Hermanus is a laid back yet thriving town with excellent fishing and a historical “old harbour” which includes a museum. To get there you follow the N2 out of Cape Town, crossing the Hottentot’s Holland Mountain Range at Sir Lowry’s pass. This range is known for its beauty and floral diversity, and a walk along the southern slopes from the top of the pass can be very rewarding.

The seaside resort of Hermanus is one of the best vantage points for land-based whale watching (seasonal). Whales are most frequently sighted between September and the end of November when they migrate to the warmer coastal water to mate and calve. You can spot them from the cliffs, or get even closer with a whale watching boat tip (optional).

On your way out of Hermanus you stop at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, then continue to the unpretentious village of Gansbaai. Both Southern Right whales and Great White sharks frequent the Atlantic waters of the Danger Point Peninsula and are a major draw card for this town. You have the option of a boat trip or shark cage diving (optional). Shark and weather conditions depending, you will hopefully be able to view the Great White from both the boat and underwater from the cage.

On the way back to Cape Town you take the coastal road. This is a spectacular route with steep cliffs, lovely coves and amazing views over False Bay, right up to Table Mountain and Cape Point.