/countries/show/south-africa/2.rss en-us The ocean off the coast of Cape Town is rich with marine life. Whales, sharks, dolphins and seals swim off the Cape Town coastline frequently, and they are spotted by visitors several times a day. From a boat you can actually view some of the most incredible feats of nature, including the birth of baby seals, and the perilous hunt that ensues. One of the best times to visit Cape Town is when the South African fur seals give birth. Seal Island and Duiker Island are the main areas where the seals mate. Usually in other seasons, these seals bask on the rocks in the warm waters of the Atlantic. Seal birthing season is a time for seal predators to hunt without exerting too much effort on their side. Nearly 75,000 seals live on Seal Island, and the seal birthing season provides a perfect opportunity to watch the hunt. Seals always give birth on the shore, but venture back in to the water to get food. This is the best time for other sea animals to hunt seals, including great white sharks. Cape Town is increasingly becoming popular for its sea life and its marine wealth. Watching seals being hunted from a shark cage is also becoming increasingly popular. You don’t even have to be a qualified diver to do it. Seal Island is in False Bay, located about 16 km off the coast of Simon’s Town. This is the main feeding ground of the great white sharks as well. On the way to Seal Island you will catch several glimpses of these magnificent creatures during the seal birthing season. People are shocked to see sharks literally flying in the air in an attempt to catch a seal. Several people flock to see this event, so you have to book your boat trips well in advance. The same can be said for accommodations, be sure to book your hotel in Cape Town early to avoid disappointment. The seal birthing season takes place for a period lasting just over a month. If you're staying in Cape Town for a longer period then you can go back to the sea repeatedly to try and catch a glimpse of great whites breaching. The boat rides usually include all meals for a full daytrip. Scuba diving at Seal Island during this time is not possible because seal birthing takes place in a rocky area. However, deep sea diving is encouraged. If you are brave enough then you can try it out, but it is essential to know how to swim with the sharks if you are venturing out. Watch without disturbing these animals or else you will likely be in danger. This can be the most intense experience you’ve ever had. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:31:03 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/seal-island-cape-town http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/seal-island-cape-town In the waters just off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, there exists a natural phenomenon considered by some to be the greatest sardine shoal on earth. Every year, tourists from around the world travel to South Africa to witness this seasonal migration of millions of sardines from the colder southern oceans off Cape Point to the warmer waters along the South African coast farther north. It is one of the most unique migrations in the world to watch, and this annual sardine run has become a major tourist attraction, known around the world as the Sardine Run. What makes the Sardine Run so spectacular for the many spectators that participate—is the massive number of silvery sardines crossing the ocean in such huge waves. Furthermore, this particular movement of sardines attracts a variety of predators like sharks, dolphins, seals, cormorants, albatross, penguins, and hundreds of other birds and sea animals. Their darting and dashing as they hunt sardines is like watching a play directed by nature. Even rarities like humpback whales come for the migration to feed. People who have witnessed the Sardine Run in the South Africa say that words cannot adequately describe the whole experience. Normally, most sea life and birds are very difficult to spot, which is why many biologists and naturalists from around the world rush to the city during this migration to witness what is normally so difficult to see. From the surface, it is not usually possible to see the whales and dolphins as they chase sardines, but if you are lucky, they might swim closer to the shore (where they don’t usually go), preferring instead to remain a greater distance from the coastline. For this reason, to see the Sardine Run better, it is advisable to take a boat and go farther out to sea. Furthermore, the Sardine Run is spread out over several kilometres of ocean, and the shoal is often more than 7 km long, 1.5 km wide and 30 m deep, and is clearly visible from spotter planes. Because of its size, there is no specific point to observe it, so there is lots of room for improvisation. Without doubt, the best way to view the Sardine Run is by scuba diving. If you are a good scuba diver then you are in for a treat from nature. When you dive into the ocean and watch the Sardine Run, it is both an amazing feeling and a special experience that you will never forget. Millions of sardines flow by in groups as they form waves