About 10 kms out of Swellendam is the Bontebok National Park home to the bontebok, one of South Africa’s rarest antelope species, as well as mountain zebra, grey rhebok and red hartebeest. It’s also a great place for bird watching as there are some 200 species to be found there, including South Africa’a national bird, the Blue Crane. Activities include game viewing, nature trails, angling and picnicking in a tranquil and beautiful setting.

Not far from Mossel Bay is Botlierskop Wildlife Safaris which takes guests out on 4x4 guided game drives to spot over 20 species of game. They also do guided birding tours, offer accommodation and traditional South African cuisine. (www. botlierskop.co.za).

Close to Montagu is the luxury San Bona Wildlife Reserve sister game lodge to the renowned Shamwari. Besides the game and bird species, there is the attraction of rare examples of San rock art and fossils in this Klein Karoo reserve.

Whale Watching

From July to November the Southern Right whales come to these shores to mate and calve. Probably the best land-based viewing is from Hermanus, while lovely, uncommercialised Witsand (40 mintues’ drive away from Swellendam) is known as the “whale nursery”. A number of companies operate whale watching cruises including Romonza (www.mosselbay.co.za/romonza) and Dyer Island Cruises at Gansbaai. MTN operates a whale hotline (tel 083 910 1028) or visit www.MTN.co.za/whaleroute/.

White Shark Diving

“Cage diving – a safe, thrilling, WILD experience!” – according to Shark Africa while the White Shark Diving Company offers this thrill from “the protection of a solid cage” – or for the more timid – “from the safety of the cabin cruiser’s deck ( www.sharkcagedivingco.za). As they say, you pays your money …