RegionWhale Route
Charming towns framed by mountains along South Africa's migratory whale route
Home to the giants of the ocean, the Whale Route will take you along the False Bay coastline and spoil you with magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and awe-inspiring fynbos filled mountains on the other. You’ll come across quaint seaside towns like Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Pringle Bay, Stanford, Gansbaai, and Hermanus with much to explore. The perfect family adventure awaits along this route, accompanied by life-changing sights like seeing a pod of southern right whales breach the water from some of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world!
Home to the giants of the ocean, the Whale Route will take you along the ...
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
14 nights- •
0.270t CO₂
Garden Route Glamping: 15 Days of Wine, Wave and Whale Eco-Adventures
From $847 /person
- 13 nights
The Ultimate Western Cape Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Addo National Park
From $1,143 /person
- 7 nights
A Wine Lovers Dream: Cape Town and a Tour Along South Africa's Best Wine Regions
From $1,713 /person
- 13 nights
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- 0.522t CO₂
14 Days of South Africa’s Whale Coast and a Big 5 Malaria-Free Safari
From $8,216 /person
- 17 nights
- •
- 0.600t CO₂
The Kruger & Cape Collection: 18 Days of Safari, Coastlines & Mountains
From $1,433 /person
- 15 nights
- •
- 0.628t CO₂
Bargain Beach to Bush: South Africa’s Garden Route & Kruger
From $1,721 /person
- 17 nights
Malaria-Free Safari & Whales Explorer: Discover South Africa's Cape in 17 days
From $2,451 /person
- 18 nights
The Perfect Garden Route Roadtrip: Wilderness, Winelands and Sensational Wildlife
From $7,893 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The best time to visit this stunning stretch is between June and November when southern right whales flock to these shores. Tourism will start to pick up after winter turns into spring at the start of September, and so will the weather. Thanks to winter being the rainy season, the fynbos fauna and flora will be a sight to see and will be in full bloom!
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
138 Marine Guesthouse
Where Ocean Views, Beach Bliss, and Wellness Unite for Your Ultimate Escape
From $69 /person
- South Africa
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65onCliff
Luxury sea-view boutique guesthouse, prime whale watching location, ultimate relaxation
From $119 /person
- South Africa
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Abalone Lodge
Luxury accommodation on the magnificent oceanfront of Hermanus
From $141 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps at Stanford Hills
Spectacular glamping experience nestled between the grassy slopes of the Klein River Mountains
From $49 /person
- South Africa
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Aire Del Mar Guest House
Discover tranquil seaside bliss in Kleinbaai, near Cape Town, with renowned shark sightings and whale watching from June to November.
From $52 /person
- South Africa
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Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa
Provençal style boutique hotel in central Hermanus
From $80 /person
- South Africa
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Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House in Hermanus offers luxury accommodation, stunning ocean views, and excellent whale watching opportunities.
- South Africa
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Coot Club
A tranquil nature retreat outside Stanford flanked by mountains and a lagoon
From $52 /person
- South Africa
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Copia Eco Cabins
Modernly designed self-catering eco-cabins located on a gorgeous farm near Botrivier
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House
Embrace Coastal Tranquility and Adventure in Gansbaai's Gem
From $125 /person
- South Africa
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Grootbos Nature Reserve
Luxury eco-reserve on Whale Route, 2-hour scenic drive from Cape Town, blending nature and luxury.
From $557 /person
- South Africa
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Hermanus Guest House
A bold seaside getaway overlooking the pale shores of Hermanus
From $144 /person
- South Africa
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Hermanus Luxury Holiday Homes
Luxury Retreats in Hermanus: Your gateway to coastal elegance and natural beauty
From $82 /person
- South Africa
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Mosaic Lagoon Lodge
An abundant, ecological gem set in between secluded milkwood trees
From $341 /person
- South Africa
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Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Discover Mosselberg on Grotto Beach: A Five-Star Oasis with Whale-watching Suites.
From $152 /person
- South Africa
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One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
An elegant guesthouse with stunning views in the whale watching capital
From $99 /person
- South Africa
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On The Rocks BB & Villa Del Mar
Coastal Beauty at Your Doorstep: Escape with Incredible Views and Whale Sightings.
From $26 /person
- South Africa
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Perivoli Lagoon House
Perivoli Lagoon House: a secluded 4-bedroom villa near Hermanus with stunning views and an infinity pool.
From $457 /person
- South Africa
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Pringle Bay Villa by Raw Africa Boutique
A luxurious self-catering villa, located in a seaside haven, just an hour from Cape Town.
From $119 /person
- South Africa
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Selkirkhouse
Modern comforts meet natural beauty in Hermanus, a prime whale-watching destination
From $125 /person
- South Africa
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The Whale's Tale Guesthouse
Stunning Ocean Views and Warm Hospitality, Your Coastal Escape in Hermanus.
From $72 /person
- South Africa
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Trail's End Bike Hotel
En-suite dormitory rooms in Africa’s first bike hotel
From $39 /person
- South Africa
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Villa Marine Guest House
Villa Marine Guest House offers ocean views, eco-friendly amenities, and thoughtfully designed rooms.
From $75 /person
- South Africa
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Whale Coast Ocean Villa
Luxury Hermanus Guesthouse with Ocean views, Near Grotto Beach, Offers Ultimate Comfort
From $64 /person
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What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
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What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
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Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
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I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller