links:

What to do in Hermanus and the Overberg

About whales:

Hermanus’ Celebrities of the Sea

Security tips:

Your Guide to a Safe Hermanus Holiday

More things to do in and around Hermanus:

Hermanus is Awaiting your Visit
Why Your Family Needs a Break in Hermanus this School Holiday!
5 Free Definitely have-to-do’s in Hermanus
5 Reasons why you Absolutely should Visit Hermanus

© 2021 Fielies De Kock

HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Ads for businesses may be added at a later stage.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hermanus-Unlimited-118490463355941

Instagram: @hermanus_unlimited

Email: hermanusunlimited@gmail.com

Partnering with House Watchers Hermanus

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Load Shedding Memories

We all loath load shedding. Of course. But secretly I enjoy it when it is scheduled late in the evenings. We have a few useful lights we use, but in our bathroom we light candles, which transform the room into a place that takes me way back into time. With every flickering of a candle and in every dancing shadow, I am transported back to a simple and innocent time before there was Eskom power on farms.

Way back, every evening offered a candle lit dinner and weekend nights were filled with all the people I loved back then, around a table – either in our kitchen or in a kitchen of my parents’ friends. Those were happy, happy days.

There were no phones intruding in a dinner conversation and no social media to capture an aunt’s embarrassment if she had one glass too many. Children sat with adults around the table, listening to adult conversation, but were mostly only heard when laughing at a joke or an anecdote.

I’m not naïve enough to say “those were the good old days”, because there are many better things available to us nowadays and many bad things were going on in those days, but our parents knew how to live good lives above their circumstances.

Those nights by the candle light were wonderful and memorable and every flickering of every candle I light, will always remind me of those moments and of the people whose faces the shadows gently caressed around those tables – most of which are now gone.

So now load shedding gives us the opportunity to light candles to make new (non-virtual/digital/electronic) memories with our families. I’m almost sure that our children would one day look back and not talk about 2020/21 as ‘simple’ or ‘innocent’ times, but with a bit of living-in-the-moment-on-purpose and less absent-minded time spent on our phones, we just might create memorable nights for our children and grandchildren to remember one day.

#loadsheddingmemories

© 2021 Fielies De Kock

Awesomest wife. Finest mom. Hopefullest writer. Foreverest dreamer. Living in a coastal village in the Overberg, South Africa, with a husband and two dogs in a small heritage house, and an adult, recently-graduated, job-seeking son in the garden cottage. His CV is available on request. 🙂

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5 Free Definitely have-to-do’s in Hermanus

Walk the Cliff Path

Walk the cliff path from Grotto Beach to the new harbour (or vice versa). Pack a day pack and stop to have something to eat along the way. The walk can take anything from four to six hours, depending on your pace, how many times you stop, etc. Don’t be in a hurry. Take a swim along the way and stop to smell the fynbos. Reward yourself with a liquid refreshment at Dutchies Restaurant at the end at Grotto beach. This is a nice family activity. There are very few steps along the way, so it is possible to do with a child in a stroller if there are a pair of hands on deck to help carry it up and down. Find out more about the cliff path here: https://www.fernkloof.org.za/index.php/fernkloof-nature-reserve/hermanus-cliff-path.

Walking in Fernkloof

There are three dams in Fernkloof. The first is easy enough to reach for healthy persons. There are steps with uphills and downhills involved, but nothing serious. It is an activity that can be done with young children. Small children must be always accompanied by a parent. This route is not stroller friendly, so keep that in mind. To reach the second and third dams is much more difficult and is definitely not suitable for children younger than 12. You also need to know the route to these two dams, because the footpath is not always visible everywhere. Rather go in groups than alone for your safety.

Fernkloof also offers hiking and cycling trails which start from the entrance at the foot of the mountain. Find out more here: https://www.fernkloof.org.za/.

Walking on Grotto Beach

The beach from Grotto Beach stretches for kilo’s along Walker Bay and one can walk all the way to De Kelders (about 20km) and even further. With a day pack on the back, good shoes and food and water, this is a great walk if you want to have a hike along the ocean. If you do not want to go that far, do shorter walks (like an hour out and an hour back). Take a dip in the sea when it gets too hot. It is also safer to go in a group.

