Beautiful South Africa. Africa is home to many wonderful cultures and experiences. One such sight to behold is the migration of the whales along 1,200 miles of coastline. Where two oceans meet at the southern tip of Africa, you will find a vast array of cultures that only the Western Cape can offer. This is where you can watch whales from both land and sea.
Every year Southern Right whales move through the waters in a mass migration. This is where you will be able to bear witness to the calving and feeding of their joyous and playful young. These beautiful creatures can be seen scant meters from the shore. Because the whales venture so close, this allows for some of the best whale watching in the entire world. When can you see this miracle take place? The best times to witness this event are between June and November. You can see other beautiful whales in the Western Cape as well. Humpback whales migrate through the same area between May and December and Bryde's whales can be seen a bit further offshore all year.
The route that the whales follow begins in the south of Cape Town and runs all the way to Durban. The route follows through many protected areas of land such as the Tsitsikamma National Park, the Garden Route, and the Transkei.
There are over 37 species of dolphins and whales that can be found off South Africa. The route is most famous for its encounters with the humpback whales and southern right whales as well as quite a few species of coastal dolphins. There are many different forms of marine life and birds to see as well. Along with whales and dolphins, you can also see Cape fur seals, African penguins, and black oystercatcher birds. The Cape Whale Route reaches 560 miles from Doringbaai to Storms River Mouth, which lies in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
If you want to observe any of the following whale migrations, you can go to any one of the following places.
Lamberts Bay
Saldanha Bay
False Bay
Bettys Bay
Ballots Bay
Herold's Bay
Plettenberg Bay
Dana Bay
Mossel Bay
The Mossel Bay coastline also sees orca as well as the many other whales and dolphins. The killer whales are easily seen from June to November. Be advised, however, that it's illegal to go within 300m of the whales while in a boat or any other vessel or aircraft unless you have a permit that allows you to do so. Please make certain that you don't fall prey to unlicensed whale watching operations.
Read about another great migration that takes place along South Africa's east coast - http://www.keegandix.com
