The nice thing about a visit to Meerenbosch in the the Middlevlei Estate, is that you have choices. You can take it slow and enjoy a morning coffee outside listening to the birds, or take an easy stroll down to the waterโs edge, or watch the herds of wild horses grazing lazily.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more fast paced and recreational, then besides the sporting activities on the estate (swimming, tennis, table tennis, pool, fishing etc.), there are also plenty of great attractions and things to do within a 30-40km radius.
๐บ ๐ธ BEERING, WINING, & SOME DINING ๐ท๐
For those looking to explore the arts (and fruits) of wine and beer making, a visit to the beautiful Benguela Cove Wine Estate is an option. Situated right next to Fisherhaven, itโs perfect for kids and grown-ups, and sports an awesome 18 hole pirate themed mini-golf/putt-putt course and a splash park! They have some great wines on offer as well as their highly acclaimed Moody Lagoon restaurant for those wanting to enjoy dinner in a beautiful setting with views of the lagoon and Atlantic.
Sticking with the wine theme, Hermanus-Pietersfontein Winery is another great option to attend a wine tasting just before you get to Hermanus proper. Or take a trip through the scenic Hemel & Aarde valley which is home to a variety of excellent wineries. We recommend a visit to the Spookfontein winery when making your way through the valley to enjoy some of their great wines and breathtaking views of the valley from the deck.
For those beer & ale aficionados, there are also plenty of great options ranging from Birkenhead Brewery towards Stanford, Honingklip Belgian style brewery near Botriver, The Brewery near the entrance to the Hemel & Aarde valley and many more surrounding the Hermanus area.
It must be said, please enjoy your drinking responsibly. If you donโt have a designated driver or e-hailing service available, then you can also contact Tuk Taxi ๐ to ensure that you can get back to your accommodation safely.
๐๏ธ THRILLS & CHILLS ๐ถ
Adrenaline junkies need not fear, thereโs plenty for you to do too!
For the petrol heads, there is Wheelspin Outdoor Adventure Go Karts, just 5-10 minutes away, which includes quad bikes, scooters & off-road karts.
For those that still want to feel the wind in their hair, but at a slightly slower pace, horse riding is also possible at Heaven & Earth trails where you can take a trot through the orchards on one of their beautiful steeds.
Closer to Hermanus, is the option to make use of SA Forest Adventures which cover many activities including quad biking, zip lining, paintball and even sandboarding. Another adventure company option to try is Walker Bay Adventures which offer sea kayaking, shark cage diving, fatbike tours, scuba diving & kite surfing.
๐ฒ ๐ฆ NATURE ๐ฆ ๐
This is an extremely beautiful part of the world to be in and with that comes access to beautiful beaches, nature reserves and majestic wildlife. Besides the herds of wild horses, birds, reptiles, and other small mammals you may come across in your stay at Middelvlei, you can venture out and see the penguins at Stony Point Penguin Colony in picturesque Bettyโs Bay, Whale Watching (one of the things the Hermanus area is most famous for!) where land-based whale watching is possible from many view points during whale watching season on the Hermanus Cliff Path or consider a private charter boat to see these magnificent creatures up close.
There are also several hikes of varying levels around the Overstrand area, and we suggest that you contact Cape Nature directly for trail and safety information before embarking on any hikes, especially if you are inexperienced!
There are several beaches you can visit in the area, some of which are blue flag beaches. The most well-known of these are Grotto Bay, Kleinmond Beach and Onrus Beach. If you are visiting in the peak summertime (Nov-Feb), best to go early to get as spot as it is quite popular.
For those wanting to learn more about the Overstrand area, its rich history and the many industries and cultural pursuits which support this little slice of the Western Cape, then you will be spoilt for choice!
๐จ CULTURE, SCIENCE & TECH ๐ญ
Gold, you say? No, not that type of gold. Gold from the sea. Abalone.
Hermanus is home to the Abagold hatchery, a large abalone aquaculture facility which raises, cans and exports abalone and derivative products. You can learn how this is done by taking a tour of the farm and learning how this fascinating process takes place.
Nearby the abalone farm, is the South African National Space Agency science facility. Be sure to contact them and book a tour (limited to certain days/times) and learn about the space weather they monitor and the effects it has on our planet.
There are no shortage of cultural stops and galleries in the area. Visit the Whale Museum, the Old Harbour Museum, and De Wetโs Huis photo museum (all for a single price) or visit one of the myriad art galleries in and around the center of town.
๐ ๐ง FOOD ๐ฆ๐
Foodies of all kinds will be pleased with all of the excellent restaurants available. Besides many of the aforementioned wineries and breweries having their own restaurants, you can enjoy seafood, steakhouse, Mediterranean, veggie/vegan style eateries and more, in and around Hermanus.
Char'd Hermanus is a grill & wine bar which boasts a wide selection of premium meat cuts, tasty snack platters and decadent milkshakes. Feeling like you want surf more than turf? Then make a reservation at Bientangs Cave, an award winning seafood restaurant situated in the natural surroundings of a cave, so named after the the last Khoi Strandloper to have lived in it, or so the legend goes.
Fabio's is a quaint Italian family restaurant that makes hearty food that will have you thinking you're sitting in a seaside town on the coast of Italy. If Asian style is more to your liking then Lizette's Kitchen comes highly recommended by locals in Hermanus, even with a nod of approval from celebrity chef Reuben Riffel.
There are a ample restaurants and bars to choose from in central Hermanus. Take a walk through the Main road at the whale watching lookout point and you'll be sure to find something that calls to your tastebuds.
If you're looking for a slower paced meander and more street style food, then we highly recommend a visit to the Hermanus Country Market which is open on Saturdays. Please be sure to check the website for their times and if they are open some nights (especially during summer season).
๐ ๐ฝ PAMPER YOURSELF ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ
If the thought of going on a downhill adventure or shark cave dive terrifies you, then consider getting yourself pampered instead. There are many health spa and beauty treatment options available. One such being the Carchele beauty spa at The Marine Hotel which even has a DermaLife Ocean Spa capsule which is quite the experience. The highly rated Arabella Hotel & Spa is also just across the lagoon from Meerenbosch.
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