The southern right whale migration which brings these enormous creatures to South Africa for about five months a year runs right along the shore of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and is one of the major draws of the reserve in season. The long coastline is a marine protected area, and it has been known for upwards of 200 whales to be present at the same time in the waters off De Hoop. There are no boat trips offered from De Hoop, it is purely a case of finding yourself a suitable dune to watch the show from. Fortunately with all the blowing, sailing, spyhopping and breaching that the whales seem particularly fond of performing here rather than elsewhere in South Africa, you’re almost certain to have plenty to watch.