If the European heat wave is starting to get you down and you are desperate for some cooler climes, now is the perfect time to pack your bags and head on down to the Western Cape of South Africa where the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the oceans are bursting with sea life.

July and August may be classed as ‘winter months’ in South Africa, but with moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine to warm your heart, the Western Cape is a wonderful destination to visit at this time of year.

Hotels are generally much cheaper than in our winter months, flights to Cape Town are reasonably priced, and if your idea of the perfect holiday includes hiking, cycling, exploring, wining, dining, and water-based activities, you will struggle to find anywhere better than Hermanus and Walker Bay.

The seaside town of Hermanus is just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, and it provides the perfect base for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies who want to spend most of their holiday outdoors. The home of Shark Cage Diving Tours and Whale Watching Excursions, Hermanus is an action-packed holiday destination, and right now, it homes hundreds of Southern Right Whales who migrate to these waters every year to breed and care for their young.

Whales can easily be spotted from the white sandy beaches of Hermanus and Walker Bay,  and if you want some close-up shots of these magnificent creatures, you just need to hop on one of the many boat tours available and you’ll be alongside them in seconds.

Seal Island is another favourite spot for nature-loving travellers, and if you have ever wondered what 60,000 Cape Fur Seals crowded onto one tiny rock looks like, you are in for a treat!  Of course, the seals attract the Great White Sharks to the region, and this is why Gansbaai remains one of the best places in the world for Shark Cage Diving… but not at the moment, it seems.

Orca whales have made their way back to South Africa’s coastline, and while they are a truly magnificent sight, they are hunting the resident Great White Shark population, and this is causing problems for local Shark Cage Diving companies. You may get to see one or two sharks during your stay, but at the moment, there are no guarantees! You’ll have to make do with penguins, seals, whales and orcas!