Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is a remarkable haven on the coast of the Garden Route of South Africa.

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 TVs, minibars, heated towel rails or air conditioning – this is where you can fully embrace and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Accommodation at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge:

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 breathtaking five-kilometre stretch of secluded beach.

At the main lodge, our focus is on offering a comfortable and unique beach experience. 

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 dune overlooking the sea, there are numerous steps down to the beach and some steep 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 they need to be comfortable with just relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the view.

Nature Experiences at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge:

• 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.

Wildlife at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge:

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 focus of this Reserve is the gorgeous fynbos, extensive walking trails and marine life.