just like the water itself—and the ocean actually looks crowded. If you are a brave diver, then you can see sharks up-close since they are everywhere, hunting. However, one thing you can be sure of is that the sharks are not interested in you, but fully focussed on their prey: the sardines. If you’re not interested in scuba diving, but you still want to get into the water for the Sardine Run, then you can also choose snorkelling as another option. Furthermore, for experienced swimmers and divers, bringing an underwater camera will be very rewarding. If you’re unsure about any of these options, and you prefer to watch from the safety of a boat, then get a good set of binoculars and bring a camera. You will want to see clearly and take lots of pictures because, once you get there, you will be witnessing something that has few equals anywhere else in the world. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:07:24 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sardine-run http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sardine-run Nelson Mandela once described Table Mountain as a beacon of hope representing the mainland to which he would one day return after his years of incarceration. To this day, Table Mountain is still portrayed as a precious and sacred place where people come to enjoy the views and reflect. One of the quickest and entertaining ways to reach its summit is to ride the Table Mountain cable car. They operate every day as long as the weather permits, and although the mountaintop can also be reached by walking, it’s easier and more exciting to take the cable car. It’s okay if you're a little scared of heights, as it will all pay off once you’re up the mountain and the views take over you. Riding the Table Mountain cable car to the top gives you a 360-degree view of Cape Town, including the neighbouring peaks and the ocean. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll see one thousand meters above the city. The cable car operates in the Table Mountain National Park, where there are lots of vegetation and over 1,460 species of plants. Several indigenous birds also live in Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain cable cars have attracted over 20 million visitors since its opening in 1929. While riding, you can enjoy the panoramic views Table Mountain offers. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture the enormous mountain—its sceneries are enough to bring out the artist in you and capture the grandiose work of God. And while on top of Table Mountain, freshen up with the splendid food and drinks at the Table Mountain café, which is great value for money. When exploring the mountain, use comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Be aware that the cable cars, which are all wheelchair-friendly, do not operate on windy conditions, so check the weather at the Lower and Upper stations before leaving home. Always bring a good jacket that will keep you warm because it tends to get cold when on topside, even in the summertime. It is best to visit South Africa's Table Mountain during the long sunny days and late sunsets to ensure a great time exploring the mountain. In cases where you do not use your booking, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company offers a 14-day refund policy. They also wait for late passengers too. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:20:04 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/table-mountain-cable-car http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/table-mountain-cable-car You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that a trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete unless you visited Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Made up of over 500 hectares of rugged mountainside and luscious green gardens, it’s the perfect setting for a vigorous hike or a relaxed picnic. You would be mad to miss it! Located on Table Mountain's eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque places on earth. With over 7,000 species of plant life within its borders, it’s a botanist’s dream. Historically, Kirstenbosch Gardens is unique. Laid out in 1913, it was the first botanical garden to showcase its nation state's indigenous plant life. In 2004, as part of the Cape Floristic region, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s main tourist attractions, it is also frequently enjoyed by locals. At any time of the year, you’ll find people picnicking with their loved ones, reading under the shade of a tree, exploring the flora, or simply just relaxing. You may even be visited by a local rasp/confusion of guinea fowl, or even some other small birds or animals. There are a number of educational components to the Kirstenbosch Gardens as well. The Fragrance Garden allows visitors to get up-close to the plants, and the Medicinal Garden allows visitors to identify various remedies to common ailments. Of course, this is something both the kids and parents can enjoy together. