PlanetEye

While spending time touring through the Overberg Region in the Western Cape we came across a restaurant called Bientangs Cave. Set in a natural cave along Walker Bay which is situated in the seaside town of Hermanus one of the most popular places in the world for shore side Whale Watching.

The Cave was names after Bientange a Khoisan women who lived there in the late 1800's. She was a loner who was totally self-sufficient living in the cave where water, heat and food was abundant. She was believed to have supernatural powers and be able to communicate with animals but then one day she vanished never to be seen again... It is believed that it is the spirit of Bientang that keeps the gracious Southern Right Whales coming back year after year .

Since then the Cave has been kitted out with a splendid kitchen and bar but otherwise it remains just as she left it with the waves crashing along the rocks and the whales providing close hand entertainment between the months of July and November.

Bientangs Cave multi award winning restaurant also caters for special functions such as weddings and party's and is known for its seafood dishes although they do cater for vegetarians. They stock local wines that complement the scrumptious dishes and the breathtaking view. Where else can you dine while being entertained by Whales less than 20 meters away.

The owner told us of an experience that would fit into any Popeye cartoon sketch, where on one magical day he sat on the rocks looking straight into the eyes of a Southern Right whale 5 metres away. Just before many minutes of intently watching each other she decided to be on her way but before leaving him she sprayed a large spout of water directly at him as if to say thank you !

Open all year round weather permitting from 11:30 to 4pm on weekdays 7 to 9:30pm in season and 7pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. I n whale season I would strongly recommend that you make a reservation!!!