Penguino Guesthouse

WHALES:
Hermanus is one of the twelve best whale viewing sites in the world, and because of the setting its ideal for land based whale watching. From June till the end of November there are Southern Right whales in the bay and a walk along our beautiful 15 kilometer stretch of cliff path will be all you need to understand why we have registered that claim. The paths are literally a 2 minute walk from Penguino Guesthouse, they wind their way along the magnificent shoreline along the rocky outcrops. The best time to view whales is from August to the end of October, when you are guaranteed spectacular displays. The whales calve in August and September, and the population peaks in October.

Each year a traditional Whale Festival is held. Prior to this a "Kalfie Fees" (Calf Festival) is held to welcome the first whales to Walker Bay. Each festival is host to craft, food stalls, drama productions and live local bands. These are occasions not to be missed.

GOLF:
Hermanus sports a challenging 27 hole golf course. In 2006, the Hermanus Golf Course has underwent a major overhaul with the introduction of nine new holes, based around a new real estate component. Previously the golf course had a gentle country layout which has been replaced with more modern classically designed holes, that have added much to both the visual and challenging aspects of the course, without losing any sense of its former tradition.

The Arabella Golf Course in South Africa is ranked by Complete Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape. It is also featured in Golf Digest's USA's Top 60 courses outside of America in 2007. This golf course is a mere 25km scenic drive from Penguino Guesthouse.

BEACHES:
There are many fantastic beaches in and around Hermanus, all with in a 10 minute drive away from Penguino guesthouse. Just down the road towards Volklip is the Blue Flag beach, Grotto. South Africa was the first country outside Europe to win Blue Flag accreditation for some of its beaches. A section of Grotto Beach offers bathers/swimmers standard international facilities that include lifesavers, security guards and spotless cloakrooms.

Grotto beach literally stretches for kilometers making it ideal for those wanting to take a long walk. From Grotto you can walk to the mouth of the lagoon, which is closed for part of the year depending on water levels. Grotto has good ablution blocks, beach chairs and umbrellas are for hire. A restaurant, play-park and facilities make this a favorite amongst the holidaymakers. Braai (BBQ) facilities and ample parking can also be found at Grotto beach. Other fantastic beaches includes Volklip beach, Kammabaai and Langbaai. So if you enjoy surfing or just lazing around on the beach, one of Hermanus's fabulous beaches might just be the place.

THE CLIFF PATHS:
Hermanus has a variety of beautiful walks that is sure to suit your requirements. However please do remember that it is always advisable to walk with a friend rather than walking alone. The cliff path starts from Grotto beach and goes all the way to the New Harbour. This path goes past, Mussel River beach, which is excellent for picking up shells, along the cliff top and passes Siever's Point and Die Gang, which are both excellent whale watching spots. After Gearing's Point, it progresses west to the New Harbour. The cliff paths are in length the total of 15km.

FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE:
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is just up the road above the circle in Volklip. The information centre at the parking lot will supply you with many interesting information regarding the local hiking trails and fauna/flora. The walks are all clearly marked and of different lengths, so you can decide how adventurous you feel that day. It is one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world, with a glorious flower show each September.

WHITE SHARK DIVING:
Cage diving with great white sharks in the aptly named "Shark Alley", near the fishing village of Gansbaai, South Africa, is an absolute must for adrenaline junkies! This provides the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the Great Whites. For the not so adventurous, incredible sightings of the sharks can be viewed from the comfort of the boat.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Other popular tourist attractions include the visiting the Old Harbour and Whale Museum, enjoying the stretches of beautiful white beaches, visiting the market place, trying our local wines at the various wine estates, visiting our world famous floral reserves or partaking in the abundance of water-sports, such as yachting, surfing, fishing and SCUBA diving.

ABAGOLD ABALONE FARM:
A first in South Africa - visit our very own abalone farm where you can see how abalone is cultivated in a controlled environment. You can purchase live, canned and frozen abalone at the plant.

GANSBAAI:
Gansbaai (Goose Bay) has grown from a quiet small fishing village into a tourist mecca, where Great White Shark Cage Diving operates from the Kleinbaai Harbour.

A trip to the Overberg is not complete without a visit to this bustling village which boasts a commercial abalone farming enterprise at Danger Point. Beautiful stretches of beaches and outstanding fishing spots abound in this neck of the woods. There are hiking trails in Fynbos reserves, the famous cliffs at De Kelders and whale watching land or sea based.

Enjoy delicious fresh seafood at one of the local eateries from the day's local catch.

STANFORD:
This beautiful town was originally founded on the farm Klein River and was named after the original owner Captain Robert Stanford.

Where Stanford was once known as a typical weekend getaway destination, it is fast becoming home to many. Its tranquility and harmony with nature, the diverse birdlife and magnificent fynbos, which abounds in the Stanford area, attracts those seeking the fresh country air and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Gentle hikes, interesting historical architecture and a multitude of local arts and crafts will keep you busy for hours on end.

A visit to the Birkenhead Brewery is an absolute must. Take a brewery tour and sit down to a delicious lunch at the brewery's restaurant in the most magnificent setting.

Gentle hikes, interesting historical architecture and a multitude of local arts and crafts will keep you busy for hours on end. A visit to the Birkenhead Brewery is an absolute must. Take a brewery tour and sit down to a delicious lunch at the brewery's restaurant in the most magnificent setting. Don't forget a visit to the Klein River Cheese Shop, famous for their Gruyere and Leiden.