On 23 March 2011 the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, Councillor Nicolette Guthrie-Botha, proclaimed the Cape Whale Coast Route a formal scenic drive that will be marketed as such. The Cape Whale Coast Route project, fuelled by the region’s destination marketing organisation, aims to drive economic development in the area while sharing the ecological wealth.
The route covers a labyrinth of coastal towns from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai along the southeast coast of the Western Cape. Tourists and local families swarm the area during whale season to marvel at the hundred or so southern right whales that annually visit the bays.
The entire Cape Whale Coast Route is renowned for its generous whale sightings, particularly in the Walker Bay area between Hermanus and Gansbaai. Because the water temperature is ideal, they swim into the bay to mate and give birth, and give onlookers a show with their breaching theatrics. They often wash in with schools of dolphins and cause a stir with the marine life common to the area, all of which makes quite the show. Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, designated this area as South Africa’s only whale sanctuary.
Shark cage diving, sand surfing, kayaking, treetop slides, paragliding and, of course, whale watching are among the more familiar activities associated with this route. But the coastal meander has a few lesser-known gems. It boasts a wealth of wineries, among them is John Platter winner – Hermanuspietersfontein Winery, as well as an array of culinary delights from hand-made chocolates and artisan cheeses to micro-brewed beers and ales. The area also plays host to one of three land-based African penguin colonies on the continent and envelops three of the country’s 27 Blue Flag beaches, heralded for their exceptional ecological standards.
Whale season is usually between June and December. The route stretches from Pringle Bay, through Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Hermanus and Standford, to Gansbaai. Take time to re-explore this somewhat new feature. You’ll be welcomed by the well kept dorpies and its friendly people, and it would make for a lovely Sunday drive.
Useful contacts
Hermanus Tourism
Tel 028-316-2629
Email [email protected]
Web www.capewhalecoast.co.za
