Walker Bay Nature Reserve

from 122 Google reviews

About the garden

Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve in the south-western Cape, just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai.

The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches from Klein River to De Kelders at Gansbaai. Die Plaat is the area’s white sandy beach, with rocky limestone outcrops and the occasional southern right whale offshore. The scenic Klein River lagoon, north-west of the reserve, flows into the sea at times.

Walker Bay is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave. There is also evidence that Khoi and San people lived in the area about 2 000 years ago.

Walker Bay is a picturesque, pristine reserve with an abundance of coastal and marine life. It is known as one of the best spots in South Africa to do land-based whale watching. Every year, hundreds of southern right whales gather in the sheltered bay to breed and calve their young.

Opening times

Office Hours | 07h30 to 16h00

Useful details

Cafe or restaurant

No cafe or restaurant on site

Shops

None

Overberg District Municipality, 7220

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

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Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Overberg District Municipality

7220

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Google reviews

4.7
from 122 Google reviews

Patti Sizwile Mlilo

12 months ago

Loved this amazing place. Had a touch with the history and origins of the Khoisan. Nice caves, and beaches next to them. The view is amazing. Such a serene place

Pranav Ramkilawan

2 years ago

Another amazing part of the Western Cape coastline, really worth a visit. So many breathtaking viewpoints in such a small space. The cliffs and caves are fun to explore and the info boards in the main areas add a bit of depth to the experience. Important to be aware of high tide as the waves can make exploring a little dangerous in places.

Andreas Hundt

a year ago

Close to Gansbaai, De Kelders. A must do experience. 🐳 🌊 🌍 🥾 Walking, lingering, resting, enjoying the untouched beach, the sand, the dunes, the rocks, the deep blue water of the Atlantic. 2-3 times a day you can see the boats of Ivanhoe Sea Safaris and Southern Right Sharters in the bay which are looking for the Gentle Giants. And by the way , don`t forget an excursion to the Klipgat Caves beside. Moreover some small maps to orientate. The access to the entrance at Normandie St. isn`t so easy it likes, so have close look at Google maps or similar.

Lara Luck

2 years ago

It was lovely to see all that this little reserve had to offer. Overlandy Tours took us through the reserve, our guide Lloyd was incredibly knowledgable and capable on the 4x4 routes. We saw ancient caves, pristine sand dunes, private beaches and took in all that the fauna and flora had to offer. Highly reccomend a drive through with Overlandy Tours.

ML Maus

3 years ago

I’m so sad that I didn’t have this place on my SA agenda. My driver allowed us to briefly stop here going back to cape town and I wish I could have stayed longer. The rocks, streams and ocean view is just breathtaking. It was also very quiet and not crowded.

Contact the garden

+27 (0)28 314 0062

capenature.co.za/reserves/

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