A wonderful 200 page book, full of interest and superb
photographs, well worth the price of R350. (Review by Barry Meehan)
The sub-title of this rather beautiful coffee table
pictorial book is “Whales Wine Fynbos Art”
and it is all that and more. Beth Hunt is the author, with photographic input
from Johann and Kobus Kruger, and they have excelled themselves by bringing
life to this small Cape town. But actually, Hermanus is not such a small town
these days. According to stats within the book, it was established over 150
years ago.
- In 1889, 500 people lived in a cluster of fishermen’s
cottage in what was then known as Hermanuspieterfontein
- A hundred years later, in 1989, approximately 7,500 people
inhabited this 12 kilometre crescent (now known as Hermanus) between the
mountains and the sea
- By 1992 the population figure stood at almost 13,000
- In 2010 the population of Hermanus exceeded 40,000. By
2016, this figure increased to approximately 90,000
After Cape Town, Hermanus is reputed to be the
fastest-growing town in the Western Cape.
Fascinating facts, and there are plenty more of them in this
well-researched book. The author states that to understand Hermanus as it is today,
it is necessary to turn back the pages of the past. She certainly does this,
going as far back as the original San and Khoikhoi people, then through the
time of the first settlers, in a very informative but easy-to-read style. The
pages are littered with historical illustrations and photographs, all
beautifully printed.
The main attraction of Hermanus, as far as most people are
concerned, is of course the whales that can be seen along the coastline. Walker
Bay is one of several breeding sites frequented by southern right whales along
the southern Cape coast, and has become one of the most popular whale-watching
locations in the world. Apparently, there are over 84 species of dolphins and
whale that inhabit the earth’s oceans, of which half are either resident in
South Africa’s waters or visit during the year. Hermanus has become known as
the “whale-watching capital of the world”, and certainly has to the best site
for land-based whale watching. From the cliffs, whales can be spotted as close
as five metres offshore.
As if this wasn’t enough of a reason to visit Hermanus, there
are any number of others. Sharks abound, and the much-feared great whites are a
common sight. Cage dives are available for those of an adventurous disposition.
The South African Shark Conservancy is situated at the Old Harbour, and
provides a fascinating insight into the world of these amazing creatures.
If you’re a wine drinker – as most of us are – the R320 Wine
Route in the Hemel-en-Aarde area represents the best in estate wines that South
Africa has to offer. Legendary Pinot Noirs, award-winning Chardonnays, some of
the country’s finest examples of Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz are on offer, along
with a variety of innovative blends. To see which of the many estates offer
wine tastings, visit overbergwine.com
As far as the flora of the region is concerned, an estimated
1,500 species of fynbos grow on the slopes of the mountains in the Fernkloof
Nature reserve. This indigenous fynbos biome is part of the Cape Floristic
Region, one of only six in the world. It is by far the smallest but also the
richest in the number of species. The Hermanus Botanical Society offers guided
tours to view the proteas, ericas and other fascinating fynbos species that
flourish here. Peak flowering time is in Spring (September and October).
A large section of the book is devoted to the people of
Hermanus and their talents. Over the years it has become an arts and crafts
centre, well-known for its quaint, old-fashioned shops and outlets, filled with
anything and everything. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for in terms
of décor items for your home, plus an awful lot more that you weren’t
expecting!
All in all, Hermanus
is a wonderful 200 page book, full of interest and superb photographs, well
worth the price of R350. It is published by Struik Travel and Heritage (an
imprint of Random House (Pty) Ltd), and is thoroughly recommended for anyone
intending to visit the area. Even if you weren’t intending to put a visit to
Hermanus on your bucket list, you certainly will after viewing this book! - Barry Meehan
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