Location

Whale Coast

“World’s best whale and shark viewing with over 200 km of coastline”

Why we like it

Beautiful landscape along the coast and scenic roads to explore
Great opportunity to spot Southern Right whales from July to November
Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa
Family friendly but also ideal for groups or individual travellers and self-drives

Stretching from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas and further east from there to the Garden Route, the Whale Coast is the Indian Ocean coastline of the Overberg. This region is famous for its small fisherman’s towns, beautiful coastal landscapes as well as vineyards. The Whale Coast is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year, but its main attraction takes place from July until November – the Whale Season.

Starting from Cape Town, the coastal route takes you along the False Bay and follows the scenic drive R44 through small seaside towns of Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond to Hermanus, over Stanford to Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet. The Overberg region offers many attractions and activities, from wine tasting, hiking, mountain biking to water sport and of course land based whale watching. Visit the quaint town of Hermanus, the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas or take a trip to Gansbaai for a Great White Shark Ocean Safari.

Further east from Cape Agulhas lies the magnificent De Hoop Nature Reserve, a marine protected World Heritage Site and home to endangered bird species, rare flora and fauna including fynbos plants, Cape mountain zebra and bontebok. Dolphin sightings are common, and Whales can be often seen during late winter and spring. This marine protected area is one of the world’s most important nurseries for the endangered Southern Right whales.

The Whale Coast offers a great variety of accommodation, from family friendly boutique hotels to self-catering options – whether you are planning a fun-filled family holiday or romantic honeymoon, it will suit all tastes, budgets and trip types.

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is an iconic point, at the southernmost tip of Africa, where two oceans meet – it is the only place in Africa where you can dip one foot in the warm Indian Ocean and the other in the cold Atlantic Ocean at the same time. Cape Agulhas is definitely worth a visit as visitors can explore the beautiful biodiversity of the Agulhas National Park, spot whales during whale season and climb the 71 steps leading to the top of the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa with stunning views over the area.

Being part of the Whale Coast Route, the small town of L’Agulhas is set around a rocky day where you can spot whales during whale season, enjoy a scenic hike between endemic fynbos in the Agulhas National Park, visit a Japanese Shipwreck or climb up the lighthouse to enjoy great views over the bay. It also has a few tidal pools that are safe to explore and great for fishing. Cape Agulhas is ideal for a day visit and great to combine with a self-drive journey along the Whale Coast Route or Garden Route.