Encompassing mountains, beaches and wine farms, the Whale Coast really does have something for everyone. Clarence Drive, which starts in Gordon’s Bay, is known as one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. From the rustic beauty of Rooi Els and Pringle Bay, to the floral splendor of the Kogelberg , to the whales that frolic near Hermanus and the rolling vineyards of the breathtaking Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, there’s plenty to savour along the Whale Coast.
A treasure trove to experience:
- Take a slow along Clarence Drive to experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes. Look out for baboons along the way.
- Stop off at Rooi Els, one of the smallest and most rustic towns along the Whale Coast.
- Pringle Bay has a lovely beach ideal for families. The resident oystercatchers also enjoy to nest among the dune, so keep an eye out for their nests.
- Enjoy a top quality meal at one of Pringle Bay’s most popular restaurants in the vibrant heart of the village.
- Meander through the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay, where you can see the red disa in its natural habitat and our national flower, the king protea. On Saturdays, join in the weekly parkrun, arguably one of the most beautiful of these events in Cape Town.
- One of only three mainland-based colonies in the country, Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay, is the perfect place to keep up close and personal with these adorable aquatic birds.
- If you are travelling to Hermanus via the Sir Lowry’s pass, stop at Peregrine Farm Stall just past Grabouw for one of their much-loved homemade pies and ice cold lemonade.
- Spend a night at the African Pride Arabella Hotel and spoil yourself with a spa treatment or two, or perhaps a round of golf at one of SA’s top-ranked courses.
- Hermanus is considered one of the top whale-watching spots in the world, and the majestic mammals can be spotted in the bay from September when they come close to the shore to breed. Siever’s Point is one of the best vantage points, but ask one of the locals to point out some other viewing spots.
- Go horse riding along the white beaches of the Walker Bay conservancy, also an excellent whale-watching destination.
- Enjoy magnificent views of Walker Bay and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley by taking a guided walk through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
- Take a wine tour through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, which boasts more than 16 award-winning wine farms.
“The Whale Coast – that includes the towns of Hermanus, Onrus, Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els, as well as the luxury estates at Benguela Cove and Arabella, offer excellent value in what is considered one of the most pristine settings in the country.
Once viewed as holiday or retirement destinations, these towns have become sought-after places to live and raise a family. Properties here offer idyllic lifestyle propositions, with access to world-class facilities and amenities, all within a short drive of Cape Town and Somerset West.
It’s the ideal time to consider making one of these towns your home, so that you can enjoy the benefits of holiday living, all year round.” – Nicola Lloyd, Whale Coast Manager
