WHALE SIGHTING

Hermanus is a quaint village that has been recognised as one of the world’s 12 best sites for land-based whale watching. Sandwiched between the Langeberg mountains, the area was teeming with wildlife and big game, including elephants when the First European Settlers arrived in 1700.The months from July to November represent whale season. During this period these “Gentle Giants” make the bays of Hermanus their home.

The journey toward Hermanus swings past the False Bay Coastline with magnificent views of Table Mountain in the distance. We journey along Clarence drive that is commonly compared to the famous Chapmans Peak Drive. Quaint coastal villages such as Rooi-Els, Pringle bay, Betty’s bay, and Kleinmond are en route and makes this one of the most relaxing journeys in the Cape. If you have not visited the penguin colony in Simon’s Town you have the option to stop in Betty’s Bay and visit Stoney Point.

We advance to Hermanus. For a closer encounter with these fascinating creatures, you can do an optional boat trip. Alternatively, if viewing is good from land you can spend your day enjoying spectacular views from numerous lookout points with an ice-cream cone in one hand and a camera in the other.

End your day by visiting one of the wine estates situated in the Hemel and Aarde Valley, meaning Heaven and Earth Valley. This valley is renowned for their Pinot Noir. We slowly head back to Cape Town via the Houw Hoek and Sir Lowry’s mountain passes, with the sweet scents of the apple growing region of Grabouw and Elgin.