Accommodation at Birkenhead House, Western Cape, South Africa

Safari Lodges and Accommodation in South Africa

Accommodation at Birkenhead House, Western Cape, South Africa

BIRKENHEAD HOUSE

Deluxe guesthouse in Hermanus

Eight opulent suites

Beautiful vistas of Walker Bay

Excellent whale watching

Birkenhead house, perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus overlooking the whale watchers' paradise of Walker's Bay accommodates guests in the utmost luxury and is a perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.

The History:
Birkenhead House is named after the Royal Navy vessel HMS Birkenhead. She was the largest iron ship of the navy in 1852, carrying one hundred and thirty crew members and four hundred and eighty seven soldiers on their way to the Frontier war, then in progress.

Her glory was short lived. On the 25th of February 1852, just before 2 a.m., the Birkenhead struck a rock off Danger Point, bringing her to a shuddering halt.

With the first shock, the rock tore through the bow plates of the vessel and the water poured into the forward troop deck, trapping the sleeping soldiers in their hammocks.

With the water inside the ship rising at the rate of a meter a minute, the end was in sight. Within half an hour of striking, the Birkenhead broke up and sank. Four hundred and fifty four people died on that fateful day.

The Land:
The land has a wonderful history. On the 25th of October 1952 the Birkenhead Hotel was opened. Voëlklip was known world wide for the fabulous bathing and rolling lawns. Due to pressure from the hotels the golf course was developed. Hermanus became “the place to be” with hotels competing for the overseas market. Many provided balls and dances, importing “big-name bands” for the events.

In 1969, one wing of the Birkenhead Hotel burnt to the ground. Due to many of the visitors falling in love with the area the property market boomed, which had a detrimental effect on the hotel industry. In 1989 the Birkenhead Hotel was demolished to make way for the demand for prime property. Three years later Phil and Liz Biden bought and built a holiday home on the property. After the huge success of developing their other two holiday homes, La Residence and Royal Malewane, into exclusive holiday destinations, they decided to follow suit with Birkenhead House.

The Whales:
From May to December the Southern Right whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. The whales spend the balance of the year in the Antarctic feeding. August is the height of the birthing season. Many calves, that are literally a couple of hours old, with their very protective mothers, are seen from the wonderful vantage points at Birkenhead House. These magnificent mammals are called the “right” whale because they were commercially viable to hunt. They are rich in oil and baleen and floated on the surface as apposed to sinking after been slaughtered. Close to extermination, international protection was granted to the species in 1935.

Several species of whales use the bay. The Southern Right Whale predominates and can be identified by its characteristic blow; two V shaped streams of heated water vapour about five meters long. When the whale sounds it is an awe-inspiring sight. Eighteen meters long and 54000kg creates an enormous splash! The resident species of whale that is often spotted in Walker Bay is the Bryde’s Whale. These fish and krill feeders weigh in at a hefty 12-20 tons. They swim in a style similar to dolphins and porpoises when feeding, and are known to suddenly change direction. Inquisitive, they often approach boats. Keep your eyes skimmed to spot this amazing animal.

There are other marine mammals that inhabit our local ocean, the Cape Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen.

The Beaches:
Looking out from the terrace, the beach on the left is Voëlklip, (translated from Afrikaans means bird stone). This beach lends itself to great bathing; enjoy the vista from the rolling lawns. We are always willing to pack a picnic basket to accompany you with a couple of beach bats and balls if you are feeling energetic! The currents can get strong so do watch your positioning in relation to other bathers.

The Weather:
Hermanus enjoys a moderate climate all year round. Summer temperatures can climb as high as 34ºC and although winter temperatures can drop to as low as 4ºC this season has many sunny days with high wind at times.

Season temperature averages and rainfall is as follows:

Summer - December, January, February

Average temperature: 23ºC
Rainfall: 25.8 mm

Autumn - March, April, May

Average temperature: 18ºC
Rainfall: 50.4 mm

Winter - June, July, August

Average temperature: 15ºC
Rainfall: 80.3 mm

Spring - September, October, November

Average temperature: 17ºC
Rainfall: 43.7mm

Activities:

Cruises:
A unique whale watching experience in season. Departs from Kleinbaai Harbour every day in a custom built boat with a raised viewing platform. Our cruises invite you on an unforgettable journey to the domain of the Southern Right Whale with their accomplished skipper and trained guides. During the voyage around Dyer Island, you will also experience a great diversity of marine wildlife, including African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Great White Sharks and various sea birds.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve:
This internationally recognized Nature Reserve is the largest private fynbos conservation area in the world. Day trips are offered to our guests from Birkenhead House to enjoy this very special environment. This will include guides that are qualified botanists, a walk through this unique eco-system, a luncheon and whale watching in season.

Hermanus Orientation Tour:
Get taken out for a tour around Hermanus to see the variety of shops, restaurants and places of interest in and around town.

Stanford Tour:
Taste local cheeses and see them being made, then onto the local Birkenhead Brewery to sample their lagers and stouts, from there a two minute drive into Stanford for a wander around and some lunch.

Shark Diving:
Spend the day with the legendary Brian McFarlane, the best and most experienced shark man in Southern Africa.

Get up close and personal to learn all about these wonderful and much maligned creatures. You can play ‘bait’ in the cage with just a few inches between you and the sharpest teeth in the marine kingdom.

Local Wine Tour:
The Hemel n’Aarde Valley is one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. The valley boasts four amazing wine vineyards, award winning wines and breath taking scenery. Meet the wine makers, taste the wines, tour the cellars and learn a few things about the South African wine industry.

