Blogs from Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa - page 3

This was our second time swimming with the Great Whites. The first time was just after our wedding in March, but unfortunately the visibility wasn't too great. We could only see about 1.5metres in front of us..even still, we did manage to see them pretty close up! We went back again this past weekend to get a 'clearer' view of these predators. The visibility this time around was about 10metres, and boy, you really do appreciate their size when you can see their whole body swimming towards you! There is definitely something magical about being in the water (knowingly!) with these graceful creatures.... read more

Some information gleaned from a pre- World Cup Publication - and beyond. Best land-based whale watching in the world! Long stretches of pristine, powdery white beaches - sandwiched between majestic mountains and sparkling ocean - whale coast offers breathaking views! The Cape Floral Kingdon - myriad fynbos species - home to countless birds and animals. Spectacular marine wild life - whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins, seals and more!! A water wonder world: fishing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, diving, boating! A plethora of exciting activities for the adventurous - shark diving, horse riding, quad biking - micro-lighting. tree top sliding and sand boarding! Tours of townships and wineries -------- This really is a most spectacular place to visit. We were spoiled by being able to stay in a flat right on the water's edge - first floor - so ... read more

Today has been windy. It is howling and making the sash windows in our hotel room rattle. However, this being SA and winter, the wind is warm, so not totally unpleasant to be out in, which is good, as we will soon be going out to dinner in one of Hermanus’s many restaurants. Whale watching was the order of the day. Whales come into this bay to enjoy the warmer waters during winter and to breed. Today we were told the whales were across the other side of the bay and one of the best places to see them was a coffee shop overlooking the cliff. It wasn’t very well signposted and by the time we got there the whales had just headed off back round the coast. It was a lovely coffee shop though and ... read more

What to do today? Ok, whale watching in Hermanus. If it’s anything like looking for the cats - no chance of us seeing anything. Still full of optimism off we set. The journey to Hermanus took 2 hours. Anything below a 6 hour drive is looked upon by the South Africans as “oh ya, just around the corner” 5 hours just around the corner, who are they kidding? I could feel the vibes from Roger that this was going to be a wasted journey. We looked and we looked and thanks to the eagle eye of a man near us we, kinda saw a black shape in the sea. Off for lunch and a break from whale watching. After lunch, armed with our binoculars and renewed optimism, back to the sea front for one last look. ... read more

We are relaxing poolside today but the Arabella Western Cape Resort and Spa is a severe let down, right down to the restaurant manager making up today's forecast yesterday so that the day is only passable for the pool. I have figured out the right location in the hotel to make the internet work, so we want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2010 before we drive off to Cape Town. We did not do anything too crazy last night, as a matter of fact I feel asleep as Moscow was celebrating the New Year, so about an hour early. I am very tired and this go-go is really wearing me down. On top of that, we are really enjoying Namibian beer and South African beer and wine and that does not help when combined ... read more