Overview
Whale watching from your suite
With panoramic views over the South Atlantic Ocean from its rocky perch just above two sandy beaches, the Hermanus’ Birkenhead House is an elegant option on the Whale Coast.
11 individually decorated rooms blend the relaxed feel of a New England beach house with some playfully chosen antiques. Some look back to the mountains behind, but our favourites look out to the protected Walker Bay where you can watch surfers carve breaks and, for much of the year, see humpback and southern right whales breaching close to the shore.
The excellent restaurant (try your hand at foraging for seafood and edible fynbos with the chef), deck area and cliffside pools enjoy similar vistas, particularly so as the sun sets over the bay.
Facts
At a glance
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11 suites
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Ocean view restaurant
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Spa and gym
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Swimming pool
Experiences
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![Birkenhead House 6]()
Whale watching
Watch the spectacle in Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary where many dozens of southern right whales gather at a time just off the coastline between July and November. This is one of the best places for shore-based whale watching in the world and Birkenhead House has front row seats.
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![Birkenhead House Kayak]()
Swimming and surfing
Go for a refreshing dip or try your hand at surfing the cool South Atlantic Waters of the bay.
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![Birkenhead House 22]()
Cycling
Borrow a bike to explore Hermanus and beyond, taking in beautiful lagoons, mountains and coastal woodlands.
Community & Culture
The Royal Portfolio, which Birkenhead is a part of, runs a foundation focused on supporting and uplifting the local community. One of their projects directly supported by Birkenhead is The Masibulele Crèche, which looks after about 80 children from infants to 5 years old. There are 6 committed teachers. The vision is to uplift Masibulele crèche to where they can offer growth through education and in time offer training and support for other schools in the area. During your stay, you can visit the crèche and your transfer will be complimentary. They accept donations and have gift packs of suitable necessities available to purchase from their curio shop for your convenience.
Birkenhead House also supports local artists and artisans, with much of the art and furniture sourced locally.
Conservation
Birkenhead House supports the Dyer Island Conservation Trust which delivers unique conservation and research programmes in a fragile marine and critically important marine eco-system. They strive to protect the largest surviving colonies of the endangered African Penguin whose numbers are at an all-time low, and the globally important breeding and calving grounds of the southern right whale. They strive to educate local communities, legislators and visitors – by informing and actively involving them in achieving their goals for the benefit of all.
Footprint
All plastics have been removed and replaced with biodegradable alternatives. The team at Birkenhead House enjoy taking part in monthly beach clean-ups. As much food and produce is sourced locally as possible to maximise freshness and minimise food miles.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
