A whale breaching in the ocean. Picture: Unsplash
“I just saw a whale and nobody believes me.” These words, filled with awe, belong to American rapper Rick Ross, who recently found himself entranced by the natural beauty of South Africa.
During his visit to Cape Town, he shared his thrilling encounter with his followers on social media, as he witnessed a majestic whale breaching the surface of the ocean.
While South Africa is renowned for its Big Five safari experiences, the country's coastal waters offer equally remarkable wildlife spectacles.
This includes the southern right whale, which makes its way to the Cape during the breeding season.
As locals well know, these gentle giants often treat residents and visitors alike to captivating displays of breaching, fluking, spouting and spy-hopping, making the city one of the premier whale-watching destinations globally.
In a candid and somewhat humorous post on Instagram, Ross expressed his disbelief over the sighting, saying, “Imagine how I feel? I said let me out the hotel, I just want to see the water. I want to see the penguins.”
His enthusiasm was infectious, yet he faced scepticism from his entourage.
Nevertheless, the rapper's tour guide quickly confirmed that Ross was indeed experiencing a moment that many tourists only dream of, with a high probability of spotting whales during a trip to the Mother City.
For those eager to witness these magnificent creatures, False Bay is touted as the best nearby locale for whale watching.
Cape Town Tourism advises visitors to seek out higher vantage points along the False Bay coastline, where one can catch stunning views of the whales in action.
Notable spots include Cape Point, Boyes Drive, located between St James and Kalk Bay, and Clarence Drive from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els.
Additionally, those looking for an up-close experience can take the scenic train trip from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town, which often reveals breathtaking views of the whales during their migratory visits.