• Cape Town, South Africa
  • +27 21 790 0972
perfect hideaways logo
us travelspecialists 2020 seal template
  • Hideaways
    • All Hideaways
    • Hideaway Locations
    • Hideaways By Lifestyle
  • Safari
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Last Minute
    • Specials
    • The Wednesday Club
  • For Sale
  • More
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Buy our books
    • List your hideaway
    • Contact Us
Menu
  • Hideaways
    • All Hideaways
    • Hideaway Locations
    • Hideaways By Lifestyle
  • Safari
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Last Minute
    • Specials
    • The Wednesday Club
  • For Sale
  • More
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Buy our books
    • List your hideaway
    • Contact Us
  • +27 21 790 0972
perfect hideaways logo
us travelspecialists 2020 seal template
  • Hideaways
    • All Hideaways
    • Hideaway Locations
    • Hideaways By Lifestyle
  • Safari
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Last Minute
    • Specials
    • The Wednesday Club
  • For Sale
  • More
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Buy our books
    • List your hideaway
    • Contact Us
Menu
  • Hideaways
    • All Hideaways
    • Hideaway Locations
    • Hideaways By Lifestyle
  • Safari
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Last Minute
    • Specials
    • The Wednesday Club
  • For Sale
  • More
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Buy our books
    • List your hideaway
    • Contact Us

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

De Hoop Nature Reserve,
Overberg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-0-Hero-2.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-1-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-2-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-3-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-4-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-5-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-6-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-8-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-10-2.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-11-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-12-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-13-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-13a-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-14-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-15-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-15a-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-15b-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-16-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-16a-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-16b-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-16c-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-17-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-18-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-19-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-20-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-21-1.jpg
perfect-hideaways-Lekkerwater-Beach-Lodge-22-1.jpg
Previous
Next
Enquire Now
Enquire for Hideaways
person
16
bed
7
bath
7
DESCRIPTION

Hanpicked for you...

Situated in De Hoop Nature Reserve near the southern tip of Africa, Lekkerwater is a magnificent beach lodge. Just over three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it offers a unique, all-inclusive coastal escape on a six-kilometre stretch of private beach. In the winter season, this spot boasts some of the finest shore-based whale watching on the planet. In fact, Time magazine recently named Lekkerwater one of the world’s top 100 must-visit destinations.

My partner and I arrived in De Hoop one dreamy autumn day with a ghostly mist fringing the shoreline. As we drove over a tall dune, the scene that greeted us was sublime. Lekkerwater appeared below looking like a shipwreck on the Overberg shore, its grey-timber buildings perched just above the thundering waves. 

The lodge comprises a main building that’s elegantly done in natural fabrics and driftwood, with a plunge pool and wraparound deck for endless coastal gazing. Each of the seven guest rooms has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The décor is inspired by the shoreline and rendered in cool blues and greys. There’s also a wood-burning stove in each room for cosy winter evenings, and a private veranda for endless, mesmerising gazing.

Lekkerwater started life as the holiday cottage of the Green family back in 1939. Much of this coast was expropriated for an Armscor missile-testing range in 1983. After part of the land was set aside to form De Hoop Nature Reserve, Lekkerwater became President FW de Klerk’s ‘Camp David’, where many discussions about the future of South Africa took place.

After 1994, the house was returned to CapeNature for rental to the public, but burnt to the ground during a lightning storm in 2015. Natural Selection, a company co-founded by ecotourism guru Colin Bell (formally of Wilderness Safaris) submitted a successful proposal and the result is a fabulous off-grid 16-bed lodge in one of the most spellbinding locations anywhere on the shores of Southern Africa.

A stay at Lekkerwater is all about full immersion in Cape coastal nature. We enjoyed guided fynbos walks to learn about the endemic flora (proteas, mesems, geophytes), the fauna (eland, bontebok, Cape mountain zebra) and birds (more than 260 species have been recorded, including the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape vulture). At low tide, guests amble to nearby rockpools to learn about the intertidal zone and search for octopus and fat-fingered starfish. My partner and I donned masks and snorkels to float delightedly about in bath-warm, kaleidoscopic pools filled with urchins, anemonies and crustaceans. As this is a marine protected area, the sea-life is impossibly rich. 

