De Hoop is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent coastal reserves in Africa and Lekkerwater Beach Lodge lies within this reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean and an exclusive six kilometre stretch of untouched beach. Steeped in history, its peaceful seclusion and natural beauty led ex-President FW de Klerk to choose this location for his ‘Camp David.’
From July to November, Southern Right whales and their offspring flock here in their hundreds from Antarctica. Year round pods of bottlenose dolphin are also to be seen as well as all sorts of marine life, making Lekkerwater the ultimate land-based marine safari.
Includes Full board, selected beverages and activities
Child Policy Children 6 years of age and above
Itinerary
There are 2, 3 and 4 night stays available with guaranteed departures every second day.
Arrival & Departure: Guests should arrive at the lodge car park for 14h00; Departure time from the lodge is scheduled for 10h30
The drive from Cape Town Airport will take you around 3 hours (longer from Cape Town and less from the Winelands) and we ask that you aim to arrive at around 2pm but remember to leave time for a leisurely lunch en-route – there are lots of quaint little “dorpies” like Napier and Swellendam to choose from.
You’ll enter the De Hoop Reserve via the Potberg Gate and drive a further 13km to the Lekkerwater car park. We will meet you and drive you to the lodge in our 4×4 Land Rover. It’s on this drive, over the winding tracks and up a steep hill, that you will glimpse the lodge for the first time – seven chalets positioned mere metres from the ocean on a stretch of pristine, white sand.
After settling into your room and taking a moment to breathe in the sea air, welcome drinks are served on the beach. All our wines are sourced locally and each one of our house wines tells a different story – as we say in South Africa, “local is lekker!”
Lekkerwater is run as a home-from-home where just about everything is included so leave your wallet in your room-safe and help yourself!
A scrumptious dinner either under the stars on the deck or in the main area is served, followed by stories round the fire accompanied by the sounds of the crashing waves.
Today is for exploring the rolling mountains and ravines, the beach and the surrounding rocks, pools and flora. There is the option to join a guided fynbos walk or you may wish to explore yourself and wander along the sand or on land to see what you can find.
Our beach activities are focused around low tide when the rock pools and bays along the coastline expose themselves, and no two days are ever the same. When low tide arrives, don your ‘booties’ and wade amongst the vibrant marine life of De Hoop Marine Protected Area, a sanctuary where no fishing is allowed and fish stocks are as they should be.
Lunch will be served overlooking the ocean. An interactive, open kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and just about all our food is locally sourced, along with our wines.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the beach or pull up a chair and keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins and whales that De Hoop is famous for. The reserve has some of the best land-based whale watching in the world and from July to November you can watch southern right whales, as well as the less common Brydes whales and perhaps even migrating humpbacks. And if you’re visiting at a different time of year, fear not, for dolphins and bait fish (and their predators) are present year-round and you’ll be able to spot them cresting the waves, often from between your toes from your bedroom.
This evening, weather permitting, dinner will be served braai-style on the beach with your toes in the sand and the stars above you.
There is plenty of time for a last wander into the nearby ravines and caves or along the beach to catch sight of the dolphins. Otherwise, settle into an armchair, grab a pair of binos and enjoy the happenings right in front of you.
Brunch will be served in the late morning, after which we will transfer you back to your vehicle for your onward journey.
Location
DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE WHALE WATCHING
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is located in De Hoop Nature Reserve about halfway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay/Knysna on the world-famous Garden Route. It is located within the famous Southern Cape Coastline Region where recent discoveries are putting this as the birth place of modern man nearly 100,000 years ago.
Guests are able to self-drive to the reserve and arrive via the Potberg Gate where there is a dedicated parking area for vehicles, around 6 kilometres from the lodge. Please note that if you are arriving by car, the park gates closes at 16h00 sharp – don’t be late!
Accommodation
Lekkerwater offers a homely and comfortable beach experience in a magical setting. The seven rooms are positioned along a six-kilometre stretch of pristine white sanded beach complete with stunning rock pools and fish life. Spectacular vistas take centre stage and each room is fronted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the Indian Ocean and marine life ahead. Each is positioned perfectly for a unique view over the surroundings, and small verandas outside provide the perfect spot to soak up the magic. Inside, the rooms take inspiration from the natural beauty of the reserve and are earthy and comfortable. A wood-burning stove takes away the chill in the winter mornings and evenings and each has an ensuite bathroom with amenities.
At the main area, expect the same fabulous views and a wraparound deck from which to enjoy them from. An interactive, open kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and guests will dine, family-style, at the indoor tables or outside, feet-in-the-sand style, on the beach.
Fact Box
De Hoop forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a World Heritage Site of close on 9000 plant species, with De Hoop alone boasting around 1,500 species of plants & flowers – and 50 of those species are found nowhere else in the world!
The reserve is home to an extremely high proportion of South Africa’s national fish, Galjoen or black bream, which has been fished out in much of the country, as well as schools of multi-coloured fish both big and small.
During our summer months (November to April), the days are long, sunny and warm and the blue skies stretch as far as the eye can see. It is a wonderful time to swim at low tides, stroll on the beach and in the hills – and enjoy the long, lazy summer evenings.
The winter season brings the first whales that usually begin to arrive in the bay in front of Lekkerwater in late May or June. The whale watching season can stretch all the way to November, but the best months are considered to be August, September and October, when there can be anything from 300 to 1100 whales present in the De Hoop Bay. It is over this period that some of the best whale viewing happens from between one’s toes from the comfort of your bed. The winter days are shorter and perhaps a little cooler, but this certainly doesn’t detract from the activities and experience on offer – and nothing a jacket can’t fix!
Marine life (including inquisitive octopuses) in the intertidal zone of the Marine Protected Area is ever present and time spent watching dolphins from the verandas is magical. Walks along the rolling, fynbos-covered hills and ravines are always interesting, and eland are often spotted, as are bontebok and ostrich. This is one of the few places on the planet where fresh leopard tracks are sometimes seen on the beaches. Another highlight is a visit to one of the many caves in the area with shell middens and other evidence of our early ancestors.
There are also a number of birding highlights including the chance to spot blue crane, South Africa’s national bird, and the Western Cape’s only thriving Cape Vulture colony in the cliffs of the Potberg mountains.
Price
From R 4 900.00 per person sharing per night
Includes
All meals
Daily activities
Lodge-selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you have something particular you would like to drink, please bring it with you!
Excluded
Flights
Road transfers
Premium brand beverages
Tips & gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Laundry Facilities are not available as all laundry is done off site
Park fees. R50 per person per night will need to be paid in cash at the park gate upon entering the reserve – there are no credit card facilities available
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