Exploring the Caves at De Kelders, Western Cape, South Africa: Whale Watching and Cave Dwelling Adventures

in Worldmappin2 years ago

Each year around September to November, the whales return to birth their calves in what can only be described as the "Whale Cove". The block of flats we stay in is named whale cove and I think that name is the best. But the small vacation resort town is also famous for its caves. The name De Kelders can be translated to either caves, or cellars, or chambers. Whilst wale watching, we also explored some of the caves. You can book tours in which you can do actual cave exploration, or you can do what we did and explore on your own. Incidentally, some of the caves are for sale, they will set you back around R12 500 000 or $700 000.

Come with me on this virtual journey on which I take you with me to the caves. I also spotted some whales, which was the original reason for the trip. I hope you enjoy it! And if you have some spare money, why not buy those caves? All jokes aside, let us get on with the caves!

But First, Some Whales

As noted, the reason we come here is to whale watch. Each year they come back and birth and raise their calves. It is something spectacular to witness.

It is amazing to see how big they are. When you go to De Kelders, you can get really close to them. You just do not realize how big they are until you get so close to them.

A Hidden Passage to the Caves

The caves are not well advertised. You can go on a tour with a tour guide, but some of them are hidden behind trees and tucked away. It feels like a real adventure!

Down there is one of the first caves. The stairs are in not such good condition. But we are on an adventure! So it is part and parcel of the joys.

Apparently, there was a hotel just above the stairs. Now it is the whale cove apartments we stay in. I can only imagine opening a coffee shop down there. Check out, and imagine with me the coffee tables and the buzz of people.

I am not sure what is behind this door, but I would love to get behind them.

Looking to the other side, you get the idea of how awesome the view is.

And Now, The Caves

Some of the caves you can explore, some of them you cannot. Or at least not on your own. But the views are spectacular.

My girlfriend the adrenaline junkie had the courage to climb up. Halfway through, she said maybe we might discover something up there, but my brain did not like the prospects of finding anything. Luckily, nothing hid up there.

But look at the spectacular views you get from above some of the caves.

In the caves, various birds make their nests I presume because various small falcons flew around us. There was one with a small mouse in its claws! But here is a short video I took of one:

Here are some of the caves you can explore on foot, but the walk to them is over some treacherous boulders.

Strange Formations and Plants

Some of the caves have really strange formations. The photograph below showcases what looks like amateur building skills. It looks like something I would have built. Maybe this is just strange rock formations.

And then there are these plants growing downwars which makes for some pretty scenery.

Here you can also see in more detail the way the caves were formed probably from massive erosion.

All Journeys End

The views make up for if you do not see whales. But we have always seen whales. The natural beauty of the flora is also worth the watch. I hope you enjoyed this journey with me. I hope you might experience this beautiful place for yourself as well! Happy travels and stay safe.

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Be careful with the rocks though... But it's a nice place..

Thank you! Yes, it can be very dangerous especially with the ocean waves coming closer and closer! Safety is always first priority. Keep well!

Beautiful shots!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

interesante el paisaje, siempre e querido ver las ballenas, están bonitas tus fotos, saludos

Thank you so much. The whales are magnificent and so special. I hope you might see them sometime! Stay well.

Muchas gracias. Las ballenas son magníficas y muy especiales. ¡Espero que puedas verlos alguna vez! Mantenerse bien.

Awesome I post similar articles about such experiences from the Garden Route.

Best wishes.

Awesome indeed! We live in such an awesome country despite the problems we have. Nice to see a fellow South African! I will take a look at your posts as they look wonderful! Love the garden route. Stay well.

What a rocky post! I loved it! Specially the pictures with vegetation on the rocks! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much! Indeed a bit rocky. Yes, the local vegetation and plants are awesome. The coastal regions have some of the most beautiful flowers and the intense weather makes them so much stronger.

Thanks for the visit, stay well!

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That's a lot of rock formations, and beautiful shots though.

Thank you so much. It is indeed beautiful. I am so lucky to live close by them.