South Africa is well-known for Game Viewing and especially Safaris in the Kruger National Park (Take a look at our exclusive 4 Day Kruger Safari), which are ones of the best in the world to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). However, coming to Cape Town, you can see other animals just as remarkable on earth or in the ocean. Discover 5 places where you can see animals in Cape Town and around.
Whales at Hermanus
Whales are one of the most impressive animals you can find in the world. You can only find them in specific areas, mostly close to the poles. Nevertheless, if you come in South Africa between July and September, you have every chance to see some Southern Right Whales in Hermanus, one of the best spots in the world, during a wonderful tour on the Whale Route.
Indeed, they leave the Antarctic Ocean once a year to join the South African coasts and give birth to their calves. So, as well as see whales, you can also see their youngs swimming from their side. If you are lucky enough, you can see some creatures from the lands, but you will maximize your chances taking a boat for a 1-hour cruise and trying to see them closer.
Baboons at Cape Point
The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the fascinating Cape Peninsula and especially Cape Point is stunning… and human beings are not the only ones to make the most of it. Indeed, it is not rare to see baboons free-roaming on the way going to the lighthouse or on the car park.
Even if they seem friendly, be careful with the food you can have with you, in your backpack or your car. These animals are guzzler and will not leave you the opportunity to finish your meal if they are around. Whatever, it is always amusing to see them climbing buildings or taking care about the younger running everywhere.
Penguins at Simon’s Town
The African Penguins are a threatened species an the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony is a place where people take care of them. There, you can see a lot of them walking on the beach, swimming in crystal clear water or hidden behind boulders.
Unfortunately, you can’t touch them, but these cute creatures will be glad to let you take pictures whenever you want. It is a very educational place for adults and children to let us understand how important it is to work for environmental conservation and saving species.
Seals at Hout Bay
Hout Bay is a charming little harbor where you can find, here and there, a seal looking for fish. Some people are doing real shows with seals ready for anything to have some fresh fish. It is really entertaining, but also just the tip of the iceberg!
From Hout Bay, you can take a boat for a 1-hour cruise a see plenty of seals on Duiker Island. Lying on the rocks, many of them enjoy the sun, whereas some others play in the water splashing some tourists downstairs on the boat.
Ostriches in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
The more you go to the South of the Peninsula, the more you will see ostriches on the side of the road, as you can see ships or cows usually. It is surprising at the beginning but get used to it quickly! Next to the entrance of the Cap of Good Hope Nature Reserve, there a several farms of ostriches that you can visit to see these animals closer and lear more about them.
However, if you want to see ostriches free-roaming, it is in the park that you have to go. Drive carefully on the winding roads because they can come from nowhere! It is always a surprise to see some specimen and quite hard to have a good picture of them.