September - Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA | Sunday, 16 August 2009 | Views [125]

Location: Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

Dates: Last week in September

Level of Participation: 3 – put an eye to a telescope

Description:

Situated near Africa’s southernmost tip, Hermanus has a front-row view of the

Given that it overlooks Walker Bay, into which 70 whales have squeezed, the town once took its blubber-related fortune for granted. In an attempt to formalise the cliff-top viewing, it started its festival and introduced the Whale Crier. The world’s only such crier, his blasts on the kelp horn are coded to direct eager cetacean-spotters. If you hear three short toots, make a beeline for the Marine Hotel.

The festival is a great place to learn about the mysterious beasts of the deep through activities such as the Welcome Whale Wave Walk, where some 5000 people create a 5km human chain to say howdy to the seafarers. Being South Africa’s only ‘enviro-arts’ festival, it also features music, markets and, of course, the Whales ‘n’ Wheels classic car show.

Essentials: Know some background. Right whales were named by whalers, who considered them the ‘right’ prey because they floated when dead and produced plenty of oil, meat and whalebone.

Local Attractions: Hermanus is within day-tripping distance of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.

More Info: www.whalefestival.co.za

Tags: hermanus whale festival, south africa, world festivals

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