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When you hear about
safaris in South Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is
“The Big Five” – Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Elephant. But
South Africa is fast becoming the number one tourist destination
for Ocean Safaris, and you will find some pretty big “game”
there also, in fact, some of the world’s largest mammals.
Scattered along South Africa’s south and southeast coasts are a
numerous seaside resorts where you can find cruise companies
offering Ocean Safaris. These ocean cruises offer the
eco-tourist a unique opportunity to view a wide range of marine
species, many of them endangered, of birds, fish and mammals.
The South African coastline is a congregating area for the
Southern Right Whale, the Humpback Whale and Bryde’s Whales. The
Southern Right Whale can be seen in numbers between June and
December and the Humpback from April right through to January
when they visit the shallow waters to mater and calve. Licensed
boats are permitted to approach to within 50 metres of the
whales, whose natural curiosity often brings them alongside.
Other mammalian species that can be seen on these tours are
dolphins – the Common Dolphin outnumbering the Bottlenose and
Dusky Dolphins, and seals, especially the Cape Fur Seal. You
will find excellent safaris can be joined in resorts such as
Plettenberg Bay.
Gansbaai, about 100 miles to the east of Cape Town, is one of
the resorts where you can take an ocean safari to experience the
Great White Shark – close up! The resort has earned itself the
title Great White Shark Capital of the World because of its huge
Great White Shark population. Sharks in the bay can reach up to
six metres in length and patrol the area looking for Cape Fur
Seals and large fish. Enjoy the awesome experience of going down
in a protective cage to view the Great White really close up.
Experienced shark handlers are naturally on hand to guide you.
Some of Africa’s southernmost coral reefs can be found off the
east coast of South Africa by Sodwana Bay and shelter more than
90 species of coral and more than 1200 species of fish.
Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore here to lay their
eggs between October and January, the hatchlings making their
first venture into the sea in January and February. There are
frequent boat safaris to the reefs in this area, which offers
some of the world’s finest snorkeling and scuba diving.
If you are venturing out to sea off the South African coast – be
prepared. Most tourists, especially those from northern climes,
do not realize just how powerful the sun can be in South Africa,
and it is especially powerful when you are out at sea. Make sure
that you are well protected before you even get into a boat. You
should have a hat, sun cream, dark glasses – preferably
Polaroid, and something to keep out the chilly wind. A
waterproof of some kind is also useful, for you can get very wet
if a sudden squall comes along or if a humpback decides to give
a slap on the water with its tail! Lifejackets are always
provided on ocean safaris. |
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