Cycling on the beach is another alternative if you want a bit more adventure and have your own fat bike. (Bikes are for hire, but this is a free activities article.)

Watch the Sunset on the Mountain Top

Sunsets are just fabulous from the viewing points on the mountain. When driving out of town towards Cape Town, turn right on the Rotary Way (https://www.hermanus.co.za/rotary-way) and follow the road to the viewing point. Have a nice non-alcoholic sundowner up there while watching the sun vanish behind the water horizon. (Again, go in a small group or as family. Keep car doors shut and no valuables openly visible in your vehicle.)

Picnicking on the Beach

With the long never-ending summer days, a picnic on the beach is a wonderful end to a magnificent day in the sun. Take along a picnic basket, an umbrella if needed, a picnic blanket and welcome the evening while watching the sun set with the people you love.

!Remember!

  • Wear sunblock
  • Be alert towards you and your family’s safety. If possible, do these activities in groups or as a whole family.
  • Respect all animals on your adventures and do not feed them.
  • Put emergency numbers in your cell phone contact list. Click here to find the list of numbers: https://fieliesdekock.com/2020/12/16/your-guide-to-a-safe-hermanus-holiday/.
  • Please leave only your shoe or wheel prints behind. For everything else, use the bins provided.

For more safety tips, click here: https://fieliesdekock.com/2020/12/16/your-guide-to-a-safe-hermanus-holiday/

For more to do in and around Hermanus, read here: https://fieliesdekock.com/2020/10/09/hermanus_is_awaiting_you/

Enjoy your stay!

    © 2020 Fielies De Kock

    HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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      Your Guide to a Safe Hermanus Holiday

      • Hermanus and surrounding areas on Google Earth

      Your Guide to a Safe Holiday in Hermanus

      Hermanus is looking forward to welcoming holidaymakers back to our town for a well-deserved rest after a weird, challenging and probably life-changing year. Just a request: Please, please, please make sure not to bring an unwanted guest (I’m of course referring about a certain little virus) with you to our town, so that we can limit and eventually stop the spreading of this horrible Covid-19 thing.

      Covid-19 Related Information

      Make sure not to decrease your personal alertness with regards to the virus while on holiday. Keep us in Hermanus, yourself and your family safe by following the basic protocols. Remember the following:

      • Do not to leave your place of accommodation without a mask.
      • Have extra masks in your car, handbag, beach bag and jacket pockets for use when out and about.
      • Wash your masks every evening and let them dry well – in the sun if possible.
      • Be kind to fellow holidaymakers by practicing safe social distances on beaches, in the streets, in shops and in public areas.
      • Stay inside, away from people when you are sick or feel unwell.
      • In case you get sick and are symptomatic, call a local medical practice and they will advise you accordingly.

      Tips for an Injury-free Holiday

      As an experienced holiday-goer you know the basics. Here are just a few reminders when preparing for a relaxing and accident and injury-free holiday:

      • The sun in our area is a bit on the mean side, so always use sunblock when going to the beach, going for a hike or even when just going for a stroll on the cliff path or in town. Get after sun soothing cream for those irresponsible moments. Use an umbrella/gazebo when spending extended times on the beach.
      • Always wear a hat when outside in the sun.
      • Beware of the strong currents when swimming/surfing/body boarding at especially Voëlklip, Kammabaai, Mossel River and Onrus beaches. Diligently follow instructions from lifeguards on duty.
      • Be careful when leaving the cliff path to walk on the rocky areas near the sea, as waves can splash high and aggressively and surprise holiday-goers.
      • Be respectful of wildlife on the cliff path. Stay out of the fynbos and do not feed any animals.
      • Always carry water when going for a stroll, exercise or a hike.
      • Bring along a basic first aid with tablets for headache and fever, band aids, antihistamine tablets etc. Also make sure to bring along enough prescription medicine on holiday and have an up-to-date copy of your prescription with you or on the system at the pharmacy in case of an emergency.
      • If you reside on the east side of town, beware of the baboons. Never feed them and keep windows closed when they are in the vicinity. Don’t leave food unattended outside and keep garbage bins firmly closed. Contact the Baboon Hotline (072 028 0008) when experiencing problems.
      • Children:
        • Take extra precautions to teach your little one’s sun-safety.
        • Always watch small children near the water and on the rocks. Don’t let children walk on the rocks (or anywhere else) unattended.
        • Don’t lose sight of children on the beach.
        • Don’t let small children walk alone or let them out of your sight in shops.
      • Cell phones.
        • Keep you cell phone charged when out and about, in case you must make an emergency call.
        • Don’t use your phone while driving.
        • Don’t text while walking on pavements and crossing streets in our town.
        • Don’t take selfies at dangerous places.
        • Don’t turn your back on the water when filming on the rocks when the sea is rough and even when it’s not. Freak waves can occur even when the water is calm.
        • Try using your cell phone less while on holiday and rather enjoy every moment of your rest with your loved ones. Cleanse your soul. Give your mind a rest. Live in the moment.

      Tips for Staying out of Crime’s Way

      Unfortunately, criminals never go on holiday and Hermanus isn’t exempt from opportunists. Don’t drop your guard. Be alert as if you are still at home. Stay safe, alert, and streetwise by keeping the following in mind:

      • If possible, always move around in groups. Don’t walk alone in Fernkloof, on the cliff path or go alone to the Rotary Way viewpoint on the mountain. Although these places are generally safe most of the time, criminals might be on the lookout for unassuming holiday-goers.
      • When walking on the cliff path, consider carrying a whistle so that you can draw attention to yourself should you land in trouble. The Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) services are on duty daily and will hear when you make a noise. (Say “hi” to these friendly people dressed in brownish uniforms when passing them. They are performing a great service in helping to keep Hermanus safe.)
      • Make sure your young children are always accompanied by at least one adult.
      • When observing poachers, do not confront or interact with them. Rather call law enforcement. If you report them, mention where you saw them. There are place names everywhere alongside the cliff path.
      • Do not confront any criminals yourself. Call law enforcement.
      • If you are unfortunate to become a victim of a crime – even petty, please report it and make a case to the police. No action can be taken if this isn’t done, which means that culprits go free to commit crime again.
      • Don’t run or walk alone after dark.
      • When driving around and leaving your vehicle in a parking lot, do not leave valuables lying around inside the car. Lock them in the trunk, carry it with you or leave it in a safe place at your holiday residence.
      • When having a braai or just sitting on the stoep at night, keep doors locked and make sure purses, wallets, watches, phones, laptops and other valuables aren’t lying around openly. Thieves are on the lookout for opportunities when holidaymakers are relaxed and at their most vulnerable. Keep security lights on at night when kuiering outside.
      • Don’t leave garage doors open for long – even if you are at home or working in the garden.
      • If you are staying in a bed-and-breakfast or hotel, familiarise yourself with their security guidelines and follow it.
      • If renting a self-catering flat or house, make sure that you are informed about the neighbourhood and security system watch and know how the alarm works.
      • Switch on outside lights at night as dark premises encourage criminals to enter without being seen by law enforcement and neighbourhood watch vehicles.
      • Have telephone numbers for emergency services in Hermanus readily on your mobile phones in order to call for help should an emergency arise.
      • Use local official businesses for excursions, tourist attractions and events. Don’t fall for opportunists trying to scam you.
      • Hermanus does not tolerate begging in streets as this only encourages drug usage and other issues. There are various organisations where people can go for help. Be on the lookout for chancers harassing holiday goers.
      • Don’t keep your cell phone/money/wallet in your back pocket.
      • Do not put your handbag on the floor/ground when sitting in a restaurant. Rather keep the handle around your leg or keep it on the seat close to you.
      • Cell phones.
        • Keep you cell phone charged when out and about for in case you must make an emergency call.
        • When in public (walking/restaurants) keep cell phones out of sight. Try not to walk with a cell phone/tablet in your hand in case as it can easily being grabbed by thieves.
        • Don’t keep your child busy with a phone/tablet in public as they make soft targets for criminals.

