This privately run beach hotel has eleven charming, individually styled rooms, each with countless delightful details. There are differences between the Front House, which offers rooms with uninterrupted ocean views, the Middle House and the Back House. Located close to the restaurant, the Front House rooms are a little less private; the rooms to the rear of the house have less view, but offer more privacy.

Located on a cliff top directly overlooking the ocean, the views from Birkenhead House are truly stunning. Heard throughout the house, the gentle sound of crashing waves is a constant background accompaniment. Guests can also enjoy a spot of whale watching from the comfort of the villa.    

The house’s central swimming pool is the ideal spot for an occasional cooling dip. A second, smaller pool at the front invites guests to relax and enjoy the spectacular ocean views.

Birkenhead House is situated on Walker Bay, just outside Hermanus town centre.

Hermanus is considered to be one of the world's best places for whale watching, either from land or sea. Some 2000 southern right whale migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer waters here in mid June to mate, calve and rear their young.

Did you know: A baby whale measures about 6 m in length at birth and drinks up to 600 litres of mother milk per day - a fully grown right whale can grow to 17 m long and weigh up to 90 tons.

Guests have direct beach access and can take wonderful walks along the beach. Hermanus has a golf course... and several lesser-known vineyards, all of which are worth a visit if time allows.

Whale watching is possible from land or sea from June/July well into December, either from Hermanus (next door) or from Gansbaai (forty-minute drive).

Sea Excurstion take place from Gaansbai the whole year. The tour heads to Dyer Island, where some 8000 African penguins and up to 120’000 cormorants choose to live. Located right next door is Geyser Rock, home to around 60’000 seals and their merciless predator, the great white shark, which hunts its prey in the aptly named Shark Alley. During the whale seasons, whales are usually present in large numbers too.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51