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also regularly hosts a number of outdoor and indoor art exhibits and shows. While exploring the area, you’ll most likely notice a few of the interesting statues situated throughout the gardens. Most of these were created by African artists and are sometimes for sale. If you time your visit well, you might even get the chance to take in one of the renowned outdoor Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. The venue is located on a sectioned-off grassy slope that overlooks the stage, the park, and even some of the city below. Truly magic! All you have to do is buy your ticket, pick a spot of grass, and enjoy the show. Kirstenbosch summer concerts are held every Sunday evening during the warmer months (usually November to April), and they often highlight some of South Africa’s best musical talent. International superstars such as Bryan Adams and Michael Buble have also been known to play there in the past. So, whether you want to find a place that allows you to explore, to de-stress, or to experience some local culture, Kirstenbosch Gardens is definitely a place you’ll want to visit. Fri, 06 May 2011 00:09:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kirstenbosch-gardens http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/kirstenbosch-gardens Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton City hosts some of Johannesburg’s most elite shopping and fine dining experiences. The upscale shopping and dining surrounds an open courtyard featuring a 6-metre, 2.5-ton bronze statue of national icon Nelson Mandela, sculpted by Kobus Hattingh and Jocob Maponyane in commemoration of a decade of democracy in South Africa. While it is intended as an opportunity for tourists to reflect on the events of the past and the creation of “The Rainbow Nation,” for most, the Nelson Mandela statue at Nelson Mandela Square offers a great photo opportunity on the way to dinner.  Nelson Mandela Square is the perfect location if you do not have a specific plan for dinner, as their wide variety of international cuisines will suit every palate. The Butcher Shop & Grill is a favourite among visiting celebrities, and with sirloin prices around R.127 (CAD $18), it’s a delicious deal. Their extensive wine list features owner and proprietor Alan Pick’s eponymous “Pick’s Pick” in each category, representing the best value as a recommendation, not the most expensive. Wangthai is unparalleled for fine Thai dining, with secret ingredients, a posh atmosphere, and the ability to add your own spices as desired.  Lekgotla touts itself as “Afrika’s dining room”. However, if you are looking for African cuisine, Moyo Zoo Lake offers more atmosphere and the opportunity for an all-day dining experience.    The best source for events around Johannesburg is Jo’burg Style, which lists all of the theatrical and musical performances in town. Nelson Mandela Square is easily accessible as an adjacent courtyard to the massive Sandton City: one of South Africa’s most upscale shopping and accommodation centres. South Africa has often been described as “a nation of mall rats,” and Sandton City is the epitome of this moniker—literally a small city within Sandton, a sprawling complex of hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and shopping.  Yes it’s a mall (Sandton City) attached to a mall (Nelson Mandela Square) attached to a mall (Michelangelo Towers).  The South African conception of a mall is vastly different from the North American conception of a mall (think more Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace than Mall of America). Unlike American mega-malls, Sandton City focuses on opulence and elitism, catering to a very wealthy and discriminating clientele.  While visiting on the pound or the dollar, it will offer similar deals, but you’ll get exquisite purchases and meals rather than an overpriced visit to the food court.  Whether Nelson Mandela Square represents a monument of historical and cultural significance, or just a great meal and hallmark of South Africa’s brand of commercialism, it is a stop that is not to be missed; and, in all honesty, could comprise your entire trip just exploring all that it offers. If you had any questions in your mind as to what “world” South Africa belongs to, a visit to Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton City will firmly plant it in the first world, unrivalled in sheer size and luxury. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:00:06 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/nelson-mandela-square http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/nelson-mandela-square The Lion Park is by far the top thing to do in Johannesburg. It’s a bit of a drive to Lanseria, about a twenty-minute drive from the northern suburbs, but definitely worth the trip. There is another game park around Johannesburg, The Lion and Rhino Park, but it does not offer nearly the experience of The Lion Park, with animals few and far between, and overgrown bush hiding those animals you happen to spot. At the Johannesburg Lion Park, enjoy the white lions, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and more at your own personal risk. The only fences are between the carnivores and the herbivores, leaving the