In the evenings we gathered for drinks on the beach, ringed by lanterns and serenaded by the roar of surf. Bottlenose dolphins played in the shore break and out at sea, southern right whales by the dozen bobbed and blew and lob-tailed. 

Dinners at Lekkerwater are communal affairs featuring local cuisine and superb Overberg wines. An open-plan, interactive kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and guests dine en famille. Conversation turned to the room’s large mural on one wall that depicts the history of the area, from early hunter-gatherers to the present day, and the anecdotes trailed deep into the night. Then it was back to our room to slide open the door and let the ocean inundate our dreams…

What we love!

  • The thing that makes Lekkerwater so beguiling is its relationship to the ocean. The water changes hue throughout the day and the dolphins were so prevalent during our stay that we suspected they might be receiving a share of the profits. 
  • Wifi is available, but only in your room, making the communal areas all about conversation and relaxation.
  • Exploring the tidal pools, rock ledges and caves along this pristine coast.
  • Learning about the fynbos, fauna and birdlife on guided walks through the reserve.

What you need to know…

  • The De Hoop National Park charges a per person, per day park fee to be paid at the lodge by credit card (new policy due to COVID).
  • The gravel road from the De Hoop entrance gate to Lekkerwater’s private parking lot is rough. Although suitable for a sedan, we advise that you take it slowly.
  •  4X4’s, SUV’s, Bakkies and any other high-clearance vehicles will be able to drive over the hill to the lodge directly, however those with 2×4’s are welcome to drive to the Lekkerwater car park (6km from the lodge) and you will be transported to the lodge in open Land Rovers. Please note that the track is rough, so proceed very slowly.
  • For exclusive use bookings kids under 5 are permitted on the understanding that there are open rope balustrades, an open pool and parents must take full responsibility for their children’s safety at all times.

Reviewed by Justin Fox

DETAILS
person
Max 16 guests
max 14 adults & max 2 children 6 yrs & older
bed
7 Bedrooms
bath
7 Bathrooms

Sleeping

• 6 x bedrooms (king/twin convertible)
Open plan en-suite bathrooms with shower
Toilet in separate cubicle
• 1 x family room (king/twin convertible & twin singles)
Open plan en-suite bathroom with shower
Toilet in separate cubicle

All linen & towels provided

Living

• All meals included
• Coffee plunger
• Fireplace (wood)

• Hot water bottles
• Large deck with fire pit
• Servicing is available on request

Relaxing

• Plunge pool (no net)

• Wood-fired hot tub on the beach

The NItty Gritty

Hideaway Rules

• No animals permitted
• Smoking outside only
• Child friendly
• Max 14 adults
• Max 2 children
• No children under 6 yrs

Check-in/Check-out Times

• Check-in: 14:00
• Check-out: 10:00

RATES

Rates

Please enquire

REVIEWS

What people say about us

The views are stunning. This is a well-serviced experience from start to finish. It's like being on safari, but on the ocean. There are activities to enjoy or you can relax and entertain yourself. We learned so much on the guided ocean walk, enjoying the views and company. The food is fantastic, the rooms are clean and simple, and the service is attentive. My two children (ages 6 & 9) had a blast, as did my 73 year old mother. Great multi-generational weekend with amazing memories and pictures to boot. Coffee on the deck while watching a pod of dolphins and sundowners on the rocks was exquisite. We specifically like the family-style meals, where you get to befriend other guests/guides and have rich conversations. We have recommended this place to our friends.

Guest
BROCHURE
  • DESCRIPTION
  • DETAILS
  • RATES
  • REVIEWS
  • BROCHURE

Handpicked for you...

Situated in De Hoop Nature Reserve near the southern tip of Africa, Lekkerwater is a magnificent beach lodge. Just over three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it offers a unique, all-inclusive coastal escape on a six-kilometre stretch of private beach. In the winter season, this spot boasts some of the finest shore-based whale watching on the planet. In fact, Time magazine recently named Lekkerwater one of the world’s top 100 must-visit destinations.

