04/10/2026
Off the Western Cape coast right now, southern right whale mothers are nursing their calves within sight of land. The season is at its peak and runs until around November.
They spend the summer feeding near Antarctica and swim north to calve. The bays here are sheltered and calmer, and mothers keep their calves close to shore for weeks, nursing and resting while the young build strength for the journey back south. From land, you watch a calf roll against its mother, a tail lift and fall, a blow hang in the air before the sound reaches you.
There are two places we'd go to watch.
Hermanus, a coastal town about 1.5 hours from Cape Town. Walk the cliff path and the whales are often just offshore, with restaurants and places to stay close by.
De Hoop Nature Reserve, further east along the coast, about 260 km from Cape Town. The reserve's coastline is fully protected, and up to 350 whales have been counted in its waters at one time. Climb the white dunes at Koppie Alleen, sit, and watch. Around you are fynbos, birdlife on the vlei, and long beaches with few people on them.
Get in touch with the travel team to find out more.
Images Courtesy of Hermanus Whale Festival