animals free to wander up to your vehicle. It’s therefore important to stay respectful of the animal’s habitat, and exercise basic common sense. Don’t walk out of your car, don’t leave your window open (albeit this advice is often ignored), and don’t litter or throw cigarette butts out of your window into the dry bushveld. It is a fun and amazing experience to be stopped in traffic by a giraffe peeking its head into car windows. Visit on a Sunday to watch a feeding, which is a biting visual experience of Discovery Channel intensity. A Sunday feeding at the Johannesburg Lion Park is an ideal time to watch the dynamics of the lion pride as they jockey for position, divide the food, and compete for a share in the banquet. I was riveted and fascinated by the feeding. After 45 minutes of ideal parked viewing, the lions popped their heads up and began to charge, at which time I realized my car was overheating. The lions had smelled the fumes and it was time to move FAST out of the gate. It was a heart-pumping reminder that there is no separation between you and the animals, and you are kept at much closer viewing proximity than in the larger game parks like Kruger. Included in the general entrance fee to the Johannesburg Lion Park is the entrance into Cub World, where you can pet, hold, and take pictures with lion cubs as they play, cuddle, and nip you. Although they are babies, it will still hurt and leave a mark where they bite, as I learned when one frisky lion cub playfully bit my kneecap. The Lion Park in Johannesburg is everyone’s first choice for South African game-viewing. Shakira, Clint Eastwood, and many of the World Cup Soccer athletes are featured on their website holding and petting lion cubs. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:21:05 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lion-park-johannesburg http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lion-park-johannesburg With its highest peak standing at 17,057 feet, climbing Mount Kenya is no walk in the park by any means. Located in Mount Kenya National Park, it is the second highest peak in Africa, behind Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 19,334 feet. Though it may not carry the same status as some of its cohorts, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest, climbing Mount Kenya is still one of the top summits in the world to ascend. Men and women from around the world travel to Kenya each year for the sole task of trying to conquer this great mountain and make it to the peak. Mount Kenya is one of the most unique peaks in the world, and is unlike many mountain peaks that come to a point at the top. Formerly an ice cap, a very jagged peak with eroded slopes and valleys remains today. Of these jagged points, the highest peak of Mount Kenya is called Batian, followed by Nelion at 17,021 feet, and Point Lenana at 16,355. As a stratovolcano (a tall, conical volcano built of many layers), Mt. Kenya probably had much more of a pointed peak thousands of years ago before the significant erosion occurred. The 17,000+ foot mountain is split into three regions. Ironically for Africa, the rocky peak consists of glaciers and snowfields. The second region is the alpine zone with its thriving vegetation, followed by the lower slopes, which consist of mountain forest and jungle. As one of the tallest peaks in the world, climbing is, of course, the most popular activity at Mount Kenya. With its rocky peaks, there's often as much climbing involved as hiking, and because of the difficult terrain, the peaks of Nelion and Batian are reserved for experienced rock climbers. Lenana still consists of a rocky summit, but is much more manageable for novice trekkers, and of the thousands of hikers who trek to the peaks of Mount Kenya, most of them do the Lenana hike because it consists predominantly of walking and hiking. There are several different hiking paths to Mt. Kenya's summits. These vary in distance and terrain, and is typically recommended to stretch the hikes into at least a couple of days, if not longer. Those interested in actually reaching one of the summits typically take the Naro Moru route, which is named after the town and begins on the westside of Mount Kenya. With little encumbrances, it should take three days to reach the Lenana peak using this route, and there are bunkhouses along the way where hikers can make camp each day. Although the Naro Moru trek is often the most popular route because of its terrain and access of the Lenana peak, the other routes still offer a great climbing experience of Mount Kenya. Talking to tour guides and judging your preference can help climbers decide which is the right route to take. