DE KELDERS IS BEST KNOWN FOR whales, whales and whales! It’s recognised as the best land-based whale watching in the world but it actually has so much more to offer!
THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the lookout area on Cliff Street, above the drip caves, because the whales come in really close to shore there. If you’re adventurous you can clamber on to the rocks and get even better shots!.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO take a walk along the cliff path that runs for seven kilometres along the coast line. The walk stretches from the Stone Age caves at De Plaat beach right into Gansbaai. It’s a great way to experience the magnificent Overberg coastline.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO head to Mariana’s restaurant in Stanford for great local wine and even better food.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS spring, BECAUSE the weather is perfect, the baby whales are a few months old, and the area is quiet and uncrowded.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SPOT IS Coffee on the Rocks. Right on the sea in Cliff Street with great views, they always offer something unusual and delicious.
De Kelders’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS is De Plaat beach. It is a long white sand beach in the marine reserve. There is a small entrance fee, and a bit of a descent to the beach, but it is never crowded (even over December holidays) and it is always a pleasure to be there.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to go to the harbour to buy fresh fish brought in by the boats that morning, and have a fish braai at our apartment or on one of the beaches in the area.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO take a walk along the coast and then sit on one of the many beaches to watch the sea. Even when the whales aren’t in season there are always beautiful sea birds, dolphins and seals to be seen.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY try Great White shark cage diving, only 3kms away from De Kelders at Kleinbaai Harbour. Even if you’re not feeling adventurous visit the harbour anyway – it’s fun to watch the boats arrive and leave laden with brave shark cage divers! There is also an extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable harbour master to chat to.
MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS Napier via Baardskeerdersbos. I like to return via the sand by-roads which lead you through beautiful farms, past Sandies Glen Private Nature Reserve, and even more beautiful fynbos.
MY FAVOURITE whale WATCHING SPOT IS on the bench directly outside the Lookout at Whale Cove at the drip caves. We are so fortunate to have this spot right on our doorstep.
IF YOU’RE HERE over Easter, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Crayfish Derby, or else the “Fees van die Ganse” (Festival of Geese) in June.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS a boat ride to Dyer Island to see the penguins, seals, whales, dolphins, sharks and birdlife. The island really has it all – and under 5’s go free.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS to pick up fish and chips at The Fish Lady on Gansbaai main road (you won’t taste better or fresher anywhere!) and go and sit on the beach at Stanford Cove and watch the sunset.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT you can treat yourself to a spa treatment (or two!) at Grootbos (only 3km away from De Kelders), and to a meal in one of their award winning restaurants.
I Love De Kelders Because it is a peaceful fishing village yet has many things to attract travellers – superb marine life, shark cage diving, unsurpassed fynbos, magnificent scenery, beautiful walks and drives, golf courses and wine routes.
Destination Info:
- De Kelders Accommodation
- De Kelders self Catering
- What to do in the Cape Overberg
- Accommodation in Cape Overberg
- Accommodation in South Africa
Desirable Digits
Mariana’s Restaurant: +27 (0)28 341-0272
Coffee on the Rocks: +27 (0)28 384-2017
Great White Shark Diving: +27 (0)21 532-047
The Fish Lady: +27 (0)28 384-3802
Grootbos: +27 (0)28 384-8008
