The Marine Big Five

Cape Town

Begin the trip with a stay in Cape Town’s upmarket Camps Bay neighbourhood. Lined with chic restaurants, bars and cafes, this popular surfing spot has a beautiful beach flanked by the Twelve Apostles, mountain range.  Take a short drive to Hout Bay where you can enjoy a boat trip to Duiker Island, home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals, or go kayaking around the bay.

Simon's Town

Enjoy a scenic drive to Simons Town to spend two nights at Boulders Beach. Known for its large colony of African Penguins, one of the best spots to stay here is Tintswalo at Boulders. This stylish guesthouse has views directly on to the beach and there is even private access to a walkway behind the beach, take a stroll first thing in the morning to see the penguins up close from their burrows and be among the first visitors of the day to access the beach.

Hermanus & Gansbaai

Drive to the vibrant town of Hermanus, renowned for being one of the premier places in the world for land-based whale watching. Every year between June and November, huge pods of Southern Right Whales migrate through here and crowds gather along the shore to witness them. For a more intimate experience, guests of Birkenhead House have the privilege of being able to see them pass by directly from the hotel terrace or your own private balcony. 

Chose to take a boat trip to Dyer Island and you may even tick off all Big Five in one go, this protected island plays host to African Penguins and Cape Gannets and is adjacent to Geyser Rock home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. The channel between these two islands is known as Shark Alley, where Great White Sharks cruise the waters. In and around the area are strong numbers of Bryde’s Whales, Humpbacks and dolphins making for a thoroughly rewarding trip!