Elisabeth54

We will visit South Africa (Western Cape and Durban) in November. We realize that we are rather late in the whale watching season but any suggestions regarding the best land based watching spots (not too touristic please!) are most welcome. Should we concentrate on Hermanus area or opt for Lambert's Bay?
We are probably also a little too late for the Spring flowering season, although we understand that this might depend on the previous winter rains.
Cape Itinerary: S'Bosch - Langebaan - Paternoster - Citrusdal - via N1 to Swartberg pass - Oudshoorn and back to S'Bosch via route 62. Any advice and travel tips much appreciated as always. Where would we be without the Fodor's community?

sdb2

I'd say Hermanus would be an excellent choice. When I was there a few Octobers ago I didn't find it particularly touristic---I was too busy taking photos from the rocks that line the bay (viewing was excellent). You may luck out in November but if most of the whales have left the bay you could try seeing them by boat.

braaiseason

Whales can be seen around the False Bay coastline, places like Fish Hoek/Clovelly or Glencairn especially when the tide is in they come in so close !

Hermanus, De Kelders are very popular places & there is a hotline to call on the day 0283122629 or see

http://hermanus.com/whalewatching.mv

Elisabeth54

Thank you sdb2 and braaiseason for this information. We look forward to our own "braaiseason" in RSA!

braaiseason

I love your humour Elisabeth54 ;0)