Best whale-watching packages and vacation destinations in South Africa

Whale watching providers and holiday attractions in South Africa from Bluegnu: South Africa is one of the best destinations for encounters with sea creatures, with annual visits from Southern right and humpback whales between June and November who visit the coastal waters to calve. The Southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer climates and reach South Africa sometime in June. The Whale Coast is a route which stretches from Rooi Els to Quoin Point. Some of the best spots to see the whales are Hermanus, Gansbaai, Kleinmond, Plettenberg Bay and Stanford. See additional information on whale watching South Africa.

The town has its own ‘Whale-crier’ that walks along the coast blowing through his kelp horn telling visitors of whale sightings. It is fun walking around town or sitting in a coffee shop and running to the edge of the nearby cliffs when you hear the crying of his horn. Bintang’s Cave is one of the restaurants with the best location I have ever been to, have a drink at a table on the rocks and with some luck see whales swimming just a couple of meters away. Good places to see whales from the shore in Hermanus: In the West Cliff area, close to the New Harbor; Fick’s Pool, Dreunkrans and Windsor Bay are popular whale watching spots, in town; the Old Harbor and Gearing’s Point with great views of the ocean are good spots. Driving down Main Road towards the beaches (north-east) turn-off to Die Gang or stop at Kwaaiwater or Siever’s Point one of the best whale lookout points on the route. The Voëlklip and Grotto beaches are also good for whale spotting from the rocks.

Are you short on time but want to see Africa’s Big 5? Pilanesberg National Park is home to prolific wildlife and a dazzling diversity of birds about 2.5 hours away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Easily accessible from these major cities, it makes a great day trip or multi-day stay. It’s much smaller than massive Kruger National Park but as a consequence, it has a higher concentration of game. Pilanesberg lies in a transition zone, between the parched Kalahari Desert and the rain-soaked lowveld, which means you can see a rich variety of animals here. Besides most of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo), you have the chance to spot African wild dogs, herds of zebra, the magnificent sable and roan antelope, giraffes, and more than 350 species of birds. Accommodation caters to different budgets. Choose from permanent safari tents, self-catering units, bed and breakfasts, or luxury guest lodges. Best of all, this park is malaria free, making it a great choice for family safaris.

Often compared to Miami Beach, Durban’s beaches provide a vibrant atmosphere that pulses with energy. Boasting balmy weather year round and sporting a genuine beach culture, Durban beaches are lively areas that are remarkably clean and safe, and many of the beaches offer varietal entertainments throughout the day. Also known as the Golden Mile, there are expansive stretches of soft, golden sands and subtropical sunshine along Durban’s South and North Coast beaches. The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to 3,482 meters (11,420 ft) in height. The name is derived from the dutch and means “dragons mountain”. The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth.

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. Find additional information at bluegnu.co.za.