Four whale-watching spots to visit in the Western Cape
With whale-watching season now in full swing, here’s where you can watch these great creatures in the Western Cape… The Western Cape’s coastline offers some of the most spectacular whale-watching opportunities in the world. Here are four of the best Western Cape spots to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. 1. HERMANUS Hermanus is renowned as one of the premier whale-watching destinations globally. Situated along the southern coast, charming Hermanus is known for its close shore proximity to whales, particularly southern right whales from June to November. The town’s Cliff Path, a 12-kilometer-long...
SATSA announces ‘This is Us’: A story-driven conference
SATSA has announced its 2024 conference, “This is Us”, to be held from August 14 to 16 at the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa in Hermanus. Departing from traditional formats, this year's event will embrace an 'un-conference' approach, focusing on the transformative power of storytelling in the tourism industry. At the heart of “This is Us” lies a simple yet profound question: “Remember the last time a story truly moved you?” SATSA believes that impactful narratives, be they tales of resilience from local communities or innovative approaches that have transformed tourism...
Whale Of A Rescue: Gentle Giant Freed After Being Stuck In Fishing Line Off Hermanus Coast [Video]
Did you know the Western Cape has an official team of rescuers dedicated to freeing whales (and possibly other large ocean creatures) ensnared in fishing gear? These marine heroes are called The SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN). On Friday, June 28, the SAWDN was called to duty after calls of a distressed whale entangled in a fishing line off-shore of Walker Bay, Hermanus, was reported. The local whale charter vessel Miroscha was monitoring the whale from a safe distance, noting how it was entangled in a fishing line around its tail. Miroscha remained...
Get your Ficks of flavour: Dive into Hermanus’s seaside restaurant
Perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking a historic tidal pool, Hermanus’s seaside restaurant, Ficks, beckons as a rare culinary gem, where each visit promises to win over diners with the charm of its small coastal town. Ficks is just a quick two-minute drive from the Hermanus Waterfront. The restaurant is tucked away, with its entrance subtly peeking out from the roadside. Descend a broad stone staircase to discover a tidal pool embraced by wooden decks tracing the curves of the cliffs. For accessibility, a ramp connects the car park to the decks,...
Memorable hike marks 80 years
“The aim of the walk was to spend time with my three children – Sally from New Zealand, Tim from Australia and Andrew from Hermanus. We had last been together five years ago at my late husband’s funeral in June 2019. This was a joyful reunion.” So said Barbara Stuart who completed the Hermanus Camino for her 80th birthday. “The experience was wonderful. The team – Jack, Shaun and Victor – went out of its way to make each day memorable. As guides they were experienced, empathetic, knowledgeable and fun. We walked,...
Winemag Next Generation Awards 2024: Benguela Cove’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Steals the Show
The FedEx Next Generation Awards have been announced! Results of the inaugural Next Generation Awards sponsored by shipping company FedEx Express and convened by Winemag.co.za are live. The aim of this new competition is to identify South Africa’s emerging winemaking talent. A condition of entry was that entrants should be under 35 years of age at the time of the awards ceremony on 11 June. 62 Wines from 37 entrants were received and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a panel consisting of Winemag.co.za editor Christian Eedes as chairman...
A slice of heaven in Hemel-en-Aarde valley
The pinot noir capital of South Africa lives up to its name in Hemel-en-Aarde Tucked between the seaside town of Hermanus, the Cape winelands and Elgin, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley is not as well-known as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It has a more subdued sensibility, and feels more unexplored. But with striking visual appeal, rolling vineyards and fertile grounds, it’s said to be South Africa’s answer to Burgundy, France. To get around, we catch a ride with Wine Hoppers, the hop-on, hop-off safari-style local wine tour. It’s fun and easy, and a guide takes...
10 Family-Friendly Towns in South Africa for a Memorable Vacation
While other Southern African countries offer splendid family trip ideas, South Africa stands out as an essential destination for family vacations. Known for its beautiful scenery and warm-hearted people, it remains the most popular choice for memorable family holidays. In South Africa, accommodation options span from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, catering to all budgets. The country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems provide a multitude of experiences. From pristine beaches and majestic mountain ranges to a wide array of wildlife, South Africa offers both adventure and relaxation. Its well-maintained...
Grootbos gallery impresses
Situated in the Overberg between Stanford and Gansbaai, Grootbos Nature Reserve is known around the world for its 3 500 ha of pristine wilderness, 100 endangered plant species, 907 plant species, of which seven new to science were discovered here, three Milkwood forests over a 1 000 years old, the wonder of the marine big five and more than 23 mammal species found on the reserve. The best part of visiting the Grootbos Nature Reserve is to get up close and personal with the work its foundation does. At a Grootbos...