South Africa's Whale Route

History

People have been fascinated by the world's largest animals for thousands of years. Most of this time, whales were exploited for their meat, oil, and blubber. The first recorded whale hunts date back as far as 3 000 BC. Early methods included driving whales into bays with limited success. Later, a drogue—an object attached to a harpoon—tired the whale with drag and buoyancy. The first attempt at whaling in South Africa was in 1653 when Commander Jan van Riebeeck sent a hooker to Saldanha Bay. It was largely unsuccessful, and the Dutch dropped the idea.

Commercial whaling started in South Africa in the late 18th century and increased drastically throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Midway through the 20th century, most larger whale species had been depleted, and the much less profitable minke whale was the only whale left to hunt. Whaling was banned in South Africa in 1979. In the 1990s, whale watching became popular and has been growing. Hermanus is one of the top whale-watching destinations worldwide, with excellent vantage points like Siever's Point and Kwaaiwater lookout.

Wildlife

A large variety of whale species occur along South Africa’s coast, but only two are regularly seen from the Whale Coast. The most commonly sighted is the southern right whale. It was named the “right” whale as it was easy to hunt, rich in oil, had high-quality baleen, and floated after being killed. Between June and November, the southern right whale moves into shallow waters between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Cape Town, where females give birth and rear young in sheltered bays.

The other commonly sighted species is the humpback whale, identifiable by long, narrow flippers and a single straight spray when it breathes. It overwinters in tropical and subtropical waters. The male is known for melodious songs that carry great distances. The southern right whale and humpback whale both breach spectacularly. Bryde’s whale may be seen off the east coast during the sardine run. Killer whale (orca) is occasional in summer and may prey on whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, squid, turtles, and birds.

Vegetation & Terrain

Hermanus (originally Hermanuspietersfontein) lies within the Cape Floral Region, which has one of the world's highest levels of plant diversity and endemism. The Cape Floristic Region is the smallest of the six recognized floral kingdoms, yet it is home to more than 9 000 plant species.

For those who want to learn more about local flora, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus is ideal. The reserve area includes the Botanical Centre buildings, Herbarium and Nursery, well-kept gardens, and several hiking trails. Three plant species are endemic to the reserve, and approximately 20 are endemic to the reserve and surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy Grotto Beach, the largest beach in Hermanus and a Blue Flag beach, or hike Hoy's Koppie.

Activities

The world-renowned Whale Route attracts thousands of visitors each year to the seaside towns of Hermanus, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay, and Gansbaai. It is one of the best whale-watching areas in the world.

If you want to get the blood pumping, try surfing lessons, sea kayaking, or one of the various hikes offered in the area. For the wine connoisseur, the Hermanus Wine Route in the Walker Bay wine district is an absolute treat, with fifteen small wineries that make premium wines.