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Humpback whale spotted along the Whale Route, South Africa
Beautiful hiking trails along the Cape Whale Route, South Africa
Family friendly activities in the Whale Route, South Africa
Historical lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, South Africa
Day trips to the stunning wild flowers, Whale Route
Terrifying shark spotted in Gansbaai, Whale Route
The gentle giants of the ocean emerge from its depths along the Whale Route. Thunderous claps echo toward the shoreline as southern right whales and humpback whales carry out courtship rituals and bear calves in sheltered bays along the coastline. A varied number of dolphin species along with cape fur seals and penguins also populate the area and can be spotted.
The Whale Route is dripping with small-town charm and appeal as visitors stop by coastal hamlets such as Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay, and Kleinmond. The heart of the Whale Route, Hermanus, also has numerous attractions. Have your wits about you, though—the Hermanus Whale Crier will sound his kelp horn at the first sighting of whales, prompting a flurry of activity on the coastline as whale-watchers scan the horizon.
Further along the coast, thrill-seekers can go shark-cage-diving in Gansbaai (a coastal town whose waters are known for great white sharks) while Cape Agulhas allows visitors to tick a visit to the southernmost tip of Africa off their list. Don’t miss Grootbos Nature Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, and other small-town stops such as De Kelders, Arniston, and Stanford along the way. Activities in the area include kayaking, quad biking, golfing, horse-riding, and whale-watching trips out to sea.
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Our favourite tours showcasing the best of Whale Route
15 nights
This all-encompassing tour features Southern Africa's most romantic destinations, from Kruger Park and Victoria Falls to Cape Town, the Whale Route, and the Cape Winelands.
Best time to go:
15 nights
Discover South Africa's wild and coastal life while venturing through the Greater Kruger and Cape region. Expect incredible sightings and experiences courtesy of Alex.
Best time to go:
11 nights
Take a self-drive through the Garden Route, making scenic stops along your way, before the final part of your journey; a spectacular malaria-free safari experience.
Best time to go:
14 nights
Enjoy Cape Town's energy and the serenity of the Whale Route before embarking on the safari leg of your journey. End your adventure admiring the majestic Victoria Falls.
Best time to go:
17 nights
Panoramic views, scintillating safaris, city lights and sunshine await on Manuela's tour. You'll experience world-class whale watching, wines, wildlife & rich history.
Best time to go:
17 nights
Explore a trendy-metropolitan city, see Africa's Big 5, sip on South Africa's finest wines and return home, sun-kissed, after some tropical island magic.
Best time to go:
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Accommodation for every kind of traveller
Hotel | Hermanus
Birkenhead House in Hermanus is a beach house that somehow manages to pull off five-star luxury. Its ideal location on a cliff top overlooking Walker Bay, Hermanus’ whale-watching hotspot, is arguably the best feature of this seaside retreat.
Lodge | Grootbos Nature Reserve
Located on a hilltop overlooking Walker Bay and forming part of a 1,700ha private fynbos reserve, Grootbos Forest Lodge is an all-inclusive experience. With highlights such as flower safaris, horse riding and whale watching on your doorstep, guests may find that they need a few days to do it justice.
Lodge | Grootbos Nature Reserve
The Cape Floral Kingdom’s crowning glory is undoubtedly Grootbos Nature Reserve. It's home to 765 plant species – 100 of which are endangered and six of which are entirely new to mankind. The reserve also boasts the luxurious Grootbos Garden Lodge, a peaceful retreat amid ancient milkwood trees, surrounded by fynbos and overlooking the ocean.
Hotel | Hermanus
With ocean front views to observe the Southern Right Whales, and its location in the whimsical seaside town of Hermanus, The Marine Hotel is the perfect refuge after an exciting day exploring the area. Superb whale-watching opportunities in winter and Blue Flag status beaches in summer will leave visitors with an assortment of activities to keep themselves entertained.
Boutique hotel | Hermanus
One Marine Drive is moments from mountain hikes and walks through the fynbos-covered nature reserves near Hermanus, with more than 1600 different plant species to admire. Birding is equally impressive in the area, but if it's whales you’re looking for, you’ve certainly come to the right place.
Villa | Grootbos Nature Reserve
An unforgettable African adventure awaits at Grootbos Luxury Private Villas. Set in a luxury eco-reserve close to the southern tip of Africa and tucked between mountains, forest and the sea, Grootbos is the epitome of elegance. Soak in ocean vistas and the diverse fauna and flora of the Cape while staying in luxurious villas and leave feeling blissfully serene.
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Ready to start you your journey?
Enquire nowThrough our volume and direct relationships, we will ensure that you never pay more than you should. We’re so confident that if you manage to somehow find the same holiday for less, we'll beat it.
We’ve slept in the beds, tasted the food, met the people and seen the wildlife. Then we went back and did it all again, just to be sure. We’ll keep on going back to ensure that what we recommend is perfect for you. We pride ourselves on being the authority on African travel.
We want only the best for the place we call home, and that’s why are devoted to conservation and community upliftment. Join us, and leave your legacy in Africa.
We are a Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) affiliated and bonded company, completing the circle of a one-stop travel shop to Africa. We are also members of African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), which is Europe’s largest trade association promoting Africa.
For five years running we’ve been awarded the title of Africa’s Leading Safari Company by the World Travel Awards, the Oscars of the travel industry. Ladies and gentlemen, you're dealing with the King of this Jungle!
We are the only tour operator in Africa to provide complimentary financial protection. This means that should anything go wrong you can rest assured that we have you covered. It’s included in each booking and is completely free of charge.
We have direct relationships with over 1,500 suppliers across Africa. Based in spectacular Cape Town, we’re on the ground which allows us to cut out agents and the middlemen, delivering you the best pricing possible.
Our itineraries are like the spots on a leopard’s coat - each one is different. We’ll tailor-make your trip to suit your individual needs rather than simply asking you to choose. Through this we create your dream trip.
Through our volume and direct relationships, we will ensure that you never pay more than you should. We’re so confident that if you manage to somehow find the same holiday for less, we'll beat it.
We’ve slept in the beds, tasted the food, met the people and seen the wildlife. Then we went back and did it all again, just to be sure. We’ll keep on going back to ensure that what we recommend is perfect for you. We pride ourselves on being the authority on African travel.
We want only the best for the place we call home, and that’s why are devoted to conservation and community upliftment. Join us, and leave your legacy in Africa.