My partner and I arrived in De Hoop one dreamy autumn day with a ghostly mist fringing the shoreline. As we drove over a tall dune, the scene that greeted us was sublime. Lekkerwater appeared below looking like a shipwreck on the Overberg shore, its grey-timber buildings perched just above the thundering waves. 

The lodge comprises a main building that’s elegantly done in natural fabrics and driftwood, with a plunge pool and wraparound deck for endless coastal gazing. Each of the seven guest rooms has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The décor is inspired by the shoreline and rendered in cool blues and greys. There’s also a wood-burning stove in each room for cosy winter evenings, and a private veranda for endless, mesmerising gazing.

Lekkerwater started life as the holiday cottage of the Green family back in 1939. Much of this coast was expropriated for an Armscor missile-testing range in 1983. After part of the land was set aside to form De Hoop Nature Reserve, Lekkerwater became President FW de Klerk’s ‘Camp David’, where many discussions about the future of South Africa took place.

After 1994, the house was returned to CapeNature for rental to the public, but burnt to the ground during a lightning storm in 2015. Natural Selection, a company co-founded by ecotourism guru Colin Bell (formally of Wilderness Safaris) submitted a successful proposal and the result is a fabulous off-grid 16-bed lodge in one of the most spellbinding locations anywhere on the shores of Southern Africa.

A stay at Lekkerwater is all about full immersion in Cape coastal nature. We enjoyed guided fynbos walks to learn about the endemic flora (proteas, mesems, geophytes), the fauna (eland, bontebok, Cape mountain zebra) and birds (more than 260 species have been recorded, including the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape vulture). At low tide, guests amble to nearby rockpools to learn about the intertidal zone and search for octopus and fat-fingered starfish. My partner and I donned masks and snorkels to float delightedly about in bath-warm, kaleidoscopic pools filled with urchins, anemonies and crustaceans. As this is a marine protected area, the sea-life is impossibly rich. 

In the evenings we gathered for drinks on the beach, ringed by lanterns and serenaded by the roar of surf. Bottlenose dolphins played in the shore break and out at sea, southern right whales by the dozen bobbed and blew and lob-tailed. 

Dinners at Lekkerwater are communal affairs featuring local cuisine and superb Overberg wines. An open-plan, interactive kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and guests dine en famille. Conversation turned to the room’s large mural on one wall that depicts the history of the area, from early hunter-gatherers to the present day, and the anecdotes trailed deep into the night. Then it was back to our room to slide open the door and let the ocean inundate our dreams…

What we love!

  • The thing that makes Lekkerwater so beguiling is its relationship to the ocean. The water changes hue throughout the day and the dolphins were so prevalent during our stay that we suspected they might be receiving a share of the profits. 
  • Wifi is available, but only in your room, making the communal areas all about conversation and relaxation.
  • Exploring the tidal pools, rock ledges and caves along this pristine coast.
  • Learning about the fynbos, fauna and birdlife on guided walks through the reserve.

What you need to know…

  • The De Hoop National Park charges a per person, per day park fee to be paid at the lodge by credit card (new policy due to COVID).
  • The gravel road from the De Hoop entrance gate to Lekkerwater’s private parking lot is rough. Although suitable for a sedan, we advise that you take it slowly.
  •  4X4’s, SUV’s, Bakkies and any other high-clearance vehicles will be able to drive over the hill to the lodge directly, however those with 2×4’s are welcome to drive to the Lekkerwater car park (6km from the lodge) and you will be transported to the lodge in open Land Rovers. Please note that the track is rough, so proceed very slowly.
  • For exclusive use bookings kids under 5 are permitted on the understanding that there are open rope balustrades, an open pool and parents must take full responsibility for their children’s safety at all times.

