Wild Wellness is owned and run by locals, Peter and Leeanne, and their insider knowledge and passion for the region are evident in their multi day slackpacking hikes, one or two day breaks or memorable two hour boost experiences. I recently spent 48 hours on their Hermanus Hop, and it exceeded all my expectations and opened my eyes to a town I thought I knew fairly well.
A Celebration of the Sunrise
Every sunrise is unique and a joy to witness. In the cool monochromes of first light, we sit on a hill overlooking a deserted beach. As our guide Wep leads us in a mindful meditation, breathwork and stretching, I feel my heart open with gratitude, and all the tension of city living leaves my body. Now ready for anything, I follow him onto the beach and run into the ocean. The initial cold shock is quickly forgotten, and I feel energised and alive as I surrender to the waves. (I even got my hair wet !) Tingling with happiness and warmed by the rising sun, we savour hot coffee and fresh rusks before heading back for a shower and breakfast.
Ancient Forests and Coastal Paths
The milkwood forest is quiet and cool. The earthy scent of fallen leaves emanates from the forest floor, and the air carries a hint of the salty tang of the sea. The chatter slows, then ceases. Walking in single file, steps become rhythmic, and the route transforms into a moving meditation under a canopy of leaves.
As the forest ends, the path joins the spectacular Hermanus cliff walk, a continuous seven km route that hugs the coastline of Walker Bay. The views are ever changing and quite spectacular as the trail rises to craggy peaks and descends to intimate beaches and a river crossing. We pass tidal pools and climb up a metal staircase to a walkway where the spray of the waves cools the air and could leave you soaked at high tide.
Nectar of the Gods- Wine Tasting in the Hemel en Aarde Valley
The Wine Lounge at Ataraxia Estate is built in the style of a traditional Overberg Church. The interior is light and airy, adorned with incredible local artworks, and the large windows offer breathtaking views of the vineyards and valley. I am told their wines are exceptionally good and the terroir is unique, comprising 14 different soil types.
Fabulous Food Spots
Ficks Restaurant is set against the craggy cliff face overlooking a tidal pool, the location, the vibe and the food vie for the top attraction of this sought after spot. Operating on a no bookings, first come first served basis, this is the place to be for lunch, sundowners or dinner.
Theos Taverna is a traditional Greek eatery where breaking plates, making space for Theo to sit down for a chat, and eating more than you anticipated is the norm. The food is superb, and the vibe is casual and lively. Locals love it, so book in advance if you can.
Only Specials Café is a feel good restaurant that serves excellent coffee, sweet treats, gourmet sandwiches and salads. While their soups are legendary, the staff are the stars of the show. The café is run by the Sluyter Foundation, which has partnered with Camphill, providing training and employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual challenges.
The Windsor Hotel Breakfasts are served in an airy room overlooking the ocean. Traditional in style, they cater to all tastes, and after enjoying both the hot and cold offerings, I could have happily skipped lunch.
A Creative Connection – Colourful Streets and a Vibrant Art Scene
Hermanus has become a very walkable town, with charming alleys and pedestrian walkways filled with sculptures, street art and installations. Art Galleries, coffee shops, pavement cafes and tiny boutique shops turn a quick walk through town into a four or more hour journey of discovery and delight.
Chasing the Light
I chose an early morning beach walk to watch the sun rise over the lagoon, rather than the more strenuous 45 minute hike up to a peak for coffee at sunrise. Sharing the beach with enthusiastic dogs, a lone energetic runner, and a sky full of birds, it was absolute bliss to sip coffee as I watched the light change. Bird calls and breaking waves provided the perfect soundtrack to the scene unfolding before me. These are the moments that stay etched in my memory forever.
The Windsor Hotel
The Windsor is a Hermanus institution. Perfectly positioned over the road from the cliff paths that have strategically placed benches for endless ocean gazing, and the views from the rooms are pretty amazing too. Falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of the ocean is always a treat. Built in 1896 as a Sanitorium, it became a hotel in the early 1930’s. Family owned and managed, the Windsor offers an idyllic base for exploring Hermanus.
Get a 5% discount on any Wild Wellness booking by using the code WildDi
Please visit wildwellness.co.za for detailed information, live availability and bookings.
Below is a summary of all the WILD WELLNESS packages.
MULTI DAY SLACKPACKING
Kogelberg Camino 6 days / 5 nights and a total walking distance of 70 km.
Offered from 01 November to 31 May (with a couple of dates in between)
Slackpacking. All-Inclusive. Guided.
Walk with Whales 5 days / 4 nights / and a total walking distance of 53 km.
Offered from 22 August to 31 October only.
Slackpacking. Guided. All-Inclusive
CAPE ESCAPES
All the Cape Escapes are offered as one or two night options, are all inclusive and fully guided.
The Kogelberg Connection
Located 85 km from Cape Town International Airport, and situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s richest floral kingdom. The one day escape includes 10 km of walking, or a total of 19 km for the two day option.
The Penguin Path
Located 72 km from Cape Town International Airport, this escape includes a penguin colony, seaside trails, and rocky summits. The one day escape includes 5 km of walking, or a total of 15 km for the two day option.
Awaken in Greyton
Located 127 km from Cape Town International Airport, this relaxed escape celebrates art and nature, featuring a gentle 7 km nature walk and painting paired with wine.
Echoes of the Past
Located 130 km from Cape Town International Airport, this escape traces the footsteps of our ancestors through breathtaking ocean side caves, ancient milkwood forests and the outstanding natural beauty of the remote parts of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. The one day escape includes 10 km of walking, or a total of 19 km for the two day option. The one day escape includes 4 km of walking, or a total of 10 km for the two day option.
The Hermanus Hop
Located 100 km from Cape Town International Airport, this escape reveals the highlights and lesser known attractions of the seaside town of Hermanus. The one day escape includes 7 km of walking, or a total of 13 km for the two day option.
The Best Day Ever
Located 210 km from Cape Town International Airport, a scenic two and a bit hour drive.
Swim to the sunrise, walk across the tip of Africa and finish on a high with a swim to the sunset. One day, two oceans and a total immersion into nature.
Two Hour Wild Wellness Boosts
These unique 2-hour resets in Hermanus’ natural beauty are bite-sized adventures led by expert facilitators for those short on time but keen for a memorable experience.
- Swim to the Sunrise – Invigorate. Illuminate. Awaken
- Sunrise Summit – Ascend. Sip. Shine
- Walk and Wallow – Meander. Float. Shine
- Roots and Rituals – Engage Your Senses
- Shoreline Strides – Move. Align. Invigorate.
- Sunset Reset – Breathe. Flow. Reflect.
WILD WELLNESS is part of Cape Country Routes, a collective of owner run and managed hospitality accommodation and activities known for their character, romance and charm.