      Bottom line: Don’t become lax in exercising safety and security just because you are on holiday.

      Emergency numbers

      (Please Note: Do not confuse the 028 Hermanus’ area code with a cell number. The NSRI uses the 082- cell number though.)

      We hope you enjoy your time in Hermanus and make such wonderful memories that you want to come back again and again.

      A friendly PS: Please make sure to only leave your footprints behind.

      Read more about Hermanus and things to do here.

      © 2020 Fielies De Kock

      HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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      5 Reasons why you Absolutely should Visit Hermanus

      1. It is nestled in the heart of the Overberg region
      • Stony Point Penguin Colony at Betty’s Bay

      The Overberg region includes Hermanus, Gansbaai, Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Stanford, Greyton and many more picturesque towns which can be visited during short day trips while on holiday in Hermanus. Visit SA Places at https://www.places.co.za/html/towns_in_the_overberg.html to read more about these beauties waiting for you to visit.

      2              Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wines

      • A view of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley from Newton Johnson Family Vineyards’ restaurant

      Hermanus has got its own wine route in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (translation: Heaven and Earth Valley). Click here to plan your wineries visits – https://www.decanter.com/wine-travel/south-africa/hemel-en-aarde-wineries-to-visit-378182/ or make use of the wine hopper from Market Square in Hermanus. Learn more here: https://www.hermanuswinehoppers.co.za/. This is a fun and safe way to visit farms without having to drive. It is ideal for families and small groups.

      3              The Fynbos

      Fynbos is the generic name for a great variety of fine-leafed plants, with more than 9 000 of the 30 000 species being indigenous and unique only to the Western Cape region of South Africa. Fynbos doesn’t grow naturally anywhere else in the world. Learn more about fynbos here: http://www.percytours.com/fynbos-plants-cape-floral-kingdom.html#.X75UaGgzbDc. A long or short hike in Fernkloof and on the cliff path in Hermanus showcases thousands of species. The Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay (https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/) is just a stone’s throw away and offers a great morning or afternoon outing for the whole family.  

      4              Everything the Village has to Offer

      • Sunset viewed from Bientang’s Cave Restaurant and Wine Bar

      Hermanus has some of the best restaurants in South Africa (and we locals believe in the world). The promenade is lined with restaurants with magnificent ocean views, but there are jewels to be found in the heart of the village, offering fantastic food. Walk around to find them or look them up on the Internet. In the December holiday period, booking is essential.

      Hiking on the cliff path, in the mountain in Fernkloof, cycling, kayaking and canoeing on good weather days are just a few outdoors things to do. Hermanus Sportsclub (http://www.hermanussport.co.za/) offers tennis and squash and has a restaurant too.

      Hermanus has 20 art galleries and a display of outdoor art at Gearing’s Point as part of FynArts Hermanus (https://www.hermanusfynarts.co.za/).

      5              The Beaches

      Grotto Beach is Hermanus’ Blue Flag pride with loads of space to swim, surf, sit in the sun or having long walks. The estuary mouth is currently open, which offers canoeing, kitesurfing and swimming opportunities.

      Voëlklip, Kammabaai (ideal for families with small children) and Langbaai are more intimate beaches and ideal to enjoy a sunset picnic.

      Neighbouring beaches include Onrus, Sandbaai and Hawston.

      And there you have it – just a few reasons why Hermanus is such an irresistible place to keep coming back to. Again and again. And again. And again. And…

      Read here for more about Hermanus and things to do: https://fieliesdekock.com/2020/10/09/hermanus_is_awaiting_you/

      Make sure not to let down your guard while on holiday, so also read my blog entry on how to stay safe in Hermanus at https://fieliesdekock.com/2020/12/16/your-guide-to-a-safe-hermanus-holiday/.

      PHOTOS: Fielies de Kock

      © 2020 Fielies De Kock

      HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Ads for businesses may be added at a later stage.

