Prior to our arrival in Cape Town, I was unfamiliar with Hermanus. After checking into our lodging, someone referenced a location named Hermanus (in a discussion I may or may not have been overhearing while enjoying some bubbly by the pool). From that moment, it seemed everyone was extolling the virtues of this remarkable destination for whale watching.
Remarkably, the whales approached the shore, eliminating the necessity of a boat for observation.
Following our morning atop Table Mountain, we hurried back to The Glen to return our rental vehicle (which we had acquired the previous day to visit Muizenberg for the penguins at Boulder’s Beach and explore the Cape Peninsula) and promptly entered our guide’s vehicle with mere moments to spare.
The itinerary focused on unveiling a distinct part of South Africa beyond Cape Town, and we were eager to embark on this adventure! We sped away from Cape Town, passed Stellenbosch, and soon found ourselves in the mountains where we paused to admire the breathtaking views of the South African landscape.
*Random aside: I probably should have adjusted my shorts in the photo above, but it is worth noting that there was a sign nearby indicating “Don’t feed the baboons.” To be fair, there were no baboons in sight, but I preferred to avoid any potential incidents, thus I hastily captured this ‘new Facebook cover photo’ and returned to the vehicle. While my photograph turned out less than ideal, at least I managed to avoid an encounter with a wild baboon. My previous lack of concern for baboons changed after an experience in Singapore where a monkey pursued us, growling and revealing its fangs, following Lloyd’s attempts to feed them. My originally healthy curiosity has morphed into a sense of cautiousness! 🙂 Hehehe!
With anticipation, we hurried past stunning view after stunning view until we ultimately reached Hermanus, promptly realizing why a boat tour was unnecessary for observing whales.
The turbulent waves and the steep cliffside permitted the whales to swim quite near to shore.
Eager and filled with anticipation, we maintained a vigilant lookout for whales, hoping to witness a humpback whale breach…
…and it became evident we were not alone in this hope.
Throughout our diligent search for whales (this seemed as opportune a moment as any following our Iceland experience), we somewhat neglected the more simplistic local wildlife – the rock hyrax or “Dassies” as they are commonly referred to (thanks to Tahlita for clarifying).
Regrettably, we had arrived off-season, and the majority of whales had migrated with their calves, resulting in no sightings of humpback whales.
Nonetheless, we were fortunate to observe a Southern right whale and her calf in the distance. That was something to appreciate. 🙂
With anticipation and enthusiasm, we kept vigilant for potential whale sightings, optimistic about encountering a humpback whale breaching…
Undoubtedly, the wine played a role in boosting my confidence as I attempted to strike a serious pose while gazing into the sun… In all honesty, I doubt I succeeded! 🙂
By the conclusion of the wine tasting event, we had selected particular favorites that had to accompany us back to London.
A truly stunning experience!!!
As we resumed our journey, we were delightfully lighthearted, still full from lunch, and eager to explore more of the South African countryside…
…which certainly did not let us down! Perhaps now (if you have not already), you can comprehend why South Africa is so easily captivating (the wine plays a part too!). 😉 🙂
