A scenic 90 min drive from Cape Town
Exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the world-famous whale watching paradise of Walker Bay.
Location
Perched on the cliffs of Hermanus, Birkenhead House offers an immersive seaside setting overlooking the whale-watching paradise which is Walker Bay. Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Cape Town, this coastal retreat provides direct access to Voëlklip and Kamma Bay beaches, making it your ideal base for both relaxation and exploration.
Rooms
Eleven individually designed rooms, each blending contemporary elegance with eclectic charm, will make you feel instantly at home — whether you’re stepping out onto a sunlit balcony to watch the waves roll in or settling into a quiet corner with a book after a day at the beach. These rooms are spread across three separate houses, offering a variety of perspectives—from mountain-facing to beautifully designed sea-facing rooms in the front house with generous balconies and dazzling ocean views.
Amenities
We love the seamless integration of luxury and comfort. Guests can unwind in two swimming pools — one with ocean views and another sheltered from the sea breeze — or indulge in treatments at the on-site spa. The spa offers a sanctuary with four treatment rooms, providing a range of therapies including massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, body exfoliations, and wraps, all personalized to your specific needs.
Dining is a culinary delight. You can savor dishes crafted from ingredients foraged from the shoreline, complemented by an extensive selection of South African wines. Meals can be enjoyed in various settings, including overlooking the ocean, next to the dual-level pool, in the glass-fronted dining area, or in the privacy of your suite.
Activities
Birkenhead House can be your base for a variety of experiences. You can embark on guided cliff path walks, participate in mussel picking and cooking classes, or enjoy surfing and sunbathing on nearby beaches. For the more adventurous, activities like shark cage diving, quad biking, and wine tasting tours in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are readily available.
Sustainability
What we love is the hotel’s quiet commitment to doing things thoughtfully. From supporting local conservation work such as the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Pack for a Purpose, to using eco-friendly practices, it all adds up. You’ll also find real heart behind their community upliftment projects — Pack for a Purpose and various feeding schemes.
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Best places to stay in Hermanus & The Whale Coast
Hermanus & The Whale Coast Trip Inspiration
When to go to South Africa
Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
February
The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.
March
March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.
April
April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.
May
With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.
June
The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. The Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.
July
July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.
August
Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.
September
September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.
October
October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.
November
Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.
December
December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.
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Alistair
Tamara
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