Baleens is situated one road from the beach in Voëlklip, Hermanus and is an easy walk to the beautiful Blue Flag Grotto Beach… the beach stretches for more than 20 kilometers.

The Hermanus lagoon meets the sea in front of the hotel and the birdlife is spectacular. Behind the hotel rise the majestic Klein River Mountains and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

We offer the ideal spot to relax in a casual but comfortable atmosphere.

Baleens Hotel enjoys a fabulous location within sight of the beach and the Klein Riviersvlei lagoon. Leave your shoes in the room and go down to the beach (only 90 meters away) to marvel at the birdlife living in the river mouth.Then walk by the edge of the breaking waves of Walker Bay as far as you like along the beautiful and undeveloped stretch of coast to Gansbaai. Take a ride on horseback along the sands, an unforgettable experience. The bathing facilities of Grotto Beach, a Blue Flag beach, are a ten minute stroll along the sands or the bush paths.

Baleens is privately owned, and the management strive to offer friendly and personal service to their guests. We have 22 rooms, all ensuite with showers, seven with sea facing balconies and four with mountan views. We welcome groups. All rooms are comfortable and informal – catering for those travellers who expect good, clean and comfortable accommodation without paying the “luxury” rate.

The hotel is located in the quiet and dignified residential area of Voelklip, seven kilometers from the centre of Hermanus. No traffic… no noise. Wake up to the sound of the ocean and the haunting calls of waterfowl.

The Durban Botanic Gardens were established at their current site in 1851 and are Africa’s oldest remaining botanic gardens. The gardens contain a collection of sub-tropical plants from around the world.

The gardens occupy an area of 15 hectares and are beautifully laid out with large lawns and trees and a host of other plants. Special attractions include the orchid house, sunken garden, herbarium, Japanese garden, indigenous garden and display house.

One of the main attractions in the park, for many visitors, is the small lake which is home to many wild birds. One may see species such as Pinkbacked Pelican, Sacred Ibis, Grey Heron, African Spoonbill, Red Bishop, Thickbilled Weaver and Egyptian and Spurwinged Goose. Many of these spcies actually breed around the lake. It is a perfect spot for photography as one may easily get close to the birds. There are many other species of birds to be seen while walking around the gardens.

The Durban Botanic Gardens are a popular spot for wedding photographs. From time to time there are also concerts organised featuring local and international artists.

The new entrance features a visitors complex which includes a well-stocked shop and conference facilities. The Botanic Gardens also has a tea garden and kiosk where refreshments are available.