inafricaandbeyond.com

Today, Hermanus is known as the whale watching capital of South Africa, even recognized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. From July to November every year, this small town buzzes with activity as large numbers of Southern Right Whales come from the chilly Antarctic waters to the warmer waters of Walker Bay, to mate, calve and breach, attracting visitors from far and wide. One of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels, and a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, The Marine is located on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the picturesque Walker Bay. Our split-level suite was more like a small cottage than a hotel room, with a lounge, bathroom and walk-in closet on the lower level, and a double staircase leading to a bedroom on the upper level.

We were on a marine walk at De Hoop Nature Reserve with Admire, our eagle-eyed guide from Morukuru Beach Lodge, who was pointing out the vibrant underwater wildlife in the rock pools to us at low tide. ’s smallest and most threatened plant kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a spectacular 36 000 ha reserve in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Indeed, Morukuru Beach Lodge was named the best resort in South Africa (and No. 8 in the world) in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2020, and South Africa’s leading beach hotel 2020 in the World Travel Awards While Morukuru Ocean House is an exclusive-use four-bedroom private beach house, Morukuru Beach Lodge is a five-suite boutique lodge, ideal for couples or small families – like ours.

a Safari Tent stay for two nights for two people at the luxury tented camp Safari Plains. The exquisite beauty of its wide-open savannahs, free roaming Big 5 and spectacular vistas is an idyllic melting pot for a majestic wilderness destination, drawing everyone who has experienced it to return again. Safari Plains redefines luxury in the bush, with a magnificent dining room, elegant lounge, impressive bar, and relaxing wellness spa. The prize consists of a Safari Tent stay for two nights at the luxury tented camp Safari Plains.

I’m a timid, shy introvert who’s scared of pretty much everything, from water to speed to heights; I can’t drive a car or a motorbike; I have no sense of direction and can barely read a map. Recently, I started a travel blog (Ummi Goes Where?), where I write about my experiences that will hopefully encourage more people to travel the world even if they think they’re not cut out for it. the culture, the people, the language, the islands, but especially the food, and the fact that it’s only an hour away by flight from my country. But when I do travel with someone, it’s usually my partner, who is easy-going and independent enough to not require my company all the time.