This rather spectacular valley, which runs 50km from the ocean in Hermanus to the famous wheat growing town of Caledon, is home of one of the worlds top 10 Chardonnay’s, an award winning Pinot Noir and also produces South Africa’s most expensive export wine. You can visit the famous Hamilton–Russell vineyard, Bouchard Finlayson and Beaumont.

Sea Kayaking:
Spend a morning out at sea, kayaking between the old and new harbour with the chance of seeing whales and seals and relishing the beauty of the scenic coast line and Kleinriver mountains. Sea Kayaking is the only permitted water sport allowed in the Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary.

Boat Fishing:
Departing daily from the New Harbour in Hermanus, let the very experienced, local fisherman, Burt, take you fishing in beautiful Walker Bay. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and a Southern Right Whale.

Horse Riding:
Rides can be arranged for a full two hours on the beach or just meander through the local vineyards. The vineyard rides are very relaxed and ideal for “first timers”. Experienced riders will enjoy the beach ride.

Scuba Diving:
NAUI training certification courses are available, ranging from day snorkeling trips to instructor courses. Boat dives, shore entry dives, night dives, deep dives, gear rentals, air fills, underwater photography opportunities, crayfish chartering or boat charters are all available.

Golf:
There are two golf courses in the area – The ‘friendly’ Hermanus golf course located between Birkenhead House and the centre of town or the more sophisticated and manicured course at Arabella Country Estate which is about half an hour out of town. This internationally known Golf Estate boasts 18 holes in a magnificent environment, which has been earmarked to become a “World Heritage Site”.

Renting bikes:
Rent bikes for the day to explore local area and surroundings.

Yoga:
Depending on demand, we can arrange a teacher to come and give lessons on the deck at Birkenhead House.

Township Tour:
Get a taste of the unique culture that developed in South Africa’s black townships by embarking on a Zwelihle Township Tour (walking tour). This cultural tour presents an opportunity for tourists to gain an insight into township life and to experience UBUNTU, ‘The Traditional African Hospitality’. It provides a fascinating way for domestic and international tourists to get to know more about the living conditions of local township inhabitants in Zwelihle.

Bird Watching:
Around 60 species have been recorded on Hermanus’ cliff paths, the most common being the Cape Cormorant, Kelp Gull, Cape Robin, Rock Pigeon, and Cape Francolin. While the cliffs are alive with feathered life, Hermanus’ two large lagoons positively buzz with it. Around 187 different bird types have been spotted at the bird sanctuary surrounding the Bot River lagoon and the Afdaks River that feeds it.

Deep Sea Fishing:
Enjoy the adrenalin rush of this exciting sport.

Quad Biking:
34 Degrees South, Cape L’Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. An eco-adventure through the national park on an automatic four wheel drive quad bike. This tour includes drives through some of the most exquisite towns and villages in the Overberg region.

Grotto Beach:
Grotto beach is the largest and longest in Hermanus. This beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Status. This award follows the following criteria: Cleanliness, environmental protection and rehabilitation, full time life-guards and security. This beach is to the left of Birkenhead House, a ten minute walk will take you there. The endangered Black Oyster Catcher is one of the many bird species that can be seen. Feel free to make use of the various beach equipment that we have! Remember lots of Suntan Lotion!!

The Walks:
Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers walkers several options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline or the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains. Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those with high energy levels. Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the reserve, an area of only 15 square kilometers. It compares well with the UK’s total number of 1500 species! This makes part of the 6 floral kingdoms it encompasses. For a more sedate walk, the relatively flat cliff paths that trace the coastline of Hermanus from one end to the other afford enjoyment of rugged scenery and some excellent whale watching.

An 8km walk from Birkenhead House into the centre of town is a perfect afternoon stroll. We can arrange for you to be picked up after a refreshing drink in one of the cafés overlooking the sea. This walk will take you an hour and a half. Truly magical!

HERMANUS:
Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.

Each year between June and December, Hermanus becomes home to a large number of Southern Right Whales. They flock to the shores of the Western Cape to mate and calve, but more importantly, to awe spectators.

Hermanus has become known for being the best place in the world to do land based whale watching. With a 12 kilometer stretch of cliff paths, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the village, while being entertained by the antics of these giants of the sea. Whales can sometimes be seen from as close as five meters from the rocky cliffs.

Interpretative signboards, providing visitors with essential information on the Southern Right whales can be found at various points between Grotto (Blue Flag) Beach and the New Harbour.

Although the season starts in June, the peak whale season, with sightings virtually guaranteed on a daily basis, is from August until the end of October. Most calves are born during August and September, with the whale population peaking during October.

For the past few years a couple of Tour Operators were granted licenses to take whale watchers out on the sea. Strict regulations prevent boat based operators from venturing closer than 50m to the whales. This doesn't seem to be deterring the whales though; there are regular reports of them making unannounced appearances very close to the boats.

The Worlds only Whale Crier:
Hermanus also houses the worlds only Whale Crier, Wilson Salukazana, who patrols the streets and cliff paths, alerting everyone to the whereabouts of the whales by blowing on his kelp horn. Different horn "codes" refer to different points along the coastline where whales have been spotted. The key to these codes is found on the sandwich board he wears as part of his outfit.

From June to November, the Whale Crier can be found doing his rounds along the coastline between 10:00-16:00 daily. During this time, he can also be contacted for up to date information on sightings, cell: 073 214 6949. For the rest of the year Wilson works at the Hermanus Tourism office, where he can be contacted for interviews or public appearances.