The newly completed Cliff Path in Hermanus is more than just a walkway - it's a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery South Africa has to offer. Stretching over 12 kilometres, this world-class path winds its way along the edge of the cliffs from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach, offering panoramic views of Walker Bay and the dramatic Overberg coastline.
Whether you're a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, the path invites you to slow down and take in the natural theatre around you - from towering sandstone cliffs and wind-swept fynbos to the endless Atlantic Ocean stretching out beyond the horizon.
Of course, the real stars of the show are the Southern Right Whales, who return every winter and spring to calve and play in the calm waters of the bay. The Cliff Path provides some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, with whales often seen breaching just metres from the shore.
Along the route, you'll find a charming little tidal pool, perfect for brave winter plunges that would make Wim Hof proud, or more leisurely summer swims when the sun warms the air and rocks. The pool is a well-loved local secret, offering a refreshing (and slightly exhilarating) dip with a view.
In winter, the air is crisp and clean - often described as "champagne air" - and perfect for an invigorating walk wrapped in your warmest anorak and beanie. Few things compare to the joy of watching the sun rise over the ocean, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink, while you breathe in deep, lung-expanding gulps of fresh, salt-scented air.
The completion of the Cliff Path is a milestone for Hermanus, enhancing its reputation as a nature lover's paradise. It offers tourists and residents alike a safe, scenic route to connect with the wild beauty of the Cape Whale Coast.
Whether you're in it for the whales, the photography, the solitude, or the cardio - the Hermanus Cliff Path is a journey worth taking. Again and again.
A SELECTION OF HOUSES ON THE CLIFF PATH: