Voelklip is a picturesque suburb in the seaside town of Hermanus, Western Cape, about 120 kms drive out of Cape Town. It is roughly 3.5km from the Hermanus centre, and a stroll along the scenic cliff path will have you there in no time!
The beach at Voelklip has a swathe of grass embankment for civilised sun tanning without getting covered in sand . The beach is also popular for surfing.
Hermanus is renowned throughout the world for being the greatest land-based destination for whale viewing. At most times of the year there is an opportunity to spot Bryde’s Whales in the bay, however, during the calving and mating period (June to November) Southern Right and Humpback Whales are prevalent and tend to swim close to shore. Voelklip Beach is the perfect whale spotting location, pull up a chair and have your camera ready!
Voelklip Beach is a TripAdvisor 2015 Traveller's Choice Award winner.
Things to do
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve encompassing the mountain slopes overlooking Voelklip Beach is worth a visit for the vast numbers of Fynbos plant species and birdlife.
Nearby Grotto Bay is a Blue Flag certified beach, with Gold Status, one of only 2 beaches in Africa to have this prestigious award.
Visit Hermanus Town centre to wander through the craft market, lounge at one of the many open air café’s along the main plaza, visit the old harbour museum and stroll the 12km cliff path for stunning ocean views and glimpses of whales in the bay.
The Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) wine route north of Hermanus has some of South Africa’s premier wineries located in this area.
For exceptionally close encounters with whales, seals and dolphins, take a sea kayaking trip from the Old Harbour out into Walker Bay.
If you are looking for adventure, sign up for shark cage diving from nearby Gansbaai harbour and a boat ride to Shark Alley, the great white shark-infested channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock.
Where to Eat
The Daily Bread Restaurant is a dog-friendly restaurant tucked away in Voelklip suburb. The menu consists of good wholesome food, perfectly prepared. Quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Fabio’s Ristorante in Hermanus is one of the few authentic and traditional Italian restaurants in South Africa endorsed by the Italian Chamber of Commerce (awarded the Ospitalità Italiana status). Need we say more?
Dutchies Restaurant is practically on the beach at Grotto Bay. The menu ranges from delectable light meals to fresh fish mains and exciting accompaniments. Popular with holiday makers and locals alike.
Sit under the verandah or shaded garden to enjoy an excellent meal prepared by the well-travelled chef and owner of Lizette’s Kitchen in Voelklip. Open 7 days a week
Night Life
Bojangles Pub & Club in Hermanus is a lively pub with DJs playing well into the morning hours.
If you love dancing, take part in an intro evening at the Hermanus Social Dance Club. The club teaches everything from old school waltzing to the more intimate samba.
Where to Stay
The lodges, guest houses, apartments and private homes on offer are all within a short distance of the beach and all provide every amenity possible to make your stay in Voelklip memorable.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, located 110km from Voelklip.
Car Two car rental agencies are based in Hermanus to hire a vehicle or book a rental online.
Taxi Use the Tuk Tuk Transporter service for location hopping in Hermanus. John’s Hermanus Taxis offer shuttle services between Hermanus, the Cape Town airport and Cape Town & Stellenbosch.
Did you know
Look out for the Whale Crier during Hermanus’ whale season. The Crier, of which there have only been a few, has fashioned a horn from dried kelp and uses the instrument to alert visitors of the whale’s whereabouts in the bay. He is probably one of the most photographed people in South Africa.
The hyrax (rock rabbit) commonly seen along the Hermanus cliff path is the elephant’s closest living relative. This tiny creature shares the same back leg bone structure, a lengthy gestation period and, like the elephant, the males do not have a scrotum.
Voelklip is named after the large rock jutting out at its beach and inhabited by seabirds. The name is Afrikaans for Bird Rock.
