Hermanus and Route 62 boasts some of the finest whale-watching in the world and spectacular coastal scenery close to Cape Town.
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Hermanus & Route 62 are two of the famous attractions of the Cape Whale Coast. The Whale coast is a bountiful area of gentle rolling green pastures, picturesque vineyards and unspoilt coastline. it lies between the Winelands to the west and the Garden Route to the east.
Hermanus offers plenty of attractions including some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world. Southern Right whales can be spotted between July and December (peaking in August and September). The whales come right into the bays to give birth. During peak season enthralling sightings – from land and by boat – are a daily occurrence. You are likely to see spectacular breaches and other acrobatics of these gentle giants.
Some visitors hurtle straight through from Cape Town to the Garden Route. If you have some time, why not take the scenic coastal road to Hermanus, Gansbaai or Arniston? Alternatively head inland on the spectacular Route 62 country road which meanders past charming villages and game reserves.
The cosmopolitan fishing town of Hermanus offers all year round charm. Hermanus boasts stunning beaches, coastal walking trails, some of the finest wine estates in South Africa, beautiful fynbos vegetation and spring flowers. The more adventurous can even experience shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai.
One hour to the east lies the delightful fishing village of Arniston. Known for its warm sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Visit the cave at Waenhuiskrans, the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Alternatively you can stay in one of South Africa’s prettiest nature reserves, De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Inland of the Cape Whale coast lies the picturesque town of Swellendam. Known for its majestic oak trees, lovely gardens and well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Nearby Route 62 is the world’s longest wine route and offers a scenic alternative to the N2 highway. It meanders past the charming towns of Robertson, Swellendam and Montagu. And then on to the dramatic rugged moutain passes of the Little Karoo.
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is on the site of an original holiday homestead which was requisitioned by the Government in the 80s. It is a simply gob-smacking location with views up and down this completely deserted beautiful stretch of beach. Basically this is as good as any beach destination in South Africa.
The main lodge is small but very charming and stylish in its décor. There is a large deck with a fireplace and also a netting overhang for lounging (sort of like a giant hammock)
There’s a short boardwalk down to the beach and hidden away is a kolkol Jacuzzi tub which you can book for private bathing session for an hour. Highly recommended though the water was also too warm!
They had to use the existing footprint of the homestead to create the lodge with seven new chalets. So that explains why the wooden chalets are all close together, and not that large. They are well-decorated, with a nautical theme.
Each room has a wood-burning fire which you need in the winter months. Huge floor to ceiling french windows give you an expansive sea view with a small deck with loungers. The seventh room is away from the rest and acts either as a honeymoon room or indeed a family room with a small upstairs area for children/teenagers with two extra beds.
We stayed for two nights which I felt was the right length or time as there are not a huge number of activties. We enjoyed a marine walk and a fynbos walk in the afternoon, both of which were good. But what it is really selling is its location.
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