Soon it will be festival time again in the vibrant coastal town of Hermanus, which will be hosting the annual Kalfiefees from 1 to 10 August 2025. The Kalfiefees (‘Calf Festival’) takes its name from this time of year when the whales come to Walker Bay to calve, providing visitors with excellent whale watching opportunities while these gigantic cetaceans frolic offshore.
Centrally positioned just off Hermanus’ renowned cliff path, The Marine Hotel – affectionately known as the town’s iconic grand old lady – is perfectly placed at the heart of both the festival and the world-famous land-based whale watching. When whales are sighted from the hotel public areas or sea-facing guest rooms, the brass Whale Bell is rung to signal the excitement, encouraging guests to take notice and witness the spectacle.
The Marine is offering a 10% discount on hotel accommodation bookings during the festival, when booking directly with the hotel (quote ‘Kalfiefees’ when booking). Throughout the festival visitors are invited to relax in the hotel’s Sun Lounge where stunning ocean views pair perfectly with coffee, drinks, Afternoon Tea, and the comforting Winter Warmers all-day menu. With last orders taken up to 21:00, The Marine is also the perfect spot for a light dinner, or enjoying a nightcap at the end of a busy festival day.
Festival goers can expect a diverse range of offerings at the 25th Kalfiefees, with drama, comedy, music, dance, children’s theatre, book discussions, art, and lifestyle on the programme. The Kalfiefees attracts big name performers every year and is an inclusive festival that supports various community projects in the Overstrand. In doing so, the festival cultivates a love of art from which future artists and audiences develop.
One of the highlights of the festival will take place at The Marine on the 2nd of August, when it will host a unique multi-sensory performance that celebrates the centenary of the Afrikaans language, as well as 100 years of the Pinotage grape. Celebrated South African singer, songwriter and poet Jak de Priester will join forces with legendary winemaker Barto Eksteen to present a pairing of wine and canapès, enjoyed along with colourful stories and popular songs. With wine in the glass, music in the ears and stories in the heart, guests are invited to celebrate 100 years of culture, language and passion, enjoying an evening of wine, words and wonder. Book here.
Apart from the festival’s multifaceted offering of theatre, music, art, and lifestyle, the Overstrand has an array of restaurants and wine farms, as well as outdoor activities to offer something special to every Hermanus visitor this winter.
| THE MARINE Tel: +27 28 313 1000 Email: reservations@collectionmcgrath.com Become a fan of The Marine on Facebook Connect with The Marine on Instagram Read The Marine TripAdvisor reviews Visit The Marine website |
About The Marine
The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year. Guests are even able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their own sea view room. The Overberg region is also a must for adventure sport seekers, offering a host of activities – including hiking, mountain biking and marine sports.
Back at the hotel, guests can indulge in exceptional culinary delights created by Head Chef Oelof Vorster: from breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Pavilion Restaurant, to lunch and Afternoon Tea and sundowners in the Sun Lounge & Bar.
The 40 elegantly appointed rooms and suites include 10 Luxury Doubles with Sea View and 10 Premier Suites – both categories are perfectly positioned for watching pods of dolphins and whales as they swim in the bay below. Guests may take a refreshing dip in The Marine’s pool, located in the hotel’s tranquil courtyard, or in the Tidal Pool, which can be accessed from the cliff path.
