World Travel Stories

A travel adventures stories blog.

High quality whale-watching tours and travel destinations in South Africa: Hermanus is a popular viewing area because of the ‘whale crier’ who announces the arrival of the whales. The whales come in particularly close, and Hermanus awaits the arrival of these whales with great anticipation, hosting an annual Whale Festival every year at the end of September. The first Whale Crier was Pieter Claasen, who first blew his kelp horn in 1992. He has since retired and was first replaced by Wilson Salakuzana, then Godleck Baleni and the current whale crier Eric Davalah. Discover more info at whale watching in South Africa.

The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) rates Hermanus as one of the 12 best whale-watching destinations in the world. Hermanus is a great place for a weekend getaway from Cape Town. In season you have plenty of different options to see these magnificent animals. Whales are not the only animals that can be seen on ocean expeditions. There are opportunities to see the Marine Big 5; Whales, Sharks, Seals, Dolphins, and Penguins on cruises in the area. This little town has a lot offer including world class wine farms, excellent restaurants and a huge variety of museums and adventure activities. For more see our Complete Guide for things to do in Hermanus.

The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is one of the top places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a popular vacation destination for South Africans. It’s also home to the country’s highest peaks. The region encompasses the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a region of jaw-dropping beauty, with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art, and Royal Natal National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, a magnificent cliff face and source of South Africa’s main rivers. The Giant’s Castle Game Reserve in the region protects large herds of eland. Dense forests flourish in the sheltered valleys, and the area is home to more than 800 different species of flowering plants, as well as a rich diversity of wildlife. In the summer, the mountain landscapes are lush and fertile, with gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. In the winter, snow cloaks the dramatic peaks. Visitors flock here to hike and bike the scenic mountain trails, fish for trout, rock climb, abseil, parasail, and raft the waters of the fast-flowing rivers. Hot air balloon rides are a great way to appreciate the dramatic topography.

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions and is generally thought to stretch from Mossel Bay to St Francis along the Indian ocean and also includes parts of the inland. A trove of indigenous canopied forests, mountains, rivers, tranquil lakes and golden beaches grace this extensive South Africa region. One of the Garden Route’s best known travel destinations, Knysna is situated between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful lagoon. Extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure are easily accessible in Knysna, as well as plenty of leisurely strolling paths filled with authentic dining and shopping venues. Visiting the heads – two cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon – is a must, and each one offers spectacular views of the adjacent colorful cliffs and the brilliant lagoon where seasonal whale watching is top-notch.

Exploring coral reefs and dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and enjoying golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks are some of the most popular things to do in South Africa. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, you can learn about the nation’s turbulent history – in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities; in Durban, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines; at the poignant museums and galleries in Johannesburg; and in Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who helped birth democracy here. Discover the best places to visit in this diverse nation with our list of the top tourist attractions in South Africa. Find more info on bluegnu.co.za.