De Hoop Nature Reserve on South Africa's southern shoreline (about halfway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay) is undoubtedly one of the country's best kept secrets. The reserve is probably most famous for its incredible land-based whale and dolphin watching, but it's also one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas on the continent: a melee of fynbos, pristine white beaches and wetlands, all framed by towering mountains to one side and the Indian Ocean to the other. And there's a picture-perfect spot from which to enjoy it all - Lekkerwater Beach Lodge.
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Set along a 6 kilometre stretch of cotton-candy beach, the seven rooms are cosy, comfortable and totally beach-chic. Fronted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the views do the talking and you'll be able to watch all the marine happenings from the comfort of your bed. Each also has a wood-burning stove to ward off the chill during winter, verandas on which to enjoy evening G&Ts and ensuite bathrooms with all the necessities.
From July to November, southern right whales migrate here from Antarctica in their hundreds, even thousands, and at Lekkerwater you can watch them straight from the deck of your room.
The lodge is accessed by a dirt road and the conditions are changeable. Whether you're self-driving or booking a transfer, we recommend a high clearance or SUV vehicle.
Lekkerwater operates on a two-night stay only with departures every second day, so make sure to book early to get the dates you want.
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is owned by Natural Selection which is dedicated to conservation, partnering with local communities, governments, and organizations to protect and expand conservation areas. They build eco-friendly camps that blend into the environment and aim to inform guests about Africa's wildlife challenges and successes, hoping to inspire further positive action for wildlife conservation. A contribution of $27,50 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop start from around $520, or US$520, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Breaching whales, white dunes and flamingo-fringed wetlands – blissfully off the radar.