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:18:51 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/climb-mount-kenya http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/climb-mount-kenya Not only is Kenya home to one of the most well-known mountainous landmarks in the world, it's also home to one of the most renowned lakes in the world—Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana is both the world's largest desert lake and largest alkaline lake, and is found in the north of Kenya's Rift Valley lakes, with the Lake’s northern side stretching into Ethiopia. It has a deeply-rooted history stretching back thousands of years, and many parts of the Lake and surrounding area have been the location for excavation expeditions to uncover fossils. Located 400 miles north of Nairobi, Lake Turkana isn't exactly in the midst of everything. Visitors aren't typically going to come across it unless they are on a long safari. The Lake is about 200 miles long and 40 miles across at its widest point, and with its salt and alkaline makeup, the water of Lake Turkana is certainly not for drinking. It's often referred to as the Jade Sea because of its unique tint resulting from surface algae. With its location deep in the African desert, Kenya’s Lake Turkana typically attracts adventure travellers who want to trek the rugged terrain in the Great Rift Valley, although many curious minds come out to the edge of Lake Turkana to see what it's all about. The shores of the Lake are rugged and rocky, requiring the same type of shoes visitors would wear for hiking. Though located in the desert, Lake Turkana can have surprisingly strong wind bursts and storms that come up quickly. These conditions make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want a change of pace. It's no smooth ride even to get to the Lake, as the road reaching the eastern shore is very bumpy and hardly a road at times. Although separated from most of civilization, Lake Turkana has a vibrant wildlife. Some outdoor enthusiasts even enjoy taking a long safari that covers areas of the unique lake to get a glimpse of it and the wildlife of the surrounding area. As recent as a couple of decades ago, it was reported that the Lake was home to over 10,000 Nile crocodiles. The local area is also home to large water turtles, hundreds of bird species, and many of the classic African mammals, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, gazelles and zebras. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 04:09:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lake-turkana-kenya http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lake-turkana-kenya Although it’s a fairly unknown destination for most tourists, a trip to the top of Cape Town’s Lion's Head Mountain is a must for trekkers in the area. Situated between the famous Table Mountain and Signal Hill, Lion's Head is a valuable part of the Table Mountain National Park. The uniquely descriptive name, Lion's Head (Leewen Kop), was given by early Dutch settlers during the 17th century due to its likeness to that of a sphinx or lion, while Signal Hill was dubbed the lion's tale (Leewen Staart). Rarely does a hike live up to a promise of non-stop breathtaking views. But, elevated 669 meters above sea level, hiking Lion's Head Mountain does just this, with soaring views of Table Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay, Robben Island, as well as the Cape Town City Bowl. As hikers wind their way around the two hour path to the top, they are constantly forced to stop and take pictures of the surrounding ocean and mountain landscapes. From beginning to end, the scenery will amaze. While en route, Lion's Head Mountain not only gets the heart pumping, but it also lays out an array of local wildlife, flora and fauna. Like most other mountain ranges in the area, Lion's Head is covered in "fynbos," an indigenous plant life growing only within the Western Cape, with certain varieties only found on this specific mountain range. In addition to its fabulous beauty and unique wildlife, hiking Lion's Head Mountain is an adventure sure to get the heart pumping and adrenaline rushing. As the trekking incline grows near the summit, chains are offered as a means of support to make it up the last portion. There is no cable car up this mountain! If timed correctly, guests can also join the long line of Capetonians as they climb the head of the lion at night in order to witness the sunset and the rise of the full moon. Hiking to the top of Lion's Head Mountain is one of the most memorable stops in the whole of the Cape, and those willing to put the effort in are rewarded with an experience that only all should be so lucky to enjoy. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:07:10 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hike-lions-head-mountain http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hike-lions-head-mountain There’s nothing better to do on a hot summer day in South Africa then to visit Cape Point Nature Reserve on the Cape Peninsula, a place synonymous with wind. Explorer Sir Francis Drake claimed that Cape Point was “The most stately thing and the fairest Cape [he’d seen] in the whole circumference of the earth.” Although he witnessed the Cape over 400 years ago, the man wasn’t lying! This famous section of the Table Mountain National Park, close to Cape Town, has over 7,750 hectares of untouched wildlife, and 40 km of coastline. The overall space and diversity of this expansive reserve is amazing. Cape Point Nature Reserve is filled with rocky cliffs, white sand and pebbled