(Posted 22nd June 2023)
The winter months mark the natural phenomenon that is the whale calving season, where whales gather in great numbers off the shores of the De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa.
Whilst not the most common time to visit South Africa, for those who are willing to be open-minded to seasons, a mind-blowing spectacle is in store. Each year, between the months of June and November, around 120 whales return in pods to the warm waters of De Hoop, to mate, calve and rear their young. The waters of De Hoop are filled with commotion as the whales communicate with lyrical sounds that can be heard for many miles away or the elegant movements of the whales as the flip their body vertically above the surface of the water, known as Spy Hopping. This Marine Protected Reserve sees the return of many different species such as the Southern Right whale, Humpbacks, Bryde’s and even the occasional Orca. These are accompanied by large numbers of other Cetacea, like dolphin.
Morukuru Family De Hoop is perfectly positioned to offer guests extraordinary sightings. Land-based whale watching can be enjoyed from both the exclusive-use Morukuru Ocean House or Morukuru Beach Lodge. The contemporary and eco-friendly design of both properties is defined by floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, meaning guests can even witness this spectacular event from the comfort of their own room, restaurant or the sundowner bar. From here, expert guides will introduce guests to this incredible species and guests will watch mesmerising displays of elegant water acrobatics. In addition the guided marine walks will reveal to guests the vast range of other fascinating species who inhabit this watery world.
Marketing Manager Rinse Wassenaar commented:
“Since Covid we have seen huge interest in people seeking to engage with the natural world, and there is no better way to do that than have a ringside seat at Morukuru De Hoop to watch these giants of our blue planet put on one of the greatest shows on earth.”
Although June sees the beginning of the whale watch season, August and September are usually the very best months for land-based whale watching in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. At the same time, September also brings the very best game viewing in Madikwe Game Reserve, where Morukuru Family have 3 exclusive use safari houses. South Africa’s premier malaria-free big 5 game reserve, this time of year sees temperatures slowly start to rise, making safari conditions comfortable with excellent game viewing due to the short grasses and lively waterhole action. September is the perfect time to combine land-based whale watching in De Hoop with a brilliant, family safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
