Don't miss: Hermanus Whale Festival

September 24-28, Hermanus, South Africa

The Western Cape town of Hermanus sits on the shores of Walker Bay. From July to December, its rugged cliff-tops offer superb land-based whale watching when southern right whales arrive to mate and calve.

The whales often come within 10m of shore and whenever they're spotted, the town's Whale Crier blows a kelp horn to alert the public.

The annual event is an enviro-arts festival combining marine education with arts, outdoor activities and entertainment. It includes lectures, a vintage and classic car show, a wine festival, charity golf, art and craft markets, exhibitions and music.

See whalefestival.co.za or hermanus.co.za for more details.