The Marine Big Five

Africa's Marine Big Five, comprising whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and penguins, offer an excellent alternative to the traditional safari experience in South Africa. The Western Cape's coastline, from Cape Town to Gansbaai, is home to these incredible creatures.

Whales

The Southern Right Whales are the highlight of the Marine Big Five, with over 3,000 individuals migrating from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warmer waters of the South African coastline from June to December. The whale-watching experience is best from the cliffs and coastal paths of Hermanus and De Kelders, which offer land-based whale watching opportunities. The annual Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the whale migration at the end of September. Besides, visitors can enjoy a 45-minute whale-watching flight or go on a whale-watching boat cruise.

Sharks

Great white sharks are perhaps the most feared creatures in the ocean, but they are also among the most fascinating. Grootbos is located near the famous Shark Alley, where you can witness these predators in action as they hunt for their prey. You can even go cage diving to get up close and personal with these awe-inspiring creatures.

Dolphins

The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose, Common, and Humpbacked dolphins regularly visit the South African coastline. Plettenberg Bay, along the Garden Route, is a popular dolphin-watching destination. These species often approach boats and seem to relish interaction, surfing and splashing nearby, playing in the wake of the boats, and generally satisfying their curiosity about humans.

Seals

Cape fur seals are some of the coolest creatures you'll ever meet. With almost 2 million of these flippered friends calling the waters of Namibia and South Africa home, you're sure to see a few on your travels. Did you know that they can sleep underwater and surface to breathe? These clever creatures keep half their brain sleeping while they swim, while the other half makes sure they come up for air. Watching these seals frolic in the waves is a real treat, and you won't be able to help but fall in love with them!

Penguins

The African penguin is undoubtedly one of the cutest critters in Southern Africa! To catch these adorable birds in action, head to Boulder's Beach on the Cape Peninsula. Alternatively, take a marine safari while staying at Grootbos, and spot multiple penguin colonies. Watch them waddle on the beach, swim in the ocean, or mingle with other penguins - their playful antics are sure to bring a smile to your face! Get ready to fall head over heels for these delightful feathered friends!

A marine safari at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an experience that you'll never forget. Seeing the Marine Big 5 in their natural habitat is a rare privilege, and you'll get to witness these magnificent creatures up close and personal. Whether you're interested in whales, sharks, dolphins, seals or penguins, Grootbos has something to offer for everyone. So why not book your trip today and discover the wonders of the ocean for yourself?