A Doggy Heaven in Hermanus
Category Area Focus
Hermanus is heaven for pooch parents who love to take their four-legged family out and about with them.
A splashing and swimming heaven, in Hermanus you'll find many glorious beaches for Spot to enjoy, from Voëlklip to Vermont. This includes Grotto Beach, Kammabaai, Langbaai, Voëlklip Beach, Sandbaai Beach, Onrus Beach, Vermont's Breakfast Bay, and a few gems in between. Just keep in mind that in peak season, a section of beach is cordoned off for Blue Flag areas (Onrus and Grotto Beach) that are not pet friendly. But, that's no hassle at Grotto beach, which has an extra 17.5 km+ for you to explore with your furkids. Enjoy calmer and warmer waters at the Kleinrivier Lagoon on the edge of Voëlklip, that once in a while breaches into the ocean at Grotto Beach; or in Onrus, the Onrus Lagoon is the perfect spot for a less-icy cool down on this side of town.
Take your four-footed fluffy along for a walk on the famous Cliff Paths that skirt along the ocean (from Voëlklip to Hermanus, and Sandbaai to Vermont). Behold nature in abundance, with fynbos and milkwood, as well as its inhabiting birds, mongoose and rock hyrax (dassies). Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after Fido, and have him happily trailing along with you.
To follow a different path, Fernkloof Nature Reserve has a dog friendly route, the Blue Route, for fur kids to enjoy a hike with you. This is an easy 2.2 km trail along the lower part of the Kleinrivier Mountain, with wonderful views of Hermanus and Walker Bay.
Most restaurants, in and around Hermanus, that have outdoor seating are pet friendly. In Voëlklip you'll find Dutchies Restaurant at Grotto Beach, and Lizettes Kitchen Bar & Restaurant is around the corner. They'll bring a doggy bowl with refreshing water after some galavanting at Grotto Beach. In Hermanus at the Waterfront you'll find many wonderful restaurants with outdoor seating. These include the old favourite Fusion, culinary delightful Pear Tree, waffles-and-beer bliss at The Belgian, as well as nearby delectable dining at Burgundy - that's on the edge of the bay and the heritage Old Hermanus Harbour, and the incredible steampunk steakhouse, Char'd, with a street café feel. And one of the oldest restaurants and also a local favourite, Fisherman's Cottage is also furry friendly.
Going to the other side of greater Hermanus, near Sandbaai and at the entrance of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, you'll find exceptionally-satiable pub grub at The Brewery. Onrus has tantalizing palate-pleasers at Milk On The Beach and Waffle Shack with mouth-watering loaded waffles and hotdogs, which is well worth the visit - you'll love the doggo art works.
Hermanus Parkrun in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a 5 km dog-friendly trail with mostly forest and natural surroundings. Parkrun can be done at any pace - tread fast for a best time or take a gentle stroll and take in the sights around you. Local animal welfare, HAWS (Hermanus Animal Welfare Society), has a wonderful initiative where parkrunners can walk or run with a doggo that is up for adoption. This is arranged beforehand so that all the dogs that come along for the outing can enjoy the trail and get exposure to find their new forever home.
Hermanus is home for the whole family, for man and man's best friend.
Please be a responsible pet parent and clean up after all your loved ones.
Author: Ruché Ten Have
