Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu-Natal

Whales and Whale-Watching in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

zoom Humpback Whale St Lucia

Whales can frequently be seen off the KwaZulu-Natal coast from mid-May to mid-December, mainly Humpbacked Whales, and occasionally Southern Right Whales. From mid-May to mid- September, the whales are moving north on their way to their breeding grounds off the Mozambique coast, and from September to December they return, heading for the nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica.

The Humpback Whale is approximately 15m in length and weighs approximatly 30 tons. Usually black on top and white underneath. It also has long, narrow flippers. They perform spectacular 'breaches' - leaping out of the water.

Eat tiny aquatic creatures - which they trap in their sieve-like baleen.

The Southern Right Whale is also usually approximately 15m, but is heavier 50 – 60 tons. This whale does not have a dorsal fin and is often covered in wart- like growths.

Probably the best way to view whales and dolphins up close is from a boat. However, unless you are aboard a boat licensed by the Department of Marine and Coastal Management you are not allowed by law to approach within 300m of a whale. Permit holders are all members of the South African Boat- Based Whale Watching Association and as such are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct. They have also completed a course which includes the theory of approaching whales and dolphins as well as practical instruction on the correct way of doing so. There is currently one boat- based whale watching license holder in KwaZulu-Natal:

St Lucia:
Advantage Charters.
Tel: (035) 590 1259
Cell: 083 338 0231/ 083 487 2762
Email: advantage@zululink.co.za
Contact: Dannie Bennett

zoom Whales are frequently seen off the South Coast Photo:Ugu District Municipality

For land-based viewing there are whale-watching towers in three KZN Wildlife Reserves: Cape Vidal, Amatikulu and Mpenjati, though at the right time of year (generally June November), you could be lucky from just about any vantage point along the coast. Humpback whales are most commonly seen.

Throughout the year also, pods of bottlenose dolphins, 30- 50 strong routinely patrol up and down the coast just beyond the breakers.

For up-to-the-minute information on whale sightings, and for further information on whale-watching on South Africa's coast contact the Whale Hotline: 083 910 1028.

For more information please use our query form.

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