The Whale Route
The Whale Route

The Whale Route

At the southern tip of Africa, where two of the world's greatest oceans converge, a total experience of land, sea and the rainbow culture of the Western Cape presents The Whale Route, which starts along the south of Cape Town and extends to Durban. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park, and the Transkei. The Route is most famous for encounters with southern right whales, humpback whales, and several coastal dolphin species. You can also see African penguins, Cape fur seals, black oystercatcher birds and a variety of other marine life.

The Whale Route Highlights

The Whale Route also called The Overberg Whale Route is renowned to offer some of the best land based whale watching in the world. It is situated in the Western Cape, along the Cape's southern coastline. Between the months of June through to November each year, these magnificent creatures can be viewed, in some places as close as only a few meters from the shoreline.

Whales, including the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale, are frequently seen along the coastline from Stony point near Betty's Bay, along the cliff paths of Hermanus, (Walker Bay), Kleinmond, Onrus, the De Hoop Nature Reserve and Witsand.

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Useful Information
  • Hermanus or Grootbos Nature Reserve in Gansbaai offer amazing land or boat-based whale watching opportunities.
  • Visitors can also spot Southern Right Whales on the Whale Trail or De Hoop Melkkamer Trail during leisurely walks along the scenic South African coast (July to November).
  • The Whale Route stretches from Doringbaai, south of Cape Town, along the coast to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal (2000km).

Arabella Hotel and Spa is situated only 15 minutes outside Hermanus and hosts a championship golf course as well as an international award winning Spa. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation, delectable cuisine and superb service.

The Marine Hotel situated on top of the cliffs along the beautiful coastline in Hermanus; it promises magnificent sea and mountain views. It is a proud member of Relais & Chateaux, which has secured its position on the stage of world-class hotels.

How to Get there

Air The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport. Sun Safaris can arrange scheduled flights for guests from most major airports to Cape Town. Many international flights fly directly into Cape Town however guests may have a stopover in Johannesburg (at OR Tambo International Airport). Once guests arrive at Cape Town airport, they have a choice between a self-drive holiday (rental car) and a private road transfer. Sun Safaris can arrange these services for guests.

Land The Whale Route is accessible from anywhere in South Africa. All roads are tarred and in good condition. The drive time will depend on where guests are driving from. Self-driving along The Whale Route is an ideal way of exploring this beautiful region. Sun Safaris can arrange a rental car for guests.

The Whale Route Tourist Attractions

Hermanus is known as the 'Whale Capital' and offers the best land-based whale watching in the world; each year hundreds of whales migrate here and can be seen only a few meters from the shoreline. The best time to view whales is during the months of August, September and October; however the whales start arriving in July and can be seen well into December.

The region offers visitors a variety of sights and attractions that is well worth a visit. Hermanus is known as the heart of The Whale Route and offers visitors the ideal holiday destination. The yearly Whale Festival has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in South Africa. The area offers beautiful nature reserves, magnificent mountain ranges, rocky cliffs and long white sandy beaches.

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Sun Safaris

Sun Safaris organises African & South American safaris, holidays and honeymoons. We are based in Cape Town, South Africa. Both continents are specialized and complex, yet exciting destinations. For this reason, Sun Safaris aims to help you make well-informed travel decisions by calling on our extensive knowledge and first-hand experience, providing you with up-to-date travel information, and to ensure all your enquiries and bookings are handled efficiently.

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