30 July to 31 August, 2019
With my Nambia and Botswana adventures behind me, I looked forward to spending the month of August in one place before setting off again. And I yearned to be by the sea.
Hermanus came to mind. I’d spent a night there, back in May, while traveling along South Africa’s Garden Route. Its Cliff Walk, which follows the coast for 12kms offers a picturesque path, splendid views of the sea, and the chance to see whales from land.
I found a cottage to rent only a few minutes walk to the coast.
August is the beginning of the whale migration when females come from Antarctica to give birth near the shore. Residents boasted of seeing hundreds throughout the season.
Although it was still too early for frequent sightings, any glimpse I got of these magnificent creatures was a thrill.
August is considered low season in Hermanus. The local schools are in session and the beautiful warm sunny days are joined with torrential downpours and strong winds. It kept the crowds away.
Each day I walked along the shore and enjoyed the subtle shifts of color, the birds and their songs, seeing the regulars, and when lucky, catching sight of one of earth’s most extraordinary creatures, the whale.
The month in Hermanus gave me exactly what I’d wished for before setting off to Madagascar.
