Top rated whale watching tours and travel attractions South Africa: Immerse yourself in the diversity of the Cape Floral Region by taking on one of the hikes at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The journey includes beautiful scenic views of the mountains as well as the Indian and Atlantic oceans and an array of flowers and shrubs set within the fynbos will accompany you all the way. Be sure to look out for whales from the vantage point. This might seem a bit obvious, but it is truly one of the most remarkable experiences you will ever have. The Southern right whales are so close, you almost feel tempted to jump in and join them. If it wasn’t for their movements creating waves of their own, and the fact that they are as large as small houses, you probably would jump in, too. Discover extra information on whale watching in South Africa.
The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) rates Hermanus as one of the 12 best whale-watching destinations in the world. Hermanus is a great place for a weekend getaway from Cape Town. In season you have plenty of different options to see these magnificent animals. Whales are not the only animals that can be seen on ocean expeditions. There are opportunities to see the Marine Big 5; Whales, Sharks, Seals, Dolphins, and Penguins on cruises in the area. This little town has a lot offer including world class wine farms, excellent restaurants and a huge variety of museums and adventure activities. For more see our Complete Guide for things to do in Hermanus.
Stellenbosch is one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa. A mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, it’s one of the best preserved towns from the era of the Dutch East India Company. Today, it’s a university town, with a vibrant feel and fantastic scenery. Foodies will love it here. Stellenbosch is home to some of South Africa’s best restaurants, as well as many sidewalk cafés. History buffs can take a walk back in time at The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850. Rupert Museum displays important works by South African artists, and strolling around the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is another top thing to do here. In the surrounding area, nature buffs can hike and bike on the wilderness trails in the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
Situated within a national park, reaching the pinnacle of the Table Mountain is an thrilling experience that offers phenomenal, birds-eye views overlooking the city of Cape Town, Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. Peaking at 1,086 meters (3,563 ft), reaching the top is simple via an ingenuous cableway, and each Rotair car features revolving floors allowing passengers to enjoy 360-degree views during the trek to the top. The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve on the continent and one the main tourist attractions in South Africa. The park boasts more species of mammals than any other African game reserve which includes the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes and more. Unlike most other safari parks, Kruger is a self-drive destination with an excellent infrastructure and many places to stay inside the park, from tented camps to luxury lodges.
Kruger National Park is one of the best game reserves in Africa, and one of the oldest in South Africa. If you’re a wildlife lover, this famous park definitely needs to be on your South Africa itinerary. The park lies about a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife. It’s also home to San (bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites. You can explore Kruger National Park on the large network of sealed roads; organize a walking safari; or soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon. One of the best things about Kruger National Park is that the accommodation caters to all budgets – you can stay in basic campsites, book a thatched bungalow, or relax in a luxury lodge. Read more info on bluegnu.co.za.