Species guide · Most wanted
Where to see humpback whales in southern Africa
Every southern winter, thousands of humpback whales travel up Africa's east coast from Antarctic feeding grounds to breed in warmer water. Breaching, tail-slapping and singing, they pass close to shore, and boat and land sightings can be spectacular.
Quick answer
Humpback whales pass along southern Africa's coast from about June to November. The best places are the KwaZulu-Natal coast and iSimangaliso in South Africa, and Tofo in Mozambique, where boat trips and even beach walks give good chances. The Cape coast also sees humpbacks, alongside southern right whales.
Best regionKwaZulu-Natal and Tofo
Best timeJune to November
BonusSouthern right whales on the Cape coast
The best places to look
South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal and iSimangaliso
Licensed whale-watching boats run from the coast, and humpbacks are often seen from the shore in season.
Mozambique
Tofo
Humpbacks join the whale sharks and mantas from June to October, often seen on the same ocean safari.
South Africa
Cape coast
Humpbacks pass on their migration, and southern right whales come close to shore to calve from June to November.
When to go
| Months | Chances | Why |
|---|---|---|
| June to November | Best | Migration season: whales travel north to breed, then return south with calves. |
| December to May | Unlikely | The whales are back in Antarctic waters. |
Tips from the field
- Choose a licensed whale-watching operator; they are permitted to approach more closely than other boats.
- Go out in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer.
- Combine with nesting turtles in KwaZulu-Natal from November, or whale sharks at Tofo.
Questions travellers ask
When is whale season in South Africa?
Roughly June to November, when humpbacks migrate along the coast and southern right whales visit the Cape to calve.
Can you see whales from land?
Yes. In season, humpbacks and southern right whales are often seen from the shore, especially on the Cape coast.
What is the difference between humpback and southern right whales?
Humpbacks have long white flippers and are acrobatic. Southern right whales have no dorsal fin and come very close to shore in sheltered bays.
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