Hermanus & Franschhoek Travel Guide
Dieu Donné Vineyards, Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Whales and Wine in South Africa’s Western Cape
What I love most about South Africa is how diverse the landscape is. One day you could be cage diving with sharks, the next kayaking with whales, and the following sipping wine at the most stunning vineyard. Whenever I plan a longer international trip, I like to balance the itinerary with a mix of adventurous and leisurely activities. And visiting Hermanus followed by Franschhoek is exactly that.
If you’re just as much of an adrenaline junky as a wine aficionado, then you’ll love this part of the Western Cape. For wildlife, fine dining, and wine tasting, be sure to add Hermanus and Franschhoek to your dream South Africa itinerary.
A Few Things to Note:
Hermanus and Franschhoek were two stops on our two-week vacation to South Africa, and part of (what I believe to be) a two-week dream South Africa itinerary.
Be sure to check out the Cape Town and Blyde River Canyon & Kruger National Park guides for where else to explore in South Africa.
I chose to group Hermanus and Franschhoek together because they are an easy drive from Cape Town and ideal to visit one after another due to the diverse range of activities each has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Hermanus & Franschhoek
The best time to visit South Africa is in the spring, during the months of September, October, or November. This is a great time to visit because the temperatures begin to warm up, there is minimal rain, and you’ll find fewer crowds/lower prices than the summer months/high season (December-February). We visited from end of September to mid-October, and had perfect weather and prime wildlife viewing conditions everywhere we went.
The average temperature in Hermanus in October is in the high 60s/low 70s (fahrenheit) and the skies are usually sunny and clear. At night it gets down into the 50s, so be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater.
The average temperature in Franschhoek in October is in the low to mid-70s, and at night it can get down into the low 50s. I wore a dress/shorts during the day and was perfectly comfortable.
How to Get to Hermanus & Franschhoek
The closest airport to Hermanus is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). You can rent a car at the airport and drive 1.5 hours to Hermanus. The drive from Hermanus to Franschhoek takes between 1.25-1.5 hours, depending on the route you take. As you approach Franschhoek, you’ll drive over Franschhoek Pass, which is a beautiful road with switchbacks that winds through the mountains. We even saw a few baboons on the road, so keep your eyes peeled/go slow around corners!
Baboon on Franschhoek Pass
You don’t really need your rental car to get around either town, so you can park it at your hotel and leave it there for the duration of your stay. In Hermanus, we were able to walk to all of the restaurants and attractions, like Walker Bay Adventures (where you rent kayaks to kayak with whales; more on that later!)
You don’t need to drive your rental car in Franschhoek either, especially if you’re planning on visiting one or multiple vineyards in a day. Play it safe and leave your car at your hotel, and take the Wine Tram (more on that later) or the TUK TUK instead! While you can book half/full-day wine tours on TUK TUK Franschhoek’s website, you can also message them on WhatsApp or wave down a driver in town! We waved one down and they were able to take us from our hotel to a winery and back. It’s a super fun way to get around!
Taking the TUK TUK from Dieu Donné back to our hotel
The drive from Franschhoek back to CPT takes about an hour, and one route takes you through Stellenbosch, another wine town. I did a lot of research before our trip and we opted to visit Franschhoek over Stellenbosch because it was less spread out/easier to get around and had more stunning landscapes (in my opinion). But if you want to compare the two for yourself, then stop in Stellenbosch on your way back to Cape Town.
Where to Stay in Hermanus
My husband and I stayed at Auberge Burgundy in Hermanus and enjoyed it. Self-described as a charming Provençal style boutique hotel & spa, it’s centrally located and has a pool, spa, and restaurant on site. We had a standard room, which runs for less than $300/per night in October, and it was spacious and comfortable. Breakfast/brunch is included in your stay.
Auberge Burgundy in Hermanus
I like to book a mix of affordable (but still nice) and ball-out accommodations on trips. Hermanus is definitely a place where you can save money and stay somewhere more modest because you’ll be out and about adventuring all day. That being said, I’d love to go back someday and check out Birkenstead House.
Auberge Burgundy courtyard, Hermanus
Where to Eat & Drink in Hermanus
Seafood is the name of the game in Hermanus. While there are plenty of options, you’d be remiss to not try fresh seafood while dining oceanside, looking for whales. We were only here for two nights, so here’s where we ate:
Burgundy Restaurant ($$) This is a great restaurant for fresh seafood and views of Walker Bay. Whether you sit inside or outside (though outside has a better atmosphere in my opinion), be sure to request a table with ocean views (especially if it’s still light out) so you can whale watch while you eat! For just R550 (about $31), you can order their seafood platter to sample prawns, fishcakes, calamari, steamed mussels, hake, chips (fries), and rice. The appetizers really stuck out to me; we got the tiger prawn tempura, the Bobotie (curried ground beef) spring rolls, and Springbok (African antelope) carpaccio. I probably wouldn’t order the last one again, but glad I tried it! Reservations not required but it can get busy.
