Located in the most exclusive area of the De Hoop Nature Reserve and only a 3 hour drive away from Cape Town, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge provides a magical beach experience in one of the most impressive coastal reserves on the continent.
De Hoop is known for some of the best whale watching on the planet when from July to November, southern right whales and their offspring make the long journey back from the Antarctic. In addition to whales, large pods of dolphin and all sorts of marine life can be spotted, providing guest with an incredible marine safari.
Lekkerwater itself offers plenty of different activities, from guided walks, excursions into the heart of the De hoop, whale watching, and with over 250 bird species being recorded here, twitchers will definitely be kept busy.
Head into the reserve with an experienced naturalist, and discover an array of different fynbos including the national flower of South Africa, the king protea. Visit the rare cape vulture colony at the nearby Potberg Mountains, or simply take a stroll along the pristine stretch of beach and explore the many tidal pools and caves.
Each of the 7 rooms are positioned along a 6-kilometre stretch of private beach, complete with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and all its marine wildlife. The rooms take inspiration from the natural beauty of the reserve and are earthy and comfortable. In addition to this, they also have wood-burning stoves to take away the chills of the sea breeze in the winter mornings and evenings.
The main area at Lekkerwater has a wraparound deck from which to enjoy the fabulous views, along with an open kitchen is in the heart of the lodge.
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Rates Include
All meals; local drinks; and daily activities are included.
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Directions For Drivers
From Plettenberg Bay, George and Knysna: Drive west on the N2 heading towards Swellendam and Cape Town. The N2 skirts to the south of Swellendam with 2 access roads into the town off to the right/ north. About 8 km after the R60 turnoff to Swellendam, there is a turn off to the left saying Infanta and Malagas – do not take this turn off, but continue on for another 3.3 km until the next dirt road turn off on the left. It is NOT signposted but is just past the Kluitjieskraal sign. There is a large farm building on your right-hand side and it is signposted from the opposite direction. Drive on this dirt road for 31 km. At the T-junction, turn left and follow the Whale Trail signs for 11.7 km. When you reach a fork in the road, keep following straight on (i.e. the right-hand fork). You’ll soon arrive at the Potberg entrance gate to the reserve, with a large De Hoop/ Cape Nature Sign. A further 800m ahead on your left-hand side, you will see a small wooden hut where you will be asked to sign into De Hoop and pay the park entrance fee, currently R50 per person per night (subject to change). Please make sure you have cash as there are no credit facilities available. A further 400m ahead there will be a small swing gate. Open the gate, drive in, and close the gate. There is one smaller gate between you and your destination, but that second gate is usually open. Keep driving on the main gravel road for another 14.6 km until you see a sign and a turning for Lekkerwater on your right. Ignore that and drive another 250m and you will arrive at a sign for Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Car Park on your left-hand side. Follow those tracks off to the left and you will be able to park your car, where you will then be met and then driven 6 km to the lodge.
From Cape Town via N2: Leave Cape Town on the N2 motorway towards Somerset West and drive over Sir Lowry’s Pass, continuing onto Riviersonderend. Around 44 km from Riviersonderend, just 800 metres past the Bredasdorp tarred road, you will see a dirt road on your right-hand side signposted to Spitskop and De Hoop. Turn right here and drive for 31 km, until you come to a T-junction. At the T-junction, turn left and taking the Whale Trail signs for 11.7 km and follow the directions as above.
If you are uncertain or lost, please call Lekkerwater on +27 (0) 21 007 5589.
PLEASE NOTE: the entry gates to De Hoop close at 16:00 sharp. If you are late, please note that you will have to find your own accommodation elsewhere.
General Information For Guests
All of the rooms are en-suite and have indoor bathrooms, a small verandah, wood-burning stoves, tea/coffee making facilities and battery charging facilities. Hairdryers are available on request.
The main area has an open kitchen, indoor dining area and a wraparound viewing deck.
Activities that are available at Lekkerwater include guided walks, excursions to a cape vulture colony, whale watching, sundowners, beach dining and bird watching.
Some of the less common whale species to be spotted at De Hoop include the Bryde’s whales and perhaps even humpbacks as well as dolphins.
Wi-Fi is available in the rooms only.
There is limited mobile/cell phone signal at De Hoop.
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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
