Space Goddess

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris, one of my personal faves!

“Whale” Tales – June 2009

About an hour and a half away from Cape Town is the seaside town of Hermanus, acknowledged by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) as one of the twelve best land-based whale watching sites in the world. From May onwards Southern Right Whales pay homage to these warm, shallow waters in order to calf their young and to mate.

The best time for whale watching in Hermanus is between August and November; at this time the bay is dotted with whales. These can be spotted from the cliff path walk which stretches for 12km from one end of the town to the other. Whales can be seen as close as 20 metres away frolicking in the sheltered bay or just beyond the breakers.

“Whale” Accommodation

Grootbos is an upmarket eco-lodge situated on the fynbos and forest-clad hills overlooking Walker Bay. Specialises in the world-renowned flora and marine biodiversity of the area, having won worldwide acclaim for its conservation and social responsibility programmes.

The Marine Hotel (Relaix & Chateau) offers commanding views across Walker Bay or over the beautiful internal courtyard, with its heated pool. The Seafood Restaurant has an open kitchen, which provides diners a close-up view of the frenetic activity. No children under 12 years.

The Birkenhead House & Villa properties are adjacent to each other on the magnificent seaside cliffs above Hermanus’ most prominent beaches. Furnishings can be described as unrestraint opulence. The food is a delicate mixture of modern African cuisine, with strong Asian and Italian influences.