The well-established suburb of Eastcliff in the town of Hermanus, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, is the perfect place from which to enjoy a relaxed seaside holiday. The suburb is a 10 minute walk away from the busy Hermanus plaza with its open air cafés, permanent market and all conveniences. The 12km cliff walk passes through Eastcliff where you can enjoy elevated views of whales, dolphins and seals in the bay below.
Also within walking distance, are the sheltered Voelklip and Blue Flag-appointed Grotto beaches.
The suburb has a gym and convenience store.
Things to do
You can pack your camera and get down to the new harbour for a boat-based whale watching trip into Walker Bay. Marvel at the gentle giants of the sea. Light refreshments are served on board and all ages are welcome.
Venture down the lagoon in a canoe or brave the Indian Ocean for a possible eyeball to eyeball encounter with the colossal Southern Right whale.
For those in need of shopping therapy, Hermanus has all the major retail outlets, along with smaller boutique shops and unusual African products on sale at the village market.
You can travel the Walker Bay Wine Route along the coastal road, passing the Blue Flag Hawston beach, to reach Benguela Cove Wine Estate. Continue to the quaint village of Bot River before returning on a less-travelled road into the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley and the various wine farms, like Hamilton Russell's, in this scenic part of the countryside.
Book yourself on a shark cage diving outing at the nearby seaside town of Gansbaai. All licenced dive operators mostly guarantee great white shark sightings.
Where to Eat
Running Rabbit Bistro at the Eastcliff Village strip mall is a bright, airy place to enjoy a flavoursome breakfast, fresh pastries at tea or an inviting light lunch meal. Find out more about the neighbourhood from the friendly and enthusiastic staff.
The Pear Tree is a tiny restaurant with a big menu. The impressive offerings are diverse, from sliders to generous sirloin steaks, all enjoyed by the regulars.
Burgundy Restaurant on Westcliff has arguably the best position in Hermanus with 180° views of Walker Bay from the terrace. The delightful seafood dishes are popular as are the daily specials, and there is a good menu for children.
Night Life
Enjoy a sundowner and the last of the whale sightings at Cocos Island Grill & Cocktail Bar upstairs in the Village Square. It’s close enough to walk to Eastcliff, so no need to worry about buying that 2nd round of cocktails!
Where to Stay
Private Guest Houses and B&Bs in comfortable, appealing homes and fully equipped modern apartments overlooking the bay are the accommodation offerings at Eastcliff.
Transport
Air Eastcliff is 110kms away from Cape Town International Airport.
Car Two car rental agencies are based in Hermanus or you can book a rental online.
Taxi Use the Tuk Tuk Transporter service for location hopping in Hermanus. John’s Hermanus Taxis offer shuttle services between Hermanus, the Cape Town airport and Cape Town & Stellenbosch.
Did you know?
Hermanus has a railway station (the current Info centre) but no tracks! In early 1900, the commissioner of the railways decided not to provide a rail service to ensure Hermanus retained its remote beach village identity, however, the station had already been built.
Hermanus used to have an airstrip but the residents at a nearby informal settlement would use it as a soccer field, making it dangerous for pilots to land. The airstrip has since been abandoned.
