Fabulous whale watching providers and vacation destinations in South Africa: There are boat trips offered which take one right up close to the whales, bearing in mind that in South Africa there is a restriction on getting too close to the whales. Boats are not allowed any closer than 300 meters from the whales without a permit. Towards the end of October, the Southern right whales start leaving South African waters, though many holidaymakers still get to see some of the later stragglers in December. This is when the humpback whales arrive and stay until early January. See additional info at whale-watching South Africa.
The beautiful seaside town Hermanus is situated in Walker Bay on the South Coast of the Western Cape about 90 mins drive from Cape Town. Several different whale species can be seen in the area all year, but viewing Southern Right whales from Hermanus is world-renowned. The best time for whale watching in Hermanus South Africa is from June to December when large numbers of Southern Right Whales congregate here for mating. In the town of Hermanus you can go whale watching from a boat on a whale watching cruise or you can do whale watching from shore.
You can stroll along the promenade or rent a bike or Segway. Besides the beach scene, top attractions along this stretch include uShaka Marine World, a wonderland of sea-themed attractions; Moses Mabhida Stadium; and Mini Town, a tiny replica of Durban with a miniature rail network, airport, and harbor scene. For one of South Africa’s most luxurious safari experiences pay a visit to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which is adjacent to Kruger National Park. The private reserve hosts dozens of top-end lodges, including Singita Sabi Sand. The five-star lodge has three types of sleeping experiences on 45,00 acres of land and is known for its frequent leopard sightings. The different lodging options at Singita Sabi Sand include Singita Boulders Lodge, Singita Ebony Lodge, and Singita Castleton.
Situated within a national park, reaching the pinnacle of the Table Mountain is an thrilling experience that offers phenomenal, birds-eye views overlooking the city of Cape Town, Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. Peaking at 1,086 meters (3,563 ft), reaching the top is simple via an ingenuous cableway, and each Rotair car features revolving floors allowing passengers to enjoy 360-degree views during the trek to the top. The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve on the continent and one the main tourist attractions in South Africa. The park boasts more species of mammals than any other African game reserve which includes the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes and more. Unlike most other safari parks, Kruger is a self-drive destination with an excellent infrastructure and many places to stay inside the park, from tented camps to luxury lodges.
Along the country’s southeast coast, the Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometers through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. The route stretches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to the Storms River, in the Eastern Cape. This popular driving route passes through rolling green hills, pretty coastal towns, lagoons, lakes, and coastal cliffs. Highlights of the Garden Route include the charming town of Knysna, snuggled between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon; the beautiful Garden Route National Park, with its gorges, tidal pools, and thick forests; Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and the seal colony of the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay. Adventures along the way run the gamut, from elephant experiences and whale watching trips to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours. Discover extra details at bluegnu.co.za.
