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Grootbos is a 5-star luxury lodge located a short distance from Hermanus. A firm Imagine favourite, this lodge offers an excellent nature experience, focused on the southern right whale migration in Walker Bay from June to November.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8870
Although it offers scenic beauty year-round, Hermanus and the surrounding Whale Coast comes into its own between June and November when it is transformed into a nursery for calving whales, as schools of southern right whales follow their migratory path to escape the winter storms of Antarctica. The uniqueness of the experience is highlighted by the town having its very own Whale Crier – the only known one in the world – who heralds the arrival of each whale in the bay with a kelp horn.
Although one of the best spots for land-based whale watching, a number of operators offer boat trips which allow sightings up to fifty metres from the whales, or why not to take to the skies for a scenic flight to witness the true scale of the migration?
For those who are serious about their whale-watching or want to make the most of the stunning scenery, we recommend spending time in one of the nature reserves, whether this be De Hoop Nature Reserve or the private reserves at Grootbos or Mosaic, which offer a wide-range of activities based around the ocean.
We have carefully selected a range of luxury properties in and around Hermanus which will give you the best whale watching experience. Take your pick from sophisticated five star hotels, boutique guest houses and award-winning eco lodges.