Gorilla Trekking

Hello!

For those who don’t know, Hermanus is famous for its whales and is recognized as one of the best land-based whale watching places in the world! An hour’s drive from Cape Town, Hermanus offers a variety of accommodation, great restaurants, beautiful beaches and the Big Six and Seven! (whales and great white sharks). Last weekend the season’s first two calves were spotted, so I head out to sea.

They are named “Southern”, as there are two species Right Whales worldwide. One in the Northern Hemisphere and the South African species here in the Southern Hemisphere.


*KM: courtesy Ken Moore

For more info on Oceans Eleven and Southern Right Charters, log onto:
www.oceanseleven.co.za &
www.southernrightcharters.co.za

Gorilla News: Hallelujah - The Rushegura Group are finally back in Bwindi!
Mubare Group lost their only infant last week and is now down to five individuals. This is very bad news for the oldest habituated band in the park.

I have just returned from a fantastic trip to Uganda with the Global Buddies group. Latest up-dates in next month's newsletter.

Totsiens tot volgende maand (see you next month).

A migratory whale, Southern Rights spend one season in one place and the rest of the year in another. Walker Bay, a protected whale sanctuary that stretches from the Old Hermanus Harbour to Gansbaai has become the ideal haven for these whales. By September, the bay is buzzing with up to 150.

Part of my fantastic Hermanus experience was being hosted by Oceans Eleven, a stunning guest house with one of the best locations in the bay. If you are brave enough to head out to sea, then Southern Right Charters is highly recommended. All being said, I returned to shore a little less worn but will be back to get that perfect “breaching” shot.

SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE FACT FILE:
• Southern Right's have two blow holes, so when it breathes out there is a V-shaped cloud above the water.
• It has no dorsal fin on its back.
• There are white warts or rough skin patches called callosities on its head onto which little creatures, called whale lice are attached. Callosities differ in size and position and are often used to identify individuals.
• The lifespan is estimated to be between 90 - 100 years.
• There preferred habitat are shallow waters near beaches and lagoon mouths.
• Females usually have one calf every three years. Gestation is about 13 months.
• Whales, like dolphins communicate by means of sonar. They make clicking, grunting and whistling sounds which also act as a means of echolocation.
• Southern Right is a baleen whale, which means that instead of teeth, it has long plates having from the top jaw. The baleens work like a sieve when the whale feeds.

* Pictures copyright Lisa Marsden