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Whale Watching in Hermanus

South Africa Wildlife Holidays

Wildlife holidays in South Africa

Introduction

From the Big Five to diverse marine ecosystems, there's no shortage of spotting opportunities for safari enthusiasts, whale watchers and birders alike.

Discover wildlife on the land

With over 200 species of mammals living in South Africa it is the ultimate location to catch a glimpse of the infamous African Big Five. Whether in a game reserve, national park or just on the side of the road, where wildlife is concerned South Africa does not disappoint. For specific species take a game drive through Mountain Zebra National Park or Tembe Elephant Park or, for a more varied viewing visit the Kruger National Park where not only the Big Five can be sighted but also a plethora of other land mammals such as the sprinkgbok, kudu, blue gnu, giraffe and zebra can be spotted. Be sure to look out for wild ostriches as you cruise the roads of South Africa, a rare phenomenon – but a real treat – is to see a male performing its mating dance. If the wild does not supply you with opportunity, visit the well establish ostrich farm Oudtshoorn.

Meet the locals under the sea

South Africa is endowed with an exceptionally rich marine environment. With upwards of 100 shark species in the South African waters a boat trip to ‘Shark Alley’ near Gansbaai is a highly recommended activity. Visit Hermanus in the Western Cape region to feast your eyes on the abundance of sharks in the waters here, you never know, you may also spot a whale in the waters. Adventure out along the West or Southern coastlines and there is an excellent chance of sighting a curious Cape fur seal. Bottlenose, humpback and common dolphins all swim in the seas off of South Africa, the best way to engage with them is on a boat tour or kayak, and being highly inquisitive creatures they might even perform a few tricks to show off.

Keep an eye on the sky

Among the worlds greatest birding destinations, South Africa is home to over 900 species of birds including the Big Six birds, the lappets faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, ground hornbill and Pel’s fishing owl. You will never be far from bird watching opportunities whether on safari, exploring a vineyard or bathing by the sea. The 16-hectare wetland reserve of Intaka Island is home to 120 different spectacular species of bird, amble along one of the many self guided footpaths and discover a wide selection of birds ranging from coots to kingfisher. Be sure to keep a look out for the beautiful endemic birds of Southern Africa the blue crane, cape vulture, black oystercatcher and ground woodpecker among the 113 endemics.

Let us tailor your holiday

When you plan your holiday with Wexas, we provide top-end guides as well as luxury accommodation and the ability to tailor your itinerary to exactly what interests you. Therefore, if it is zebra, penguins or a kori bustard you are looking for, let our travel consultants assist you in planning your perfect holiday.

 

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Our top itineraries for South Africa Wildlife Holidays

Selati Camp, Sabi Sand

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

13-day tailor-made holiday from £7,260 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence on the self-styled "Most Luxurious Train in the World" as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

11-day tailor-made holiday from £5,045 pp incl. flights

Discover the icons of Cape Town, the world-famous wildlife of Kruger National Park and epic Victoria Falls on this spectacular Southern Africa adventure.

Southern right whale, Hermanus

South Africa: Cape, Wine & Whales

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,670 pp incl. flights

Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa

Cape, Wine, Garden Route & Kruger‬

13-day tailor-made self-drive & safari from £4,965 pp incl. flights

Take in all of South Africa’s premier destinations on one trip, linking Cape Town with the historic Winelands, ending with an all-inclusive Big Five safari on a private reserve in Kruger National Park.

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected