Hermanus on the Western Cape is the world capital of land-based whale watching — Southern Right whales breed in Walker Bay every year from July to November, coming close enough to shore to be observed without a boat. The September festival marks peak whale season with food, music, arts, and the town's famous whale crier who roams the cliffs blowing a kelp horn to signal whale sightings. The festival adds concerts and markets, but the main draw is always the whales themselves — 40-tonne animals breaching 100 metres from the cliff path.
Cape Town (CPT) is 90 minutes from Hermanus. September and October are the best months for whale activity regardless of the festival. The cliff path walk from Hermanus Harbour is free and extraordinary any time of year.