Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus
Views and whale-spotting opportunities abound from the Hermanus Cliff Path. © Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus
The Hermanus Cliff Path is one of South Africa’s most renowned coastal trails, stretching approximately 11 kilometers along the stunning cliffs of Hermanus in the Cape Overberg region. This scenic path offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and abundant marine life. It is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, providing an accessible way to experience the natural beauty of the region. The path is well-maintained and mostly level, making it suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
One of the highlights of the Hermanus Cliff Path is its unparalleled whale-watching opportunities. Hermanus is famously known as one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world, and the cliff path offers numerous vantage points for spotting southern right whales during their annual migration between June and November. The path is dotted with benches and viewing platforms, allowing visitors to sit and marvel at these magnificent creatures as they breach and play close to the shore. Interpretative signs along the way provide information about the whales and other marine life, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.
The path also offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with the surrounding fynbos vegetation adding to the scenic beauty. The area is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its unique and biodiverse plant life. As you walk along the path, you can spot various species of birds, small mammals, and even the occasional dassie (rock hyrax) basking in the sun. The natural environment is complemented by the occasional public art installation and historical markers that tell the story of Hermanus and its development as a premier tourist destination.
In addition to its natural and historical appeal, the Hermanus Cliff Path provides easy access to several beaches, coves, and tidal pools where visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the sea. The path connects the New Harbour with Grotto Beach, passing through the town center and offering convenient stops for refreshments at cafes and restaurants. This blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and accessibility makes the Hermanus Cliff Path a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Cape Overberg region.
Five interesting things about the Hermanus Cliff Path:
1. Length and Accessibility: The path stretches for approximately 11 kilometers, offering a mostly level and well-maintained trail suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.
2. Whale-Watching: Hermanus is renowned for its land-based whale-watching, with the cliff path providing some of the best vantage points to observe southern right whales during their migration season from June to November.
3. Biodiversity: The path is surrounded by rich fynbos vegetation, part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique biodiversity.
4. Historical and Cultural Points: The path features public art installations, interpretative signs, and historical markers that provide insights into the natural environment and the history of Hermanus.
5. Connectivity: The cliff path connects the New Harbour to Grotto Beach, passing through the town center and offering easy access to beaches, coves, and tidal pools, as well as cafes and restaurants for refreshment stops.
Accommodation Near Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
0.2km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusHouse on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
0.3km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusAnchor's Rest offers the option of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, 120Km from Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
0.8km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusOn The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Norfolk Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.4km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusNorfolk Guest House offers accommodation on a limited self catering or room-only basis in Hermanus, and is ideally situated within easy walking distance to all the amenities and a stones throw from the cliff path, famous for unforgettable whale viewing. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.6km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusThe Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fig Tree Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
2.5km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusFig Tree Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast. situated in the quiet suburb of Eastcliff, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hermanus village centre, yet conveniently close enough to leave your car... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
2.6km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusBrown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandbaai Country House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai
2.8km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusSandbaai Country House offers quality accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Sandbaai, in the Hermanus area in the Overberg / Whale Coast region. Expect the very best at this residence, from luxury bedrooms to quality service and fine cuisine. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
3.2km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusBayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
3.3km from Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, HermanusBayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Westcliff, Hermanus (1.00km)
- Zwelihle (1.46km)
- Northcliff, Hermanus (1.88km)
- Hermanus Area (2.39km)
- Hermanus (2.39km)
- Eastcliff, Hermanus (2.69km)
- Sandbaai (3.21km)
- Hemel en Aarde Valley (3.63km)
- Hermanus Heights (4.06km)
- Fernkloof Estate (4.43km)
- Kwaaiwater (4.81km)
- Fernkloof (5.05km)
- Onrus (5.37km)
- Voelklip (5.98km)
- Vermont (7.31km)
- Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape (0.17km)
- Dreunkrans - Cliff Jumping in Hermanus (1.25km)
- Fick's Pool - Hermanus, Western Cape (1.40km)
- Whale House Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.10km)
- Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.11km)
- Old Harbour Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.16km)
- Hermanus Tidal Pool - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.50km)
- Hermanus Country Market - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.00km)
- Fernkloof Farmers Market - Hermanus, Garden Route (3.12km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.53km)
- Hermanus Golf Club - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.64km)
- Sandbaai Beach & Coastal Path - Sandbaai, Hermanus (3.77km)
- Onrus Beach - Onrus, Overberg, Whale Coast (4.81km)
- Langbaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.49km)
- Kalfiefees Hermanus Arts Festival - Hermanus (5.55km)
- Kammabaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.75km)
- Voelklip Beach - Hermanus, Overberg, Whale Coast (5.93km)
- Davies' Tidal Pool - Onrus (6.00km)
- Cliff Path - Milkwood Forest, Hermanus (6.28km)
- Jan Rabie Tidal Pool - Onrus, Western Cape (6.40km)
- Grotto Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (6.47km)
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve - Hermanus, Whale Coast (6.67km)
- Hoek-van-die-berg Private Nature Reserve - Vermont, Whale Coast (9.39km)
- Walker Bay - Whale Coast, Western Cape (10.76km)
- Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (11.95km)
- Botrivier Lagoon - nr Fisherhaven, Overberg (14.23km)
- Arabella Golf Course - Kleinmond, Western Cape (14.68km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve - Whale Coast, Western Cape (15.01km)
- Rooisand Nature Reserve - Whale Coast, Western Cape (15.79km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (17.36km)
