Whale watching packages and holiday destinations in South Africa with bluegnu.co.za: There are boat trips offered which take one right up close to the whales, bearing in mind that in South Africa there is a restriction on getting too close to the whales. Boats are not allowed any closer than 300 meters from the whales without a permit. Towards the end of October, the Southern right whales start leaving South African waters, though many holidaymakers still get to see some of the later stragglers in December. This is when the humpback whales arrive and stay until early January. See more information on whale watching in South Africa.

The beautiful seaside town Hermanus is situated in Walker Bay on the South Coast of the Western Cape about 90 mins drive from Cape Town. Several different whale species can be seen in the area all year, but viewing Southern Right whales from Hermanus is world-renowned. The best time for whale watching in Hermanus South Africa is from June to December when large numbers of Southern Right Whales congregate here for mating. In the town of Hermanus you can go whale watching from a boat on a whale watching cruise or you can do whale watching from shore.

In Table Bay, World-Heritage-listed Robben Island is a haunting reminder of the horrors of apartheid. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned in a tiny cell here along with other political dissidents and social misfits. Perhaps the best part about this experience is that ex-prisoners are usually the guides, sharing poignant first-hand accounts of the atrocities they endured. Tours to the island begin with multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Sightseers then board boats to Robben Island, often braving rough swells on the 30- to 45-minute ride. Be sure to book early, as the tours can fill up fast. The sweeping waterfront promenade called the Golden Mile is a legendary Durban tourist attraction and a great starting point for a tour of the city. Long blond beaches lure swimmers, surfers, and anglers, while the bustling promenade feels like Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels, shops, restaurants, and flashy entertainment complexes.

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions and is generally thought to stretch from Mossel Bay to St Francis along the Indian ocean and also includes parts of the inland. A trove of indigenous canopied forests, mountains, rivers, tranquil lakes and golden beaches grace this extensive South Africa region. One of the Garden Route’s best known travel destinations, Knysna is situated between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful lagoon. Extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure are easily accessible in Knysna, as well as plenty of leisurely strolling paths filled with authentic dining and shopping venues. Visiting the heads – two cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon – is a must, and each one offers spectacular views of the adjacent colorful cliffs and the brilliant lagoon where seasonal whale watching is top-notch.

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. Discover extra info on https://bluegnu.co.za/.