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Sir Lowry`s Pass

Hermanus (originally called Hermanuspietersfontein) is a town (population 48,346) on the southern coast of South Africa and is famous as a place from which to watch whales during the southern winter and spring. It forms part of the Western Cape and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally, but are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions which explain the whaling history of Hermanus.

Hermanus lies about 115km southeast of Cape Town and is connected to the Mother City by the R43 highway (or coastal R44 scenic route) and N2 motorway. The R43 continues to Cape Agulhas, the most southerly point of Africa. Hermanus is 40km from Gansbaai, a famous spot where one can dive amongst the Great White Sharks. It is also notable that Hermanus stil boast a historic railway station building although eventually no tracks were laid to connect the town to the national network.

The Southern Right Whale                             

Facts: Length: 14-18 metres Mass: 40 to 80 tons, average about 54 Cruising Speed: 5-8 km/h or 2-3 knots Gestation: about one year. Calves 5-6 metres at birth. Growth rate about 3cm a day. August is the best calving month. Pregnancy every 3-7 years. Lactation 4-8 months. Longevity: Estimated to be 90-100 years.