Winelands / Hermanus

Distance
102 km (63 mi)

Itinerary
8 am to 4 pm
After an enjoyable breakfast, the tour makes its way up the Franschhoek Pass, which has spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley. It was initially known as the Olifantspad (elephant's path), used by migrating herds. The road then leads to Grabouw in the Elgin Valley, sandwiched between the Hottentots-Holland, Kogelberg, and Groenland mountains. The Elgin Valley is the heart of the South African deciduous fruit region, with apples, pears, and plums.
The countryside road rejoins the main highway before reaching the town of Hermanus. The town is internationally renowned as one of the world's top whale-watching destinations. Since August 1992, it has hosted the world's only 'Whale Crier,' who sounds his kelp horn to announce the arrival of whales in Walker Bay. During the afternoon, we visit the Hermanus Whale Museum, where various exhibitions focus on these fascinating mammals' behavior, biology, reproduction, communication, and migratory patterns. The difference between toothed and baleen whales is highlighted.