It takes me a while this morning to remember that it is South Africa’s Heritage Day – also known as National Braai Day. It’s a public holiday, which explains all of the joggers and dog walkers, and seems to be similar to Australia Day – a good excuse for a BBQ and a beer.
It’s still overcast in Camps Bay, making it a good morning for a quiet walk along the beach.
It’s time to head to Hermanus for 4 nights, and I decide to take the scenic route along the Whale Coast rather than the faster route along the N2. A brief stop in Gordon’s Bay doesn’t find anything of interest, but Betty’s Bay further along the coast is a different story. Full of holiday homes, Betty’s Bay is also home to a sizeable colony of African Penguins – far more than in the more popular Boulders Beach. It is 10 rand to enter (about $1), and there are few visitors considering it’s a public holiday. There is also a nesting colony of shags and dassies (rock hyraxs) also have breeding grounds near the penguins.
It was a one night stay at The Marine Hotel in Hermanus in 2012 that inspired a month long visit to South Africa this year. This time around, I’ve opted for 4 nights at The Marine, to have enough time to whale watch. Hermanus is a premier whale watching destination – the whales visit Walker Bay every year to give birth, raise their calves, and generally have a whale of a time.
The Marine is a 100+ year building converted into a hotel. The views are unbeatable, and a sea view room means that I can see whales from my window, or alternatively, the Cape Mongoose living in the garden at the front of the hotel.
Much to my surprise given the deteriorating sea conditions, tomorrow’s shark dive is confirmed!
