Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

LOCATION:

De Hoop Reserve, Western Cape

NUMBER OF ROOMS:

7 rooms (14 guests)

PRICE FROM:

ZAR 6,500

DATES OPEN:

Year Round

Start Planning Your Safari

LOCATION:

De Hoop Reserve, Western Cape

NUMBER OF ROOMS:

7 rooms (14 guests)

PRICE FROM:

ZAR 6,500

DATES OPEN:

Year Round

Located little more than three hours’ drive from Cape Town – and a convenient diversion for travellers exploring South Africa’s scenic Garden Route – Lekkerwater enjoys an enviable position perched between land and sea atop the ancient dunes of De Hoop.

This remarkable coastal reserve is particularly famous for offering some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. During winter and spring (July to November) Southern Right whales migrate here from Antarctica to calve and breed in the warm seas offshore. Since 1985 these waters have been designated as a Marine Protected Area, and sea life has flourished. While whales are the stars of the show, guests may also look forward to sighting dolphins, seals and myriad sea birds from the comfort of Lekkerwater Beach Lodge.

Lekkerwater – meaning ‘good water’ in the Afrikaans language – offers a comfortable beach-safari experience in a truly magical setting.

With a rich history, incredible fauna and flora, pristine beaches, rolling hills and abundant sea life, the focus at Lekkerwater is on an exceptional nature-based experience.

Here we offer a new kind of luxury. The indulgence of wide open spaces, peacefulness and privacy, gorgeous sea views, the smell of the ocean, barefoot beach walks and incredible sunsets. You won’t find TV’s, minibars, heated towel rails or air conditioning – this is where you can fully embrace and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

With seven intimate and individual off-grid guest rooms, simply decorated in a bright and breezy coastal feel, each boasts a private deck overlooking the breath taking five-kilometre stretch of secluded beach. At the main lodge our focus is on offering a comfortable and unique beach experience.

From almost every vantage point the ocean dominates the landscape, and daily activities are structured around the tides. At low water our team of naturalists lead guided walks to explore the thriving and fascinating inter-tidal ecosystem, while high tide sends travellers inland to discover De Hoop Nature Reserve’s wealth of biodiversity. Alongside the remarkable fynbos vegetation, more than 260 bird species have been recorded in the reserve – including the Western Cape’s only breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture.

Whether you’re simply seeking an exciting off-grid coastal escape, or an unforgettable land-based marine safari, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge offers an entirely unique coastal experience in the heart of South Africa’s scenic Western Cape.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Directions & Important Arrival Information.

Interview with Craig Foster, from the Academy Award Winning Film "My Octopus Teacher"

Explore Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Accommodations

Set overlooking a six-kilometre stretch of pristine sand, the seven suites at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge have been carefully designed to let ocean views take centre stage. Floor-to-ceiling windows deliver remarkable sea vistas from every corner of the guest room, while the protected outdoor deck provides a perfect oasis of privacy.

Indoors, the décor takes its cue from the natural beauty of the surrounding reserve. With a colour palette of blues and greens balanced by rich organic textures, the aesthetic in each suite is a subtle mirror of the scenic beauty beyond. Cool sea breezes take the edge off summer’s heat, while a wood-burning stove in each suite offers welcome warmth when dramatic winter storms roll in.

At the main lodge a wrap-around deck offers the perfect space to admire the sunrise over morning coffee, or perhaps a sundowner to toast the end of a remarkable day at De Hoop. Meals are enjoyed family-style at the large communal table or individually per party, and guests are encouraged to engage with the chefs at the interactive open kitchen.

Due to the location of the lodge on a sand dune overlooking the sea, there are numerous steps down to the beach and some steepish walkways that need to be navigated. Our guided activities are also focused on walking the hills and beaches and the most productive low tide reefs are a reasonable walking distance away from the lodge. To get the maximum enjoyment out of Lekkerwater, guests need to be reasonably fit, active and agile, or alternatively they need to be comfortable with just relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the view.

Children at Lekkerwater

Lekkerwater welcomes children 6 years and older, provided that their parents are able to ensure that their behaviour in the main living area does not disturb other guests. There is one family bedroom with an upstairs loft area and shared open plan bathroom. All other bedrooms are stand alone rooms not suitable for children under 12 years, unless accompanied by one adult.  From time to time we offer exclusive use options, where a family or families can book out the entire lodge. On these occasions we welcome children of any age, provided that all the parties in the group are informed and understand that there is an open swimming pool with no barriers or nets, as well as high drop-offs around the lodge that are protected solely by simple rope balustrades. We can only accept young children on the condition that parents are solely responsible for their children’s whereabouts, safety and behaviour at all times.

Need to know

  • Lekkerwater offers 7 rooms: 6 twin/double, 1 family unit with second loft bedroom and shared open plan vanity and shower.
  • En-suite open plan bathrooms with indoor ‘in-suite’ showers.
  • Wi-Fi: To preserve the sense of escapism, Wi-Fi access is only available in guest suites and due to the location can be erraticPlease note that mobile phone signal at De Hoop is extremely limited.
  • Battery charging facilities: Available in each suite.
  • Child policy: We welcome children aged 6 years and older. Please be aware that the lodge swimming pool is unfenced, and there is no lifeguard on duty at the pool or on the beach.
  • Access for the elderly and people with disabilities: please enquire directly with reservations. Unfortunately due to the lodge location, activities and constraints, we are not equipped for hosting guests with mobility problems or other disabilities. 
  • Access: the lodge is accessed by a dirt road. The condition of this road changes from time to time depending on the weather and the traffic. If renting a vehicle or booking a transfer, we recommend a high clearance or SUV vehicle (please ensure that you have a spare tyre as well. 
  • At Lekkerwater we enjoy family dining around one long table, to get to know and share stories with fellow travellers.
  • For important PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION & DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS, please click here.

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Recognition & Awards

 

Included in Time Magazine ‘World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019’

2022 Award South Africa Top 10 Boutique Hotel

                                                             

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Experience

  • Watch the whales. De Hoop Nature Reserve is known as one of the world’s best locations for land-based whale watching. Peak whale season runs from July to November.
  • Lekkerwater offers a unique land-based marine safari experience. Along with spotting cetaceans offshore, join our nature guides on fascinating walks to explore the rock pools and inter-tidal ecosystem of this pristine coastline.
  • Daily nature walks introduce guests to myriad species of fynbos in this corner of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
  • Feeling twitchy? More than 260 species of bird have been identified in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Excursions to view the Cape Vulture colony on Potberg Mountain can be arranged on a request basis for guests staying 3 nights or more (at an additional cost).
  • Discover the rich paleontological history of this coastline.
  • Enjoy a romantic sundowner from atop the dunes.

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Landscape & Wildlife

Landscape

The 34 000-hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated just over three hours’ drive from Cape Town, the capital of the Western Cape province of South Africa.

In addition to conserving 34 000-hectares of indigenous fynbos and coastal ecosystems, the reserve includes the De Hoop Marine Protected Area (MPA). Proclaimed in 1985, the MPA – essentially a nature reserve in the sea – stretches for 46 kilometres along the coastline and five kilometres out to sea, creating a marine conservancy of 289-square-kilometres.

Fishing and harvesting of any marine life is prohibited within the MPA, and in the decades since it was proclaimed the De Hoop MPA has become a vital breeding ground for regional fish stocks, while also creating an oceanic haven for Southern Right whales.

Each year these majestic cetaceans – once hunted almost to extinction – migrate north from Antarctica, taking advantage of the warm Western Cape waters to calve and mate, before migrating south in the early-summer. In the peak whale season (July-November), expect to see Southern Right whales as well as less-common Bryde’s and Humpback whales. Large pods of dolphins are also often seen surfing the breakers close in-shore.

