Activities in the Western Cape
Whale Watching
The Western Cape of South Africa offers a great variety of activities and adventures. If you have never visited this lovely region, you may be surprised at all of the many exciting things there are to plan during your trip.
Whale Watching
One of the most popular activities in the Western Cape is whale watching. The whale season in South Africa runs from July to November, providing the best opportunity to catch sight of these gentle giants. Visitors will find numerous opportunities for whale watching during this time as the whales arrive in the area for mating and to calve in the protected warm waters of the bay areas. The heart of the whale watching region can be found in Hermanus, well known as the best area in the entire country for whale watching. Walker Bay, in particular, offers extremely good sighting opportunities. In fact, it is often quite possible to catch sight of the whales just a few feet from the shore. While Walker Bay is one of the premier whale watching locales in the world, the whale route actually stretches all along the Western Cape, touching upon such places as Knysna, Mossel Bay and the coastline of the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Contact details:
(+27) 021- 7914441
(+27) 021- 7914442
• 09:15 and 10:00. The duration is approx 35 minutes.
• In summer months (start 01 Sep) there are more trips/day incl a special 1hr cruise which goes to the seal colony and a shipwreck in Maori Bay. This departs daily at 13:30 and costs the same.
*Prices are subject to change without notice
Shark Cage Diving
Shark Diving
You will find there are a variety of different options for catching site of the Great White sharks that make their home off the coast of South Africa. Perhaps one of the most exciting of these options is the opportunity to take a cage diving trip near Dyer Island. This locale is well known as one of the best shark diving spots in the world. Cage diving trips provide the opportunity to learn more about Great White sharks as well enjoy an up close and personal experience with the Great White sharks, all from the safety of the diving cage. These excursions provide an excellent opportunity to not only watch the sharks in their native environment but also take fabulous photos as well.
Contact details: (+27) 021-4616583 / (+27) 0825596858
Email: info@sharkcagediving.co.za
My First Safari
Game Safaris
Game viewing safaris remain of the most popular attractions of the Western Cape and South Africa. Certainly, no trip to the region would be complete without a safari adventure. A number of different game parks are in operation throughout the entire country; however, the oldest, most well known and largest is without a doubt Krueger National Park. Visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to view the beautiful wildlife that makes their home in the region through guided hikes and overnight trips.
Over the years, Aquila Private Game Reserve has gone to massive efforts and expense to source and re-introduce wildlife into the Cape region so that local residents and visitors alike can benefit from the same and therefore we are proud to offer an authentic African Big 5 safari for the first time in 250 years.
They are especially proud of their efforts of reintroducing our lions and lion cubs that they saved from a doomed ‘canned lion’ fate. The support from industry, local and international media has been outstanding and reiterates their ongoing efforts and stance against animal cruelty – such as the despicable canned lion hunting industry. Aquila’s lions thrive in their massive sanctuary while enjoying the breathtaking terrain of mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs.
Contact details:
Aquila Reservations, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 431 8400
Email: res@aquilasafari.com
Bungy Jump
Bungy Jumping
Bungy jumping has become an exciting adventure to be enjoyed around the world. Some of the most exciting opportunities to bungy jump exist on the Western Cape, particularly at Bloukrans River Bridge near Storms River in the spectacularly beautiful Garden Route region. This site actually offers the highest commercially operated bungy jumping site in the world, reaching up to an impressive 525 feet. The bridge leading to the jumping site is actually a bit higher; however, a walkway which was specially constructed for the adventure, allows jumpers to reaching the jumping site.
Contact details:
Tel. 042-2811458
Email: info@faceadrenalin.com
Wine tasting
Fairview, famous for it's wine and cheeses. Charles Back and his team continue to produce top wines, while maintaining the high standards that they have become renowned for. A visit to the Paarl estate offers one a sensory experience, and welcomes guests to the Fairview Family.
Tastings :
*R15 (standard tasting - 6 wines)
*R30 (master tasting - 8 wines including their Flagship wines)
Contact details:
Tel: (+27) 021-8632450
www.fairview.co.za
The Wine Bus
Traveling through the vineyards (an off road journey) is the fun way to learn more about the production techniques, to experience the mountain scenery, to inhale the sweet scent of forest and fynbos. Take spectacular photos and meet new people!
Horse Trail Safaris
Beach rides or bush or even a registered reserve are available for you to explore. From and hour to a full day adventure trail, whatever your needs.
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring Cape Town in style and allows a more sedate way of viewing the historical landmarks amassed in this area. For something a little special hire a carriage and driver and explore Cape Town at your own pace.
Contact details:
Tel: (+27) 021-7034396 / 0825755669
Hiking Trails
Table Mountain and the surrounding Cape mountains have an abundance of excellent hiking trails and walking trails that will take you through attractive and scenic mountainous landscapes.
Drumbeat Charters
Drumbeat Charters has been operating cruises from Hout Bay Harbour to the seal island colony at Duiker Island for the past 12 years. They offer viewing with an up market, luxury feel for passengers and ample under cover areas if weather conditions demand. Underwater viewing is done with a camera and passengers are given information about the seals
Contact details:
Tel. (+27) 021-7914441
