The Hermanus Cycling Holiday is in a town described as the Riviera of the South. It is famous for its champagne air, long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and the best shore-based whale -watching destination in the world. You will also explore some wine estates in the area. Wheels, whales, wine and wildflowers.
With its unparalleled scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops, and endless adventure options, it's no wonder that Hermanus has grown in size and popularity over the past decade. Known as the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world, Hermanus offers an unforgettable experience with Southern right whales visiting Walker Bay from June to December. These majestic creatures can be viewed from boats, airplanes, or the shore. The town is home to the world’s only Whale Crier, who signals whale sightings with his kelp horn along the central sea route.
Though now a bustling town, Hermanus retains the charm of its historical fishing village heritage. Craft markets, vibrant shops, and restored fishing boats create a lively atmosphere. The town's two lagoons and the ocean provide ample opportunities for water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing, while shark cage diving offers an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers. Hermanus truly has something for everyone. Despite no longer being a village, it maintains a lifestyle and character that few places can match.
Beaches
Long stretches of soft, white sand beaches, small rock-protected coves, and spectacular wave action make Hermanus one of the most beautiful coastlines in South Africa. The cliff paths offer unique views of the surrounding beauty.
Whale watching
Hermanus is the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world, with the season running from June to December. Witness Southern right whales up close from various vantage points along the coastline.
Fynbos plants and wildlife
As part of the Cape Floral Region, the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral regions, Hermanus is home to over 9,000 species. The region has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots.
Nature reserve
Visit the stunning Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where you can explore indigenous plants, animals, and geology while enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline.
Views
Enjoy magnificent and unequalled views of Walker Bay, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and Maanskynbaai.
Accommodation and restaurants
Hermanus offers a variety of accommodation options, including 4-star hotels, guesthouses, and a range of restaurants and bars.
Interesting town
While cosmopolitan in nature, Hermanus has preserved its fishing village heritage. The town is filled with shops, markets, boutiques, and a vibrant arts scene, making it a hub for creativity.
Hermanus wine route
Explore the Hermanus Wine Route, which unites 15 wineries known for producing premium wines from sustainably managed vineyards. This route attracts wine lovers from around the world.
Other activities
Hermanus is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like golf, canoeing, shark diving, horseback riding, and walking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Arrive in Hermanus and check-in at your accommodation. You will meet our Route Manager for a cycling briefing.
Starting at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve the route will take you in an easterly direction above the Volklip residential area. You will cycle on jeep and single track paths under the mountain range running parallel to the coastline. There are stunning views of Hermanus, the Fernkloof Mountains and across Walker Bay to Danger Point in the distance. Cape Agulhas, the most southerly point on the continent is out of sight just around the corner.
On the return leg the route goes down to the Klein River Lagoon with its fascinating variety of birdlife. You make your way back towards Hermanus along the lagoon and via a magic mini forest of old Milkwood trees to the lagoon mouth. From there the route back to the start is along the coast on a single track just above the sea front. There are three or four opportunities for a swim and two restaurants on this last leg.
Distance: 30 km (4 -7 hours)
Explore the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. There are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting at the wine estates along the the cycle route. They are Newton Johnson, la Vierge and Sumaridge at the top of the valley and Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russel and Southern Right at the lower end- a considerable collection of wine estates.
Distance: 20 km (3 hours)
From the Old Harbour you will ride out of town and on single track along the coast, then turn inland onto a dirt road with challenging climbs and panoramic views of the coast behind you. The Karwyderskraal road will eventually take you past the De Bos dam and to the Hemel en Aarde valley roadback to the Wine village a full circle.
Distance: 40 km (4-5 hours)
The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, bicycle rent, guiding and other services. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
What to take
Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid).
It is important to be comfortable when cycling so we suggest wearing thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer as these allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin to the next layer, avoiding the chill which cotton T-shirts can cause. A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. You should also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, camera and extra plastic bag for litter. Plan for swimming in Summer.


