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Best
Land-Based Whale Watching in the
World
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| Hermanus,
situated 120 km from Cape Town is
a sought after holiday destination
and also known as the heart of the
Cape Whale
Route. Hermanus has grown from
a rustic fishermen's village to being
acknowledged as the world's best land-based
whale watching destination. In places
whales can be viewed from as close
as 30 metres from the cliff paths.
The peak time for sighting whales
on a daily basis, is during August
to November, although they start arriving
as early as June and have been spotted
as late as the end of January. For
the more adventurous, who wish to
view and take spectacular photographs
of the great white shark face to face
can do so by going underwater in a
specially designed steel cage.
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The
Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa
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Just
an hour's scenic drive from Cape
Town will take you to South Africa's
oldest hot springs resort. The healing
powers of the hot springs have been
renowned for centuries and were
enjoyed by the original Khoi-San
inhabitants. Today the Spa attracts
many visitors to indulge in the
pleasures and benefits of all it
has to offer.
You have to come and discover for
yourself the many hidden secrets
of the Spa.
Adjacent
to the Spa is the casino offering
gambling experiences in a friendly
and relaxed atmosphere. Slot machines,
roulette, poker & black jack
tables as well as full refreshment
and bar facilities are available.
The casino has proved to be a very
popular attraction, drawing visitors
from near and far.
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The
Harold Porter National Botanical
Gardens
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The
Garden
is situated in the heart of one
of the richest floral kingdoms of
the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The number of plant species per
square kilometer is greater than
anywhere else in the whole of Southern
Africa.
Here,
the visitor is able to wander from
smooth lawns, over bridges and water
features to identifying indigenous
flowers in colourful beds or walk
on the mountain slopes between natural
fynbos. For the more adventurous
there is the choice of two trails,
both leading to waterfalls and visitors
can view the beautiful orchid Red
Disa during the month of January
in its natural state. Approximately
78 bird species have been recorded,
including the Cape Sugarbird and
the Orange Breasted Sunbird, which
is endemic to fynbos.
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De
Hoop Nature Reserve
Marine Protected Area
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De
Hoop lies 50 km east of Bredasdorp
on the southern Cape coast. This unique
reserve has seven distinct eco-systems
and comprises 36 000 ha, with an adjacent
marine reserve extending 3 nautical
miles (5 km) out to sea. The rich
diversity wildlife, 86 protected land
mammals, 250 protected species of
fish, 260 protected species of birds
and the Western Cape's last breeding
colony of the rare Cape vulture attracts
many nature lovers. You can also enjoy
day hikes, snorkeling in the marine
protected area, hike the five day
Whale Trail, ride the 2-3 day mountain
bike trail or drive the 11 km circular
drive.
Come for the day or come to stay …picnic,
camping and self-catering accommodation
available. |
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The
southern-most tip of the African
continent
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| L'Agulhas
is the southern-most town in Africa.
Being located at the very tip of the
legendary foot of Africa, it is a
prime tourist destination. As determined
by the International Hydrographic
Organisation, the strong Agulhas stream
of the Indian Ocean and the cold Benguela
stream of the Atlantic Oceans meet
south of Cape Agulhas Lighthouse.
The koppie (hill) behind the lighthouse
offers a panoramic view of the point
where the two oceans meet. In the
shallow gullies near the lighthouse,
the remains of ancient fish traps
(made by packing layers of rocks around
the pools) where the original Khoe
khoe inhabitants collected their fish
can still be seen. |
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Overberg
Events Click
Below |
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