The Blue Crane, South Africas national bird and posibly one of Africas stateliest birds. Its feathers were worn by heros of the amaXhosa tribe and bestowed upon them at a ceremony which took place after battles. These men were known as men of trouble, meaning if trouble arose, these were the men to run to. The face of the Blue Crane has been part of the South African ecomony, when it was minted on the 5 cent piece, and today its name has been used for an area in the Overberg area of South Africa, The Blue Crane Route Municipality. The sight of flocks of these birds settling across the fields of the Overberg is truly an awe inspiring scene. The Overberg area is an incredibly fertile wheat and barley farming area which you will drive through on the N2 highway from Cape Town. The fields are often graced by flocks of Blue Cranes which are best viewed from a distance as they are easily startled. So take your binoculars or camera with a telephoto lense and capture images of these majestic birds.
Caledon is only one of the towns on the Caledon Blue Crane Route, others include Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai, across the Agulhas Plain to Arniston and Bredasdorp via the Moravian village of Elim. The Blue Crane can be found throughout the route, but the route also includes charming roadside shops, picnic spots, small towns and landscapes to enjoy, whale watching in Hermanus and shark diving in Gansbaai. This is truly a route which should be taken slowly and every moment savoured. The Caledon Blue Crane Route, although spectacular all year round is best viewed in late winter and early spring, when the yellow canola flowers are in blossom and the Southern Right Whale watching is at its peak.
Directions: From Cape Town, the route is an easy 90 minute drive over the stunning Sir Lowry's Pass on the N2 highway.
The Caledon Blue Crane Route doesn't have a specific centralised organization or dedicated contact details since it's more of a scenic route through the Overberg region rather than a managed tourist attraction.
Lagoon View offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus in the Western Cape's Overberg and Whale Coast region. Looking for a quiet self catering getaway with fantastic views. This large stylish home (sleeps 7) overlooks the Hermanus Lagoon and is ideal …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nantucket offers self catering accommodation in Voelklip, Hermanus in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Experience champagne air, sweeping panoramic ocean and mountain views, majestic meandering mountain walks... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pacem offers visitors self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Located in the Hermanus suburb of Voelklip it has a magnificent view on the mountain as well as sea views. Pacem is situated in a quiet area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Brown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fig Tree Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast. situated in the quiet suburb of Eastcliff, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hermanus village centre, yet conveniently close enough to leave your car... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Norfolk Guest House offers accommodation on a limited self catering or room-only basis in Hermanus, and is ideally situated within easy walking distance to all the amenities and a stones throw from the cliff path, famous for unforgettable whale viewing. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.