Inland the biodiversity is no less impressive, with more than 1500 species of indigenous fynbos plants identified. De Hoop forms part of the Cape Floral Region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and the reserve conserves the largest area of lowland fynbos in the Western Cape.

Wildlife

Whilst a visit to the De Hoop Reserve is not a wildlife experience, it is home to more than 86 species of mammal, including the endangered bontebok, Cape mountain zebra and eland, the largest of the antelopes. Though Cape mountain leopard and caracal call De Hoop home, these shy cats are rarely seen. The main focus on this Reserve is the gorgeous fynbos, extensive walking trails and marine life.

When to Visit Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is truly a year-round destination, its gentle charms shifting with the changing seasons.

During the southern hemisphere’s summer (November-March) the days are perfect for coastal adventures. Use the fresh morning air to hike out into the fynbos, then cool off with a swim in the tidal pools during the heat of the day, or enjoy a beach picnic on a private dune.

In autumn (April-May) and spring (September-October) the fynbos comes to life, and sunsets are all about lazy evenings enjoyed with a glass of fine South African wine in hand.

Winter (July and August) is when the Southern Right whales arrive, congregating offshore to calve, mate and generally cavort in the warm seas. The first Southern Right whales usually arrive in May or June but the best months for whale watching are August to October, when the bay in front of the lodge can be home to hundreds of whales at any one time.

While each month offers its own attraction, all Lekkerwater Beach Lodge activities are offered year-round, weather and tide permitting.

    For important PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION & DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS, please click here.

     

    The Story of Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

    While Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is all about contemporary coastal charm, this stretch of the De Hoop coastline also boasts a rich and ancient history.

    A short distance east of the lodge lies Klipdrift Cave. Renowned for its paleontological significance, the cave shows evidence of human habitation dating back 64 000 years. This predates similar discoveries in Europe and North America by more than 20 000 years. In essence, some of our earliest ancestors walked the shoreline and dunes that surround Lekkerwater. Further evidence shows that the indigenous Khoi Khoi pastoralists lived in these hills long before the first European explorers sailed around the southern tip of Africa to begin centuries of settlement and colonisation.

    But we have one Bill Green to thank for the dramatic location of Lekkerwater Beach Lodge. It was Green who built his family’s holiday home on this site in 1939. In later years it was appropriated by the state for a military test range, then later set aside for the modern-day De Hoop Nature Reserve.

    More recently, between 1990 and 1994, Lekkerwater became the coastal escape – South Africa’s ‘Camp David’, if you will – for the former South African President, FW de Klerk. It was here that he contemplated how to move South Africa from apartheid to democracy, no doubt finding inspiration in the solitude and beauty of this remarkable coastline.

    We trust visitors to Lekkerwater will find similar inspiration here, soaking up the natural beauty and remarkable history of this unique corner of southern Africa.

    Why Choose Lekkerwater Beach Lodge:

    • Exclusive access to a pristine corner of one of southern Africa’s most remarkable nature reserves.
    • Experience some of the world’s best land-based whale watching.
    • Discover the rich natural history of the region, from endemic fynbos and inter-tidal ecosystems to remarkable mammal and birdlife.
    • Enjoy a taste of South Africa’s culinary traditions and globally acclaimed fine wines.
    • Dine on the beach, feet-in-the-sand, or picnic on the sands.
    • Enjoy the sense of shared adventure at this intimate coastal lodge.
    • All-inclusive rates cover accommodation, activities, meals and local drinks. (Except for exclusive use bookings that exclude drinks).
    • Arrivals every Monday (two or four nights), Wednesday (two nights) and Friday (two or three nights) throughout the year.

    We recommend booking Lekkerwater Beach Lodge as part of a complete Natural Selection safari. For standalone bookings or to check availability email reservations@naturalselection.travel or call + 27 21 0011574. After hours & Emergency number + 27 71 101 2934. Due to COVID-19 office closures, email is our preferred method of communication.

    Click here to view current rates.

    Lekkerwater was included in Time Magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019”

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