beaches, as well as long stretches of land covered in fynbos (local plant life indigenous only to the Western Cape). Lucky visitors may even witness a family of baboons sitting on the side of the road grooming each other as cars filled with international tourists stop to take pictures. At R75 per person, a trip to the Cape Point Nature Reserve isn’t something that locals can afford regularly, but for visitors, the $10 or so that it costs is definitely a bargain. After visiting the Park’s information centre located near the main parking lot, guests can visit the Cape Point Lighthouse, built in 1919. A trip up the rugged rising sandstone can be done by a short ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular (a tram that travels on a track for about 585 meters) or by walking up the concrete footpath. The walk is fairly easy, but the exertion mixed with the hot African sun can really wind you. Once at the top, the powerful winds act as the perfect cooling agent, and the breathtaking views overlooking False Bay and the rest of the Cape Peninsula make the foot journey well worth it. Visitors might be surprised to find that Cape Point is not actually Africa’s most southerly point, nor is it the point where the currents of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. To see the most southerly tip of Africa, you have to travel east-southeast about 150 km to Cape Agulhas. A single visit to the Cape Point Nature Reserve in South Africa allows visitors to enjoy many of Cape Point's most captivating sights and activities. From fynbos lined hiking trails, to rare bird watching and an abundance of picnic spots to enjoy, guests can easily spend the greater part of 48 hours, if not more here exploring the Park. Becoming apart of this outdoor paradise is a great way to explore Cape Point's diverse landscape in depth and first hand. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:55:01 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cape-point-nature-reserve http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cape-point-nature-reserve As the door slammed shut, a wave of claustrophobia enveloped the thirty-two people crammed into a dingy cell at the Elmina Castle on the Ghanaian Gold Coast. The cells here are no bigger than an average closet, and the only light which can be seen from the inside is a small square of light at the door. Everything inside the cell was black and quiet except for the breathing of those people around me. A few moments later, the door swung open and my lungs breathed in fresh air with relief. The staggering moment came when our tour guide informed us that as many as one hundred people used to end up in this cell before going on to their final destinations. It sounds like something out of a movie, but this is the historic reality of the "slave castle" of Elmina on Ghana's Cape Coast. Built in 1482, the Elmina Castle was first used as a point of entry for the Portuguese exploring the area (formerly known as the Gold Coast). This Portuguese outpost was the first European settlement along the Coast; which changed hands over the years to finally end up under the direction of Great Britain by 1872. The British used Elmina Castle as a police training academy. Today, the town around Elmina Castle is mostly known as a fishing port. During the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, Elmina Castle was used to trade slaves out of Africa for imported goods. While inside Elmina Castle, slaves would be kept in the eerie and damp dungeons that to this day are a haunting reminder of that dark time. While the views of the area are incredible from the top of the Elmina Castle, it's hard to imagine what the prisoners felt as they made their way through "The Door of No Return," and onto the ships awaiting them for the journey to the "New World". There are many aspects to the Elmina Castle interior that mark its volatile history. Mental images of the over 1 million slaves subjected to torture, abuse, and indignities here will undoubtedly haunt your mind. Walking through Elmina Castle and hearing stories of its past can be hard to process emotionally, but will surely transform you. The historic knowledge you will learn here will leave you reflecting on a grim past, and hopefully, wanting to make a positive impact on the future. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:46:25 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/elmina-castle http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/elmina-castle When the sun comes up over False Bay, the African Penguins start to play! Boulders Beach in Simonstown, South Africa is home to the one of the mainland's largest colonies of African Penguins, formerly called Jackass penguins, named so for their donkey-like mating calls! You can sit on a bench overlooking the beauty of False Bay, with over 2,500 curious African Penguin companions at your side. "How romantic," you say? In fact it is. South African Penguins are extremely loyal, generally keeping one mate for several years. What better day to bask in such a bond, than on Valentine's Day. Experiencing this beautiful phenomenon, will leave