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Lose your sense of time as you explore the leisurely lifestyle of this coastal region of South Africa with its quaint villages and small towns. The Whale Coast of South Africa runs from Rooiels in the west to Quoin Point in the east, backed by majestic mountains and facing the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of luxury accommodation options in the area and activities for young and old.
The attraction to the aptly named Whale Coast is, of course, the opportunity to catch sight of these magnificent creatures. The Southern Right whales head to this coastline on an annual journey to mate, calve and play with their young in the warmer waters off of Africa. The best place to spot them hopefully breaching but otherwise lolling around with their tails out of the water is between Hermanus and De Kelders. There are also regular sightings of both Humpback and Bryde’s whales in the area and pods of dolphins will trail along your boat when you go for a cruise or out fishing.
Hermanus claims to be the best land based whale watching spot in the world and who are we to argue with them when they have a resident whale crier who blows his characteristic twisted kelp horn whenever he spots a new pod off the coast. Place names such as Buffeljagsbaai (place of the buffalo hunt) and Rhenosterfontein (fountain of the rhino) point to the once abundant herds of game found in the area. Today you are more likely to see bushbuck, duiker and the shy steenbok and possibly the tracks of the Cape Clawless Otter. Activities range from deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, bird watching and paragliding to name just a few. Head to the only inland town along this route, Stanford, it is one of the best-preserved villages in terms of heritage architecture in South Africa and home to a microbrewery, an award-winning cheese maker and numerous vineyards.
Look out for the protected African black oystercatcher on your strolls along the pristine beaches of the region. The small towns of Struisbaai, Arniston, and Agulhas have miles of beautiful white sand beaches and an abundance of fish and bird life. Stand at the end point of the Whale Coast at the most southerly tip of Africa, Cape L’Agulhas; surrounded by the Agulhas National Park with its walking and hiking trails and fabulous sea views. It is worth stopping by the Agulhas lighthouse, this is the second oldest working lighthouse in the country and the only one that was built as an exact replica of the original Egyptian Faro Lighthouse.
Shipwrecks, seafood, sleepy towns, superb wines and Southern Right whales all add up to offer you a superlative destination in the Whale Coast of South Africa. Contact the Southern Africa Travel team today.
Cape Agulhas
Take a trip to the most southerly point of Africa; it is also the meeting point for the warm Indian Ocean and cold Atlantic. A plaque marks the most southerly point so that you can take photographic evidence that you have been here. There are walking trails in the Agulhas National Park and archaeological remains have been found pointing to the existence of ancient peoples in this area.
Shark-cage Diving
Descend into the waters around Gansbaai for an encounter of a lifetime with a Great White shark. You will be safe in the cage but will still need your courage on hand to face these awesome terrifying creatures at such close quarters – a mere arm’s length away.
Whale Festival
Celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to Walker Bay at the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. Thousands of visitors flock to the town every year to see these magnificent creatures, take part in a Welcome Whales Wave and enjoy the party atmosphere of this vibrant festival.
Dive for wrecks
There are several wrecks in the area that can be explored and many highly ranked dive sites. Scuba diving is a great way to get the underwater perspective on the Whale Coast. Contact the scuba diving school before you head out to ascertain the conditions at each dive site.
Take a wine wander
Take a wander through wine country along the Whale Coast. Start the Wine Wander at the Wine Village with one of the largest selections of South African wines on offer and then head onto the wine farms of the region. This is a great way to explore the region with the added benefit of getting to taste world-class wines.
The Klipgat Trail
The Klipgat Trail is a great way to get a feel for the area; it meanders along 7km of coastal cliffs and ends at the Klipgat Cave. Stone artefacts, human remains and bone tools found in the cave point to the existence of early man in this area as far back as 90 000 years ago.
10 Nights | 11 Days
Discover the delights of the Cape's cuisine, Wine and of course the famous Whales. This enriching eleven-day journey offers luxury accommodation in off-the-beaten-track destinations, unique experiences and warm country hospitality. Explore the longest wine route in the world, cook up a storm in the Karoo or simply savour hearty South African cuisine. Marvel at the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom, do some whale-watching or float on a pontoon drinking in the sunset.
14 Nights | 15 Days
Discover South Africa's gems as you travel from Cape Town through to the Kruger National Park taking in the mighty Table Mountain in Cape Town, the whales at Hermanus, the wines of the Cape Winelands area and finally the wildlife that the Sabi Sands Reserve has to offer.
2 Nights | 3 Days
Spoil yourself with this two-night getaway to the Arabella Western Cape Hotel and Spa. Situated just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town this is an ideal add-on to any visit to South Africa’s Mother City. Drink in the scenic beauty of the Cape’s Whale Coast while playing a round of golf. Then indulge in a relaxing spa treatment before savouring an intimate dinner at the African’ inspired Jamani Restaurant.
7 Nights | 8 Days
Golfers will delight in this excellent combination of some of South Africa’s finest courses. Drink in the sights and sounds of Cape Town playing pristine courses in spectacular winelands settings. Then move onto the scenic Whale Coast before ending your golf safari on the lush championship courses of the Garden Route.
From $219 USD Per Person Sharing
Arabella Hotel & Spa offers you the ultimate in luxury hotel experiences in a beautiful setting with lots to do for the entire family.
From $446 USD Per Person Sharing
The ultimate in coastal retreats, Birkenhead House is set high on a cliff overlooking Walker Bay, one of the most dramatic stretches of the South African coastline. Relax in opulently decorated rooms, dine on sumptuous foods including seafood delicacies and more and embrace the beauty of the natural surroundings.
From $462 USD Per Person Sharing
The two five star lodges of this biodiverse nature reserve are excellent choices if you are looking for an unrivalled nature experience, fresh gourmet cuisine, luxury accommodation and want to explore the beautiful waters of Walker Bay – either by boat, kayak or snorkelling and if you are feeling brave, shark cage diving!
From $210 USD Per Person Sharing
Mosaic Farm’s Lagoon Lodge offers the ultimate in country luxury surrounded by the Overberg Mountains and the whale-watching paradise of Walker Bay.
From $507 USD Per Person Sharing
Indulge in a truly luxurious African safari experience when choosing Dwyka Tented Lodge in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve of South Africa. Luxury tents, guided walks and game drives amidst a naturally beautiful landscape!
From $481 USD Per Person Sharing
Relax in the comfortable ambience and luxurious surroundings of Gondwana Lodge, a popular family-friendly destination on one of South Africa’s best-loved reserves, the Sanbona Game Reserve in the Klein Karoo and Garden Route regions.
From $481 USD Per Person Sharing
Indulge in the luxury lodge accommodation, on-site spa and superlative game viewing on offer at Tilney Manor, set in the expansive Sanbona Game Reserve in South Africa’s Klein Karoo region.
Price On Request
Located near the sleepy hamlet of Napier in the Overberg, the luxurious Drift Farm Villa offers peace and tranquility tucked into the Akkedisberg Mountain range.
From $345 USD Per Person Sharing
Watch whales from the veranda of this luxury hotel set on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay; enjoy the comfort and individualistic decor of its luxury suites during the night and spend your days swimming, at the spa, on the beach or undertaking one of the many watersport activities on offer at this luxury hotel.
We want to thank you again for putting together this spectacular schedule— Robert & Kim
It was truly an experience we will never forget— Braden Bledsoe, USA
It was truly the trip of a lifetime!— Ed Sasinowski, USA