Bobotie springrolls, Springbok carpaccio, and tiger prawn tempura at Burgundy Restaurant
Fishermans Cottage ($$) As the name implies, this was once a fisherman’s home and was converted to a restaurant in 1991. A favorite among locals, this place is a must for fresh seafood. The chef even worked at a Michelin star restaurant, so you know the food is good. The seafood curry is delicious, and gives you a chance to try the South African-style Cape Malay Curry. Reservations not required but it can get busy.
Things to Do in Hermanus
Kayak with whales - One of my best friends studied abroad in Cape Town, and she said her favorite memory from her time in South Africa was kayaking with whales in Hermanus. Every year, Southern right whales migrate to Hermanus to mate, give birth to calves, and feed their young. And September to November is peak whale watching season because that’s when whales are closest to shore. Since we were there in October, we booked a guided kayaking tour through Walker Bay Adventures to try and see the whales up close. To clarify, since Walker Bay is a Marine Protected Area, you’re not allowed to get too close to the whales and if they do swim up to your kayak, you must paddle away. Unfortunately we didn’t see any whales on our tour, but it was still so much fun kayaking around this gorgeous bay (and we had beautiful weather). It costs less than $30 per person (R500) for two hours, and you can easily walk to the adventure center if you’re staying in downtown Hermanus.
Kayaking with whales (or trying to at least) on Walker Bay in Hermanus
Whale watch from shore - While we didn’t see any whales up close and personal while kayaking, we did see plenty from shore! We posted up on Gearing’s Point, only a two-minute walk from Auberge Burgundy, and saw a handful of Southern right whales. There are also plenty of restaurants along the water so you can enjoy food and beverages while spotting whales. While September-November is peak viewing, the whales migrate to this area starting in June.
Whale hello there! (Whale watching in Hermanus)
Cage dive with great white sharks - While we technically went through an operator based out of Gansbaai, it’s an easy, 40-minute drive from Hermanus to their shop. Marine Dynamics is an award-winning ecotourism and marine company committed to offering exceptional marine experiences and the preservation of the marine environment. While you might go cage diving for the adrenaline rush, it’s nice to know that Marine Dynamics is also passionate about education and conservation. We didn’t see any great white sharks when we did our cage dive because killer whales had just started to hunt them (and apparently it’s still been happening ever since). However, we did see a bunch of copper sharks which were really cool, and we learned a ton from the marine biologist onboard. I was pretty nervous leading up to our dive, but the operation is very safe and I’m so glad I did it! It’s around $173 per person (R3050) and that includes the cage dive, boat ride, wetsuit, and breakfast or lunch depending on the time of your dive.
Shark cage diving in Gansbaai (and looking good while doing it)
Where to Stay in Franschhoek
Franschhoek Country House & Villas has a gorgeous property and is in a great location. All rooms are beautifully decorated with private balconies and there is a pool, spa, and restaurant on site. It was a 15-minute walk from the hotel to where the Wine Tram tour starts and ends.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas grounds
We had a standard room, which runs for about $370/night in October. Since we were out and about exploring wineries all day every day, I decided to not go crazy on accommodations here either. That being said, I would have loved to spend a couple more days in Franschhoek because it’s that beautiful, and if I return someday I’m dying to stay at La Residence.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Where to Eat & Drink in Franschhoek
Sadly two of the restaurants we dined at have since closed, but here’s one we did eat at plus another I wish we had:
La Petite Colombe ($$$$) If you’re looking for fine dining in Franschhoek, look no further than La Petite Colombe. It’s the sister restaurant to the award-winning La Colombe near Cape Town, and the presentation of each dish in the multi-course meal is Instagram-worthy. The chef’s menu is R2195 (about $125) per person, but totally worth it in my opinion. The wine pairing with each dish was perfect, and the restaurant’s interior is beautiful. Reservations required.
Gold-covered chocolate cheers at La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Orangerie Restaurant ($$$) Located at the drool-worthy Le Lude wine estate (more on that later), enjoy morning/afternoon tea or classical french cuisine at Orangerie. The stunning interior matches the jaw-dropping views you’ll find outside. We visited Le Lude for a wine tasting, but I think we have to go back to try the restaurant (and maybe even stay there?!)
