Hermanus

If visiting Cape Town and its surrounds in the winter and early spring months, then a visit to Hermanus, a small town somw two hours from the city is a must. Once a teeny tiny fishing village it is now a tourist destination of note and though it is a lot busier than say, fifteen years ago, it still oozes charm. My favourite time of year to visit is in the colder months, not least because of the fantastic whale spotting opportunities that can be had from the cliffs that surround the town.

Walker Bay teems with giant sized Southern Right whales this time of year (they come to calve) and the annual festival that celebrates their arrival is loads of fun. In 2010, more than 130 000 visitors descended on Hermanus for the frivolity which saw restaurants, hotels and bars getting in on the action and loads of activities for the whole family, from an amusement park to live music, vintage car show and the like.Book a berth on popular whale watching operator Hermanus Whale Cruisers boat (www.hermanus-whale-cruises.co.za) and they'll get you up close and personal with these incredible giants of the sea.