Whale watching beach holiday in South Africa

One of the most beautiful coastal areas to holiday in South Africa is Hermanus, a small town that is internationally renowned for its whale sightings.

The best time of year to see one of the world's biggest ocean-dwellers is September, and to celebrate the town has an annual whale festival from September 22nd to 25th.

The festival is a five-day celebration with exhibitions, boat trips, flea markets and entertainment, all relating to the local whale population that comes to mate in the warm waters of the area.

However, even if the whale festival does not fit with your holiday plans, South Africa's southern hemisphere seasons mean that it is an excellent place to escape the cold winter.

Hermanus has lots of beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy swimming and surfing, including the Grotto and Voelklip. The Kleinriviersvlei lagoon is also a good place to head for boating.

Away from the water, there are walking trails as well as the historic Old Harbour, which was recently converted into a national monument.

Also nearby is the Fernkloof Nature Reserve where holidaymakers can enjoy learning about the area's plant-life.

The town has plenty of restaurants, which are a good place to try the local seafood, as well as coffee shops and art galleries where you can while away the hours.

The three-star Windsor Hotel is situated on a cliff and has spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean below. For more information on the hotel see www.windsorhotel.co.za

Alternatively, there is the more luxurious five-star Marine hotel, which is also perched on a cliff with sea views.

The hotel has 43 individually decorated rooms and suites, and has a large internal courtyard and gardens. For more information on the hotel see www.marine-hermanus.co.za

Hermanus is located in the Overberg region of Western Cape, and is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town.

Flights from London Heathrow leaving on September 18th, returning September 26th, cost from £830 per person with South African Airways, and are available via www.opodo.co.uk.

More information on the whale festival can be found at www.whalefestival.co.za/ XXX