You probably know (and have seen) Africa’s famous Big Five: elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino. But have you heard about our Marine Big Five? No? Here’s an introduction:
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Where to see the Marine Big Five
If you visit the Cape Peninsula or the Overstrand (read: official launch of The Cape Whale Coast Route), you stand good chance in seeing all five from the safety of the shore. Head down to Boulders Beach if you want to meet dapper penguins in their wetsuit tuxedos, take trip to Dyer or Seal Island to watch the clowns of the ocean (and possibly some exciting aerial shark action) and if you’re really brave: get into a cage in Gansbaai (read: diving with great whites) to get up close and personal with the apex predator of the ocean, the great white shark. Dolphins can be seen often from the coast – I’ve had fantastic viewings of these aquatic acrobats near the Radisson Hotel in Mouille Point as well as De Kelders. Which is also my favourite whale watching spot – the cliffs jut directly into deep waters so cows and their calves frolic close to the rocks, making for the most spectacular encounters … and nothing quite beats a whale breach at sunset.
This summer, dust off your binoculars, dab on the sunscreen and see how many of the Marine Big Five you can spot in one day! And please share your favourite places to penguin peer, seal seek, dolphin descry, shark spy and whale watch in the comments section below
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