Where to see
Where to see the Humpback Whale in South Africa
Hosts have recorded the Humpback Whale at stays in or beside iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Table Mountain National Park.
Megaptera novaeangliae · Least Concern
Planning a trip
When and where to find the Humpback Whale
Hosts have recorded the Humpback Whale at stays in or beside iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Table Mountain National Park.
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Megaptera novaeangliae
Records
394
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Humpback Whale on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Humpback Whale in South Africa?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Humpback Whale at stays in or beside iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Table Mountain National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Humpback Whale in South Africa?
The Humpback Whale is most recorded in Western Cape (66% of records), KwaZulu-Natal (20% of records), Eastern Cape (13% of records), based on 394 iNaturalist observations. 6 places to stay on Spekboom in South Africa have recorded the Humpback Whale on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Humpback Whale?
Sightings of the Humpback Whale peak from Jul to Oct, based on 394 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the Humpback Whale?
The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Humpback Whale?
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12-16 m (39-52 ft) and weigh about 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers.
Stays that give back
Where to stay for a chance to see the Humpback Whale
Every stay on the Humpback Whale page lists the species its host has recorded on or near the property. A record is a sighting, never a promise.
See where to stay