In honour of World Whale Day, which took place on February 18, Sodurba Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) announced that it will be hosting tours to the public at the Old Whaling Station on the Bluff in KwaZulu Natal.
Earlier this month, Sodurba CTO, in collaboration with KZN Tourism, invited environmental non-profit organisation WILDTRUST and several tourists to a ‘Whaling History Tour’ led by Bluff native, David Asgeir-Nielsen, where he shared the history of whaling, which saw thousands of whales pass through the Whaling Station until a ban was implemented in 1979 in South Africa.
The Old Whaling Station accepted guests onto its grounds for the first time in five years. Asgeir-Nielsen gave a building-by-building tour accompanied by an explanation of what processes took place in the various structures.
“The launching of tours at this historically significant site is pivotal in reaffirming the Bluff as a Whale World Heritage Site. These sites, declared by the World Cetacean Alliance, empower and defend the right of local communities to care for and protect whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). These Whale World Heritage Sites aim to celebrate cetaceans in local culture, arts and events; support local economic and environmental sustainability; and develop locally-based science, research and education,” WILDTRUST said in a press release.
An additional knowledge building opportunity for those interested in learning more about whales, is available at the Port Natal Maritime Museum based in Durban Harbour in the form of a ‘Whale Time’ guided tour to spread awareness about whales, their history, the opportunities they present and the threats they face.
The WILDTRUST’s Whale Time Project strives to promote sustainable and ethical whale tourism along the east coast of South Africa, bringing science, conservation, tourism, and community together around whales.
“The Whale Time project also provides students from Coastal KZN TVET Colleges with the opportunity to complete in-service training for 18 months as tour guides with the hope that they then go on to secure jobs in the eco-tourism sector,” said Communications Director at WILDTRUST, Lauren van Nijkerk.
“It is so rewarding being able to empower young people with such opportunities, although we are limited in our impact and reach at the moment – in stretching resources and financial support too thin on the Whale Time project. If there is anyone who can help keep our Whale Time project alive and well or support us in any way, please get in touch.”
The Old Whaling Station Tour is available for bookings via Asgeir-Nielsen on 082 3367 433 and travellers can visit the Port Natal Maritime Museum daily for the ‘Whale Time Tour’ on Mondays to Saturdays at 08h30-16h00, and Sundays and Public Holidays from 11h00-16h00.
Travellers can also look forward to the ‘Welcoming of the Whales Festival’ which takes place on the Bluff every year around June.