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      Hermanus’ Celebrities of the Sea


      Photo: theexpeditiongroup

      Hermanus is one of the twelve best whale watching destinations in the world according to the World Wildlife Fund (although we believe it is the Whale Capital of the World). This makes the village a favourite holiday destination for both local and overseas visitors. As the whale migration season is coming to an end, tourism in Hermanus is just starting to pick up again during the current level of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic and with the borders slowly opening, tourists from abroad will hopefully soon start streaming to our shores again.

      Walker Bay is famous for being the breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whales, travelling all the way from their feeding grounds around Antarctica. According to marine environmentalist, Noel Ashton, the South African coastline provides an ideal playground for over half of the world’s species of whales and dolphins due to the two oceanic system supporting so many different life forms.

      Although it was believed that the whales feed in the Northern hemisphere waters and only come here for birthing and (a process called feast and famine), in recent years Humpback whales had been seen feeding off Cape Columbine, near Paternoster in early summer, where food is in abundance. Read about and look at amazing aerial pictures of the 2019 migration of humpbacks here.

      Species of Whales Visiting Walker Bay

      Other than the Southern Right Whale, Humpbacks and Bryde’s Whales are also found visiting Walker Bay. The bay has a few residential whales which are seen infrequently right through the year.

      Hermanus’ Whale Season

      The best time to come to Hermanus to see whales is between June and November, with September being the ideal time. The annual Whale Festival is normally held on the last weekend of September. Other related festivals around the time is the Kalfiefees (translation: calve’s feast) in Onrus and the Flower Show (normally the weekend before the Whale Festival).

      How to Watch our Celebs

      Hermanus has whale watching boats which take visitors to experience the whales up close and personal. For visitors on a tighter budget or for those preferring not going on boats, the good news is that they are visible from the promenade, with Gearing’s Point, the Old Harbour (in the CBD-area) and Siever’s Punt, popular places to watch from. Hermanus’ own whale crier could be found on busy days, blowing on his kelp horn when a whale is observed.

      What to pack when visiting Hermanus to do Whale Watching

      Although springs shows its warmth in the rest of South Africa, Hermanus can see some of the coldest days during September and October, with rainy and windy days sandwiched in between beautiful wind-still days. So, if you plan to visit, please remember to:

      • Make sure to pack some warm clothes for cold weather and layer when getting clothed in the morning.
      • With the cool sea breeze almost a constant, carry a jacket and beanie when going out.
      • Bringing good binoculars will ensure a great viewing experience.
      • Although cell phone cameras are incredibly good these days, bring your DSLR or a good smaller camera. If going on a boat, you will be able to take close by photos of whales, but from the shore you will need a camera with a good zoom ability.
      • Good walking shoes is a must for going ‘whale hunting’ from spot to spot to get good pictures.

      Interesting Whale Facts

      • The Southern Right is one of three species classified as ‘baleen’ whale. They are black with brownish bonnets, with parasite crustaceans attaching themselves to the whale’s body.
      • Whales normally give birth to only one calf, although they may carry up to seven foetuses.
      • The gestation period is about 12 months.
      • Calves are born between June and September in the bay, making a visit to Hermanus and surroundings during this time quite rewarding.
      • Mother and calf stay close together in Walker Bay until the calves are strong enough to make the journey back to the North.
      • Calves are nursed for about six months.
      • They usually return to the same place to give birth, although there are exceptions.
      • Instead of teeth, they have hornlike plates consisting of bone.
      • It is believed that whales have a three-year cycle of pregnancy, providing them with enough time between calving to feed and recuperate sufficiently.
      • According to the University of Pretoria Mammal Research Institute’s Whale Unit, there were between 70 000 and 80 000 whales in the 1700’s. From then on, their numbers declined so much that they were put under international protection. It is estimated that there are around 12 000 Southern Rights now, of a third of which roam through South African waters annually.