Reviewed by Justin Fox

person
Max 16 guests
max 14 adults & max 2 children 6 yrs & older
bed
7 Bedrooms
bath
7 Bathrooms

Sleeping

• 6 x bedrooms (king/twin convertible)
Open plan en-suite bathrooms with shower
Toilet in separate cubicle
• 1 x family room (king/twin convertible & twin singles)
Open plan en-suite bathroom with shower
Toilet in separate cubicle

All linen & towels provided

Living

• All meals included
• Coffee plunger
• Fireplace (wood)

• Hot water bottles
• Large deck with fire pit
• Servicing is available on request

Relaxing

• Plunge pool (no net)

• Wood-fired hot tub on the beach

The NItty Gritty

Hideaway Rules

• No animals permitted
• Smoking outside only
• Child friendly
• Max 14 adults
• Max 2 children
• No children under 6 yrs

Check-in/Check-out Times

• Check-in: 14:00
• Check-out: 10:00

Rates

Please enquire

What people say about us

The views are stunning. This is a well-serviced experience from start to finish. It's like being on safari, but on the ocean. There are activities to enjoy or you can relax and entertain yourself. We learned so much on the guided ocean walk, enjoying the views and company. The food is fantastic, the rooms are clean and simple, and the service is attentive. My two children (ages 6 & 9) had a blast, as did my 73 year old mother. Great multi-generational weekend with amazing memories and pictures to boot. Coffee on the deck while watching a pod of dolphins and sundowners on the rocks was exquisite. We specifically like the family-style meals, where you get to befriend other guests/guides and have rich conversations. We have recommended this place to our friends.

Guest

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

De Hoop Nature Reserve,
Overberg
Start the conversation
Enquire for Hideaways

SHARE THIS HIDEAWAY

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on pinterest

Get in Touch

  • Office
  • +27 (0)21 790 0972
  • safari@perfecthideaways.co.za

OUR NEWSLETTERS

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

Similar Listings
HOT LIST HIDEAWAY 2022
perfect-hideaways-Morukuru-Ocean-House-h-0-Hero

Morukuru Ocean House

Morukuru Ocean House

  • De Hoop Nature Reserve
  • De Hoop Nature Reserve
  • Sleeps 12
  • Bedrooms 4
  • 4 Suites
  • Weddings Only, Please Enquire for Rates
  • Shoots Only, Please Enquire for Rates
perfect-hideaways-Morukuru-Beach-Lodge-0-Hero

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Morukuru Beach Lodge

  • De Hoop Nature Reserve
  • De Hoop Nature Reserve
  • Sleeps 14
  • Bedrooms 5
  • 5 Suites
  • Weddings Only, Please Enquire for Rates
  • Shoots Only, Please Enquire for Rates
Subscribe to our newsletters
HIDEAWAYS
Safari
The Wednesday Club
For Sale

Get in touch

  • 169 Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
  • +27 21 790 0972
  • info@perfecthideaways.co.za
  • 169 Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
  • +27 21 790 0972
  • info@perfecthideaways.co.za

Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Buy our books
  • List your hideaway
  • For Sale
Menu
  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Buy our books
  • List your hideaway
  • For Sale
  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Buy our books
  • List your hideaway
  • For Sale
Menu
  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Buy our books
  • List your hideaway
  • For Sale

Properties

  • Hideaways by Lifestyle
  • Hideaway Locations
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Safaris
Menu
  • Hideaways by Lifestyle
  • Hideaway Locations
  • Weddings
  • Shoot Locations
  • Safaris

Ⓒ 2022 – Perfect Hideaways. All Rights Are Reserved​

  • Standard Rental T&C’s
  • Lodge T&C’s
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Start the Conversation - Photoshoots - Pop-up

Start the conversation

for Shoot Locations

Please pop an email to our locations consultant with full details of your shoot requirements… that way if this particular property is not available they can send you alternative options.

 





    Start the Conversation - Safaris - Pop-up

    Start the conversation

    for Safaris

     

    Please pop an email to our safari consultants with full details of your ideal holiday… that way if this particular property is not available they can send you alternative options.

     

      show available dates





      Start the Conversation - Hideaways - Pop-up

      Start the conversation

      for Hideaways

       

      Please pop an email to our hideaway consultants with full details of your ideal holiday…  that way if this particular property is not available they can send you alternative options.

       




        Start the Conversation - Weddings - Pop-up

        Start the conversation

        for Weddings

         

        Please pop an email to our wedding curator with full details of your special day…  that way if this particular property is not available they can send you alternative options.