Humpbacks travel from Antarctic feeding grounds to breed in warmer waters off Mozambique, Madagascar and Gabon, and pass South Africa on the way.
Best places to see it
Tofo
A laid-back beach town famous for diving with manta rays and whale sharks.
Apr to Nov 4 to 6 nights
Where to see it
- Tofo, Mozambique
- Hermanus and the Garden Route
- Loango, Gabon
- Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Our destination guides: Hermanus · Tofo · Loango National Park
Best time
About June to November in the south.
Tips
- Choose operators that keep legal distances.
Did you know?
- Male humpbacks sing long, complex songs during the breeding season.
Conservation status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the humpback whale in Africa?
Tofo, Mozambique; Hermanus and the Garden Route; Loango, Gabon.
Is the humpback whale endangered?
It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Have you been to Humpback whale?
Tips from travellers
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