      Reading through books about Hermanus, many a story is penned about people’s experiences with whales – mostly death-defying recordings of men in fishing boats, big and small. Hermanus’ most famous dame though didn’t endanger anyone’s life as far as I have read, but she chose her favourite spot in Walker Bay and kept coming back here. Wendy, as she was called by locals, loved a spot near a cove close to town nearby Hermanus Pieters’ fountain. The cottage standing there on the rocks by itself was thus fittingly called Wendy’s Cottage. It is still standing, being awarded heritage status. Wendy stopped coming there in the early 1940’s and another whale came to inhabit her spot. Of course, she was named after her popular predecessor. Maybe she was even Wendy’s offspring…

      Other Residents to Lookout for when the Whales are Shy During your Whale Watching Holiday

      If you miss the superstars during ‘whale season’ or if you are here at the right time but they seem to be shy and don’t show themselves, keep an eye out for other stars on our marine stage.

      • Dolphins are frequently passing through the bay swimming and diving, with their shimmering bodies and bold moves making it look as if they are flying in and out of the water. They are sometimes accompanying penguins.
      • Close to Hermanus are two sanctuaries for African penguins – at Kleinbaai, (near Gansbaai towards L’Agullas), and the other at Betty’s Bay (to the other side towards Cape Town). A visit to these sanctuaries is a great family activity and a wonderful daytrip to also explore other sights in those areas.
      • In the absence of the whales, the cute dassies (rock hyrax) entertain locals and tourists with their laziness on the one hand, and their swiftness and craftiness when it comes to acquiring food throughout the year.
      • Cape Fur Seal colonies are also to be found in Walker Bay and on a walk of the cliff paths they can be seen hunting and playing in the water near to the rocks. The New Harbour, Gearing’s Point and Kwaaiwater are places to be on the lookout for these wonderful creatures.
      • Sharks are protected in the area and shark cage diving is an option for the ‘dare-devil’ visitor. Kleinbaai, near Gansbaai, is the basis of cage diving in the area.
      • Birdlife is of course aplenty in the Overberg area. Use your whale watching binoculars to spot the many species found along the coast and keep the camera ready to capture spectacular pictures of seagulls and other birds in flight.

      Click here to find more things to do in Hermanus.

      Sources to check out for much more interesting facts and lots more information about whales:

      Book: Hermanus Whales, Wines, Fynbos, Art – by Beth Hunt (and photographs by Johann and Kobus Kruger)

      Book: Whale Capital Chronicles 1, S. J. Du Toit

      Read about Hermanus’ history on Robin Lee’s Facebook page here. Or visit the Old Harbour Museum or read more on Whale Trail.

      © 2020 Fielies De Kock

      HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Ads for businesses may be added at a later stage.

      Read full articles at www.fieliesdekock.com

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      Hermanus is Awaiting your Visit

      • Hermanus’ Old Harbour

      Hermanus is a picturesque village in the Western Cape, South Africa, nestled in Walker Bay, between the fynbos-dressed Overberg Mountains and the cold Atlantic Ocean. Although Hermanus is a smallish town, it has a big town feeling with a wonderful vibe and lots of events taking place.

      As everywhere else, the restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown had also left its dirty prints on the town and business owners are doing what they can to up the area’s economy and provide employment for residents and travel opportunities for tourists again.

      Although the annual Flower Festival (second last weekend in September) and the Whale Festival (last weekend in September) was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, other activities are slowly starting to happen again. The monthly First Fridays Art Walk (September to April) commenced in September and although it was a bit of a subdued affair – probably due to the fact that no wine and snacks were served – it was a necessary step in normalising village life in Hermanus again.

      Hermanus is a convenient one and a half hour-drive from Cape Town which provides an easy daytrip opportunity for someone on a limited time budget. Be warned though – a day in the village will not even cover the basics, while a visit of four days or so will give one at least an idea of what the town has to offer.

      Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when planning your visit to our beautiful little village:

      • Book in advance to ensure your stay at one of the many guest houses or hotels.
      • Make sure to include a Saturday in your trip planning to visit one or more of the markets and and also one of the more than twenty art galleries in the area. Also keep the art walk on the first Friday of every month.
      • Start your visit in Hermanus with a trip up the Rotary Way to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view of the whole of Walker Bay.
      • The town offers quite a few walking options. There are various routes into the mountain from the Fernkloof Nature Reserve as well as a cliff path walk along Hermanus’ 7.5km coastline from the new harbour to Grotto Beach (or the other way around). One of the local taxi services can be used for transport to the beginning and from the end point. You can also walk shorter distances on the cliff path from anywhere you stay in town to enjoy the beautiful fynbos.
      • For nature lovers there are plenty to see. The area is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom with plenty unique fynbos species to be observed.
      • Weekly Parkruns can be attended on Saturday mornings at the venue on the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley road (after lockdown).
      • Other physical activities to explore in the area are surfing, mountain biking, fat biking on the beaches, scuba diving, kite surfing, sandboarding, sea fishing, kayaking, etc.
      • During the months of August through to early November travellers flock to Hermanus to see Southern Right Whales frolicking in the bay with their new-born calves. They can be watched from the shore or from one of the whale watching boats if weather permits.
      • On wind-quiet, sunny days, kayaking is a wonderful way to get exercise as well as do some on-water sightseeing between the two harbours.
      • The town has no shortage of beaches with the main beach, Grotto, being the largest. On windy days, the estuary is a favourite playground for kite surfers. Alongside the cliff path lies Voëlklip (famous for surfing), Langbaai, which is small and intimate; and Kammabaai – a favourite for parents with small children and also suitable for surfing. Mosselrivier and Kwaaiwater beaches are also well-liked, with Kwaaiwater’s beach being a popular picnic area to lazy away summer evenings when the sun only sets after eight o’clock.
      • Hermanus’ restaurants are world-class and the road alongside the marine is lined with many options offering delicious food and the most beautiful views.
      • For art lovers there are 20 art galleries to visit around town as well as outdoor sculptures to adore as part of the annual FynArts Festival (in June).
      • The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is Hermanus’ contribution to South Africa’s wine industry and offer fourteen wineries to visit for wine tasting and other activities. Tours are available from the Market Square to ensure that tourists do not drive under the influence.
      • Hermanus is a favourite extreme sports destination, sometimes featuring a leg of the Cape Epic. Other activities include hang gliding, zip lining etc. (on the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley road).
      • Other places to visit are the old and new harbours, the many sites alongside the cliff path from where one can appreciate the view from a wooden bench on the rocks, Hoy’s koppie in the middle of the town and the surrounding suburbs of Onrus, Sandbaai and Vermont. Gansbaai, Stanford (and De Kelders are also close by which provides more entertainment opportunities such as river cruising, fishing and much more.
      • Hermanus is a photographer’s paradise, so bring your camera and tripod or test your cell phone’s picture taking abilities. You will not be disappointed!

      Unfortunately, not even beautiful Hermanus is excluded from crime, so always be alert, especially when walking. Preferably, always walk in pairs at least. Read here how to stay safe in Hermanus during your holiday (and also to get a list of emergency numbers).

      To avoid unbalance advertising regarding businesses, I don’t include links to businesses in this article. You can just search to find what you want.

      So – don’t even bother wondering about where to go to for your next break away. Come and see why we are raving about our beautiful village. Hermanus is awaiting your visit.

      © 2020  Fielies De Kock

      HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Ads for businesses may be added at a later stage.

      Read full articles at www.fieliesdekock.com

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      HERMANUS UNLIMITED is a travel writing blog showcasing Hermanus and surrounding areas through photos and articles. Ads for businesses may be added at a later stage.

      Read full articles at www.fieliesdekock.com

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hermanus-Unlimited-118490463355941

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      Email: hermanusunlimited@gmail.com

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      Read our blogs:

      Hermanus is Awaiting your Visit
      Hermanus’ Celebrities of the Sea
      5 Reasons why you Absolutely should Visit Hermanus
      Your Guide to a Safe Hermanus Holiday
      5 Free Definitely have-to-do’s in Hermanus
      Why Your Family Needs a Break in Hermanus this School Holiday!
      Winter is Whale Time in Hermanus!