you spellbound, despite that the African Penguins likely won't acknowledge you're even there. Busy wooing one another with their bray-like calls, love abounds in the air, by the water and on the rocks! There is something special to be said when man and beast commune together in nature. At False Bay, part of the Table Mountain National Park, the adorable waddles of these African Penguins will steal your heart and charm your senses with their well-accustomed behaviour. Characteristically shy, the African Penguins have become comfortable with their tight quarters, frequently splashing around nearby swimmers and scurrying past beach blankets to get to their nests. A highlight for lovers and travelers alike, taking time to stop and soak-in the African sun, while watching happy penguin feet tap to the rhythm of the nearby crashing waves is an experience not to be missed! Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:22:45 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/boulders-beach-penguins http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/boulders-beach-penguins Every year Cape Town, South Africa hosts a wondrous celebration to welcome back the Southern Right Whales to Walker Bay. These majestic mammals intrigue and astound any and all that have the opportunity, or should I say privilege, to see them. Booming in popularity the Hermanus Whale Festival outgrew its original name, 'Whale of A Festival’; surging on to become the most acclaimed Enviro-Arts Festival in the country. During the winter and spring season the Southern Right Whales return from their Antarctic migration and dance along the shorelines of the Hermanus Coast for all to enjoy. Spottings are frequent and to help ensure that you catch an excellent show, the town of Hermanus employs a "whale crier" to walk through town announcing the latest locations of whale sightings. Known as the best whale-watching destination worldwide, the Hermanus Whale Festival is host to thousands who come to experience the beautiful culture and revered natural environment, while catching a glimpse of these magnificent and endangered deep-sea creatures. With shows and events for all ages you won't be bored while you wait to see the whales. There are several performances from artists over the weekend in genres of rock, classical and even comedy. Along with the shows, whale watchers can view classic automobiles at the Whales and Wheels Classic Car Show. If you're into something more active, Death Valley Paintball will take place, as well as a Half Marathon and Golf Tournament. For the children, there are arts and crafts, face painting, bungy jumping and live shows. In and around Hermanus South Africa there are many activities to take part in aside from what the Festival offers ranging from paragliding and hiking, to boating and sunbathing. If you feel like doing nothing at all, food and massages can keep you comfortable during the balmy days in Hermanus. As the Right Whales bound, blow and breach out the waters they will be sure to have you beaming from your time at the Hermanus Whale Festival. Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:13:00 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hermanus-whale-watching http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hermanus-whale-watching Submerge yourself into the water world of one of the earths most well preserved predators, the great white shark. Enclosed in a ten-foot long aluminum cage and dangling off the side of a dive boat in the cool 57-degree waters of the Indian Ocean, experience a thrill unparalleled by most people's measures, great white shark cage diving. Nestled between Dyer Island and Gansbaai, a fishing village in the Western Cape of South Africa lays Shark Alley, largely regarded by researchers to be one of the best places in the world to view great white sharks. The allure for the migrating great white sharks is the large population of Cape furs seals, a staple in their diet. Although you can view the sharks year round, July through September is best due to an influx in the seal population, which grows to be roughly 60,000 strong around Geyser Rock. As the crew members lay anchor and toss the chum into the water, you can choose to slip into the immersed cage for a close encounter with these great predators or can you snatch a seat starboard for a more distanced meeting. Submerged viewing is a rather terrifying yet empowering experience, as great white sharks up to 25 feet long skim and knock into the cage as they investigate the bait and maybe those in the cage as well! Another great venture to explore while in the area is whale watching. Dyer Island is a nature reserve accessible only by boat tour and offers not only great viewing spots for humpback whales but also African penguins, dolphins, sharks, Bryde whales, Southern giant petrels and Cape gannets. To earn Danger as a middle name, great white shark cage diving is the experience for you! Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:34:53 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/shark-cage-diving http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/shark-cage-diving