You’ll be relieved to know that the South African Post Office was responsible for the name of the town Hermanuspietersfontein being changed to Hermanus. Much more pronounceable and fits better on a signpost. Which is a good thing as this ‘village’, as the locals call it, is one of the most famous places in the world to watch whales from land.

Although the Southern Right whale is the most prolific species, it’s not the only one that visits these shores. Once hunted, the whales are now protected ensuring the survival of the species. Perhaps that, as well as the warm-summer Mediterranean climate, is why they return year after year. A Kalfiefees, or Calf Festival, is held, usually in August, to welcome the first whales. At the end of September, the annual Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the calving and mating season. The whales can be seen from the cliffs all along the coast from June to early-December. The cliff path is wheelchair friendly. The Old Harbour Museum comprising the charming fisherman’s village, the old harbour, and the Whale Museum tells the story of whales, whaling and Hermanus.

Walker Bay where Hermanus lies is stunningly beautiful. Long pristine sandy beaches, the protective arms of the Cape Fold Mountains that surround it, and one of the highest plant diversity levels in the world make this quaint town a memorable destination. A hike through the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and sampling prestigious wines on the famed Hermanus Wine Route add to the charm of the town.

Among the excellent restaurants and cafes, the town’s rather eccentric nature is also evident - the historic railway station, which has no railway line. Then, there’s the fact that Hermanus has the World’s only Whale Crier. Dressed in eye-catching attire, his job is to patrol the cliff paths during the whale season, alerting the population to the presence of whales by blowing on a kelp horn. Today, Eric Davalala, is the town’s Whale Crier. From keeping an eye on the whales to keeping one on variations of the earth's magnetic field - the National Research Foundation facility in Hermanus forms part of the worldwide network monitoring the earth's magnetic field.