Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
34 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
8
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2
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0
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kaygrindell
Brighton, UK43 contributions
Mar 2023
We drove over from Hermanus and found it remarkably difficult to find, with no obvious signage. Even had to stop at tourist info to ask, and still ended up driving round the houses. Well worth the effort cos the beach, dunes and coast line make for a great walk. Be sure to have some money cos it’s 30 rand pp.
Written March 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tgwwgtTravel
Hermanus, South Africa536 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Walker Bay Nature reserve is home to the Klip hole cave, one of several along the limestone cliffs on this part of the Walker Bay coastline .
You can get there either by following a not always distinct cliff path from De Kelders whale viewing platform, or by driving to the reserve entrance in Normandie Street.
The walk is aproximately 2.5 kilometres from the De Kelders viewing platform. There is a map at the viewing platform but it does not give distances.
Views from the cliffs are spectacular both of the bay (where you may be lucky to see whales) and of the white sandy beach tumbling into the sea from the nature reserve.
En route to Klipgat there are several caves/overhangs to explore. Access is via fairly steep boulder strewn slopes ok for agile, adventurous kids but maybe not so great for toddlers or the elderly. One of the caves is known as Duiwel'sGat (Devil's hole). It has a huge hole in the roof surrounded on the outside by a stone wall to prevent animals and possibly humans from falling in.
The cave itself has a sandy floor with a shaft of light shining down from the hole, there are also some interesting red coloured rocks. making it worth the effort to get down into it.
After exploring this cave continue along the path until you come to Stanford Cove, where Klipgat Cave is located.
There are a number of fairly steep steps down to the cove and the boardwalk into the cave. The cave itself is of historical importance as it was home to a community of Khoi Khoi people. Excavations over the years have produced bones and artefacts that have given scientists valuable information on the life and times of these people.
apart from that it has stunning views, and a remakable rock "window" through which to see them.
If you opt to do the walk be sure to take water and sunscreen as there is no shade. Also it is better to wear trainers than flip flops as there is a some rock hopping and uneven paths.
It's definitely worth a vist, and a place I'll be taking visitors to in the future.
Only downside is that the signposting could be better.
There is a cave at the viewing platform called Die Drupkelder. to enter it you need a guide, which you can organise through the Gansbaai tourism centre 028 384 1439.
You can get there either by following a not always distinct cliff path from De Kelders whale viewing platform, or by driving to the reserve entrance in Normandie Street.
The walk is aproximately 2.5 kilometres from the De Kelders viewing platform. There is a map at the viewing platform but it does not give distances.
Views from the cliffs are spectacular both of the bay (where you may be lucky to see whales) and of the white sandy beach tumbling into the sea from the nature reserve.
En route to Klipgat there are several caves/overhangs to explore. Access is via fairly steep boulder strewn slopes ok for agile, adventurous kids but maybe not so great for toddlers or the elderly. One of the caves is known as Duiwel'sGat (Devil's hole). It has a huge hole in the roof surrounded on the outside by a stone wall to prevent animals and possibly humans from falling in.
The cave itself has a sandy floor with a shaft of light shining down from the hole, there are also some interesting red coloured rocks. making it worth the effort to get down into it.
After exploring this cave continue along the path until you come to Stanford Cove, where Klipgat Cave is located.
There are a number of fairly steep steps down to the cove and the boardwalk into the cave. The cave itself is of historical importance as it was home to a community of Khoi Khoi people. Excavations over the years have produced bones and artefacts that have given scientists valuable information on the life and times of these people.
apart from that it has stunning views, and a remakable rock "window" through which to see them.
If you opt to do the walk be sure to take water and sunscreen as there is no shade. Also it is better to wear trainers than flip flops as there is a some rock hopping and uneven paths.
It's definitely worth a vist, and a place I'll be taking visitors to in the future.
Only downside is that the signposting could be better.
There is a cave at the viewing platform called Die Drupkelder. to enter it you need a guide, which you can organise through the Gansbaai tourism centre 028 384 1439.
Written May 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter F
Hermanus, South Africa492 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
There are a number of interesting limestone caves along the coast between Gansbaai and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve towards Stanford. Of these the Klipgat Heritage site is probably the most meaningful because of its magnificent location. Excavations of human remains, debris and artifacts of Middle to Late Stone age offer a glimpse of human and animal life life during the last ice age when the sea level was considerably lower. This large cave is a must-see attraction located within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. This can be reached via the R43 coming from Stanford. At the entrance of Gansbaai which is indicated by an ornamental stone wall with its code of arms on the right side of the road, turn right into Guthrie Street heading towards the sea. At the intersection with De Villiers Street turn right again and follow this road to the gate house where an entrance fee is collected. From there continue on the road until the parking area above the cave. A short but steep descent leads to the beach and the cave below. However, a more interesting approach to the cave starts from the bottom of Guthrie Street and Cliff Street at a wooden viewing platform. This is ideal for whale watching. At this location there are also a parking area and toilet facilities. Between Cliff Street and the sea a rudimentary foot path leads past a few small coves with numerous lime stone caves and overhangs. The most interesting of these is called "Duiwels Gat" (Devils Hole). This is a round erosional hole in the lime stone formation around which a stone wall had been erected to prevent people and animals to fall in. A short and steep scramble down to sea level about 10m below allows to view a cave with the round hole in its ceiling. The cliff path from the viewing platform to the Klipgat Cave covers a distance of about 3km. However, it is poorly sign-posted and scrambling over sand and sharp rocks will not be suitable for everybody. Closed shoes are definitely recommended. Once the beach with the Klipgat Cave comes into sight it is advisable to turn right towards a few small buildings to avoid the danger of falling over the edge into the cave about 30m below. As this cliff path bypasses the guardhouse, the entrance fee can be saved. Overall, the cliff path from the viewing platform is the most interesting walk which I recommend for the more adventurous travelers. Depending on how many features are explored, a few hours can easily be spent on this path. On hot days drinking water should therefore be taken along.
Written May 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marika M
Irene, Gauteng, South Africa30 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Firstly, I should mention that whale watching is about a 100% better in Gans Bay than in Hermanus. Why you would ask? Because the Bay at De Kelders in Gans Bay is much wider and allows you to not only see whales, but also HEAR the whales!
Walker Bay Nature Reserve is an unspoiled piece of heaven with a beach and the amazing Klipgat Cave. It is believed that people from the stone age lived here and once you enter the cave you can see why. It is big, breathtaking and might just restore your faith in mankind again when you gaze upon unspoiled natural beauty.
Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers as there is some climbing and stairs involved. But we are not particularly fit or adventurous and if you walk at a relaxed pace almost anyone can visit the cave.
Leave yourself enough