South Africa’s Whale Route is just 'over the mountain' from Cape Town in the Overberg region. The heart of the route is the once-humble fishing village of Hermanus which has grown into a world-famous tourist destination, known for offering outstanding whale watching from June to October. Appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike, the Whale Route offers whale watching, wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, beaches, restaurants, art galleries and boutique hotels.
Highlights
Watch female Southern Right Whales come inshore to Walker Bay and calve
Enjoy spectacular views and cosy seaside charm
Take a boat trip to get closer to the whale migration
Indulge in shark cage diving, golfing, hiking, surfing and much more
Iconic Activities
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Whale Watching
Shark Diving
Canoeing/Kayaking
Golf
Hiking
Wine Tour
Explore More
Whale Route Map
Enriching encounters
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to observe the area's spectacular sea creatures underwater or from the shore, our expert guides reveal the typical marine life, as well as the endemic mammal and bird species, to expect in Whale Route
Orca
Humpback Whale
Great White Shark
Cape Fur Seal
Bottlenose Dolphin
Baboon
African Penguin
Southern Right Whale
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
From remote safari camps to world-class resorts, our selected properties are hand-picked by our experts and endorsed by our guests. Often intimate, always exceptional, we'll choose the perfect lodges, hotels and villas to suit your personal style and interests.
Start your unique journey
HOW TO BOOK
At Mahlatini, we believe in making your journey effortless. Browse our website for inspiration or get in touch with us directly. Whether you already have a dream destination in mind or need some inspiration, our travel experts are here to create your custom itinerary. Serial safari-goer, Indophile or first-time explorer, your adventure starts with a conversation.
Connect
Call us or inquire online. Share your wish list and we’ll start planning your adventure.
Customize
Your dedicated travel expert will be in touch within 24 hours to start designing your bespoke itinerary.
Confirm
We won’t stop refining your plans until we get the perfect trip at the best price.
Travel
Receive your Mahlatini travel documents, pack your bags and set off on your trip of a lifetime!
We routinely go the extra mile to ensure that we not only plan the perfect itinerary but ensure that you're in good hands at every stage of your journey. That's why we are especially proud to maintain an overall client satisfaction rating of 98%.
Tash Hale, 28th May 2026
Holiday to
Botswana & South Africa
Absolutely amazing holiday. Very impressed with everything, it ran incredibly smoothly and we felt supported by our travel agent Caroline, which was reassuring. We will definitely use Mahlatini again and have already recommended to our friends who've asked who organised our trip.
We truly enjoyed our honeymoon from start to finish! Every detail was thoughtfully planned, which allowed us to relax and fully enjoy the experience. South Africa exceeded all of our expectations the incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, amazing food, and warm hospitality made it an unforgetta…
This entire trip from start to finish was exceptional. Kitty organised a frictionless holiday for a very large group of friends and I speak for all 40 of us when I say it was perfectly coordinated and exceeded all our expectations.
+1 347-708-1755
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Whale Watching
Shark Diving
Canoeing/Kayaking
Golf
Hiking
Wine Tour
