Cape Activities geared to the Winter Season

4/1/2008

Shark Safaris

Depart Cape Town before daybreak for Simonstown harbor for a boat-based excursion in search of the super-predator of the oceans, the Great White Shark, with international shark experts Chris and Monique Fallows. The Fallows have studied these sharks since 1989 and were the first to film the now-famous Great Whites of False Bay in the rare (and until-then, relatively unseen) act of "breaching" in their pursuit of the Cape Fur Seals they hunt in this area. This rare phenomenon can be viewed from mid-April to mid-September.

Whale Watching in Hermanus

Hermanus is known for its abundant sightings of Southern Right Whales, which come in very close to shore to mate and calve (from June to November). There are excellent vantage points from cliff paths that run from one end of the town to the other. The full-day tour from Cape Town includes a visit to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens (home to the rare Red Disa), spectacular marine drive, and lunch at a delicious seafood restaurant.

Flowers in Namaqualand

In springtime, Namaqualand in the northern Cape is transformed into a kaleidoscope of brilliant annuals. The perfect base for viewing this explosion of flowers is Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat, recently named one of the Top 101 Hotels of the World in the prestigious "UK Tatler Travel Guide 2008". Bushman's Kloof is a 5-star ecological oasis, which successfully harmonizes luxury and nature. The reserve is a sanctuary to many endangered species of fauna and flora and unique for over 130 San Bushman rock art sites. Bushman's Kloof is a member of Relais & Chateaux and is recognized as one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites.

  |    |   Share