Things to Do in Franschhoek
Franschhoek Wine Tram - My husband and I have been to Napa and Sonoma multiple times, and Franschhoek takes the cake (grape?) when it comes to wine tasting in gorgeous settings. And the Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-On Hop-Off Experience is the best way to explore the area’s many wineries. There are five different lines, each of which visit a different part of the Franschhoek Valley. Depending on where you are, you’ll either hop on a bus or the tram (their site has detailed timetables to keep track of the pick-up and drop-off schedule). Each line stops at up to eight wine estates, but I would not recommend doing all eight in one day as you’ll feel incredibly rushed (you’d only have 30 minutes at each which would barely be enough time for a tasting). At the time we did the blue line, but it looks like the stops on it have since changed (for a full list of wineries we visited, see below). With that being said, we made a full day of it and hopped on the first bus to depart Franschhoek Terminal at 9:30 am and were wine tasting by 10:00 am. We visited six wineries in total, and took the last tram back around 5:00 pm. While that was maybe a tad aggressive, it was so much fun! The website also does a great job of recommending which wine estates have light meals (like charcuterie) or restaurants and whether reservations are required. Even if you don’t hit up six (or more) wineries, make sure you eat a hearty breakfast because it’s a long day and the wine is delicious. The Franschhoek Terminal and Groot Drakenstein Terminal (where you’ll start your tour) sell coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Book in advance as they only have a limited number of tickets per day!
The wine tram is the best way to explore the beautiful Franschhoek Valley
Try wine that’s unique to Franschhoek/South Africa - While you’ll find familiar favorites like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, be sure to try some Pinotage (red) and Cap Classique (sparkling). Our favorite Pinotage was from Grande Provence, and we loved the Cap Classique from Le Lude.
Enjoying Le Lude's Cap Classique in Franschhoek
Wineries We Visited in Franschhoek, South Africa:
Le Lude - I had to put this one first because as I mentioned above, this wine estate/working farm is insanely beautiful. At the time, I joked (slash wasn’t kidding?) to my now husband that I wanted to get married here. Aspen was a pretty good runner-up (I’m being sarcastic; it was incredible, obviously). Anyways, Le Lude is known for their Cap Classique, a sparkling wine made via South Africa’s own interpretation of the Champagne-style of winemaking. Make sure you visit Le Lude, whether on the wine tram, on your own, or to dine at Orangerie Restaurant.
Le Lude wine farm in Franschhoek, South Africa
Dieu Donné - This dreamy vineyard is set high up on the hill and overlooks the Franschhoek Valley and mountains beyond. We decided to visit this one on our own (thanks to a ride in the TUK TUK) and spend a while there so we could relax and soak in the view. According to their website, the onsite restaurant is currently closed, but hopefully it reopens soon! I had a delicious beet risotto and we enjoyed live music while splitting a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dieu Donné Cabernet Sauvignon, Franschhoek, South Africa
Boekenhoutskloof - Say that one ten times fast! Boekenhoutskloof is one of the oldest wine farms in the Franschhoek Valley. It’s no longer a stop on the wine tram, but I think it’s worth a visit. Do note that wine tasting is by appointment only.
Boekenhoutskloof wine farm in Franschhoek
Deux Lions (formerly La Bourgogne) - This winery has an onsite restaurant and a beautiful patio to enjoy lunch. It was the perfect stop on the wine tram to fuel up before heading to the next estate. It’s now under new management, so this might no longer be true, but there were dogs running around the property when we were there. I think I found a new job for Boris?!
Enjoying food and wine with this charcutie at La Bourgogne (Deux Lions)!
Holden Manz - This is another gorgeous wine estate and stop on the wine tram. We really enjoyed lounging, drinking their rosé, and drinking in the views.
Rosé from Holden Manz wine estate, Franschhoek, South Africa
Mont Rochelle - Richard Branson owns this beautiful wine estate, and it was our first stop on the wine tram. I really enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc.
Grande Provence - This was our last stop on the wine tram and, you guessed it, it’s another stunning estate. As I mentioned above, we loved their Pinotage.
Helpful Franschhoek Tips
Take advantage of how affordable wine tastings are! In Napa/Sonoma, wine tastings cost about $40 on average. In Franschhoek, you’ll spend anywhere from $3-$15.
Do the wine tram your first day to get a sense of which wineries/areas of the valley you like the best, and then revisit 1-2 of your favorites (or check out a couple of new ones) the second day.
Do not book a dinner reservation you’re really excited about the same day as the wine tram! It’s a long day, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Experience encourages flexibility. You don’t want to feel rushed at any of your stops, so plan a more casual dinner or room service (after a nap of course) for that night.
I’d recommend spending at least three nights in Franschhoek so you can get two full days of exploring the wine estates in. I personally can’t handle more than that when it comes to multiple wine tastings in one day, but I could easily spend a week here based on its natural beauty alone.
Reflecting on our time in Hermanus and Franschhoek has me itching to get back to both, especially Franschhoek. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, wildlife spotting, and indulgence, add both of these South African towns to your bucket list ASAP. Here are some more favorite pictures from the trip:
Beautiful Walker Bay in Hermanus, South Africa
This rock hyrax was definitely whale watching (Hermanus, South Africa)
Boekenhoutskloof wine farm in Franschhoek, South Africa
Dieu Donné, Franschhoek, South Africa
Holden Manz Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Western Cape
