A Mesmerizing Aerial Journey: Discovering South Africa’s Marine Wildlife with Jean Tresfon

1 min read
south africa marine wildlife

Jean Tresfon, a conservation photographer, has dedicated himself to showcasing South Africa’s magnificent marine wildlife. Recently, Tresfon and his companion Crispin Russell embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour aerial adventure to document the marine wildlife and unique natural phenomena of the Western Cape.

A Captivating Flight

Their journey began on a beautiful winter day as they soared above the coast from Melkbospunt to Blouberg. The duo was soon captivated by a commotion on the water’s surface, which turned out to be a gathering of cormorants and gulls, forming a large raft.

Wreck Sites and Iconic Locations

Tresfon and Russell explored numerous shipwrecks, both old and recent, scattered along the island’s shores before making their way to Mouille Point. From there, they followed the coastline westward, passing iconic locations such as Hangberg, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Rare Sighting

Their journey then took them to Noordhoek and on to Slangkop Point, where they spotted a group of surfers enjoying the waves at Outer Kom. The real highlight of the flight, however, came with the rare sighting of a Bryde’s whale calf swimming alongside its mother. This marked only the third time Tresfon had encountered such a scene during his thirteen years of conducting coastal marine survey flights.

Humpback Whales and Cape Fur Seals

Continuing along the Cape’s shoreline, they reached Cape Point and entered False Bay, where they discovered three humpback whales frolicking in the water, accompanied by cape fur seals. Near Partridge Point, they observed another humpback whale in the company of a boat operated by Simon’s Town Boat Company, a licensed whale-watching provider.

Unforgettable Experience

Although the remainder of their flight, which traced the western and northern edges of the bay, did not yield any additional wildlife encounters, the experience was nonetheless an unforgettable one. After passing through Simon’s Town, Glen Cairn, Fish Hoek, and Muizenberg, they returned to Table Bay, reflecting on the extraordinary sights they had witnessed.

A Renewed Appreciation

For Tresfon and Russell, their leisurely afternoon excursion was a powerful reminder of the unparalleled beauty of South Africa’s marine wildlife. As they soared above the coastal landscape, they felt a renewed appreciation for the region, which remains a treasure trove of unique natural wonders and captivating underwater creatures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

A Celebration of Sportsmanship: The Joe Slovo/Phoenix Sports Day Weekend

Next Story

The University of Cape Town Maintains Its Position as the Top-Ranked University in Africa

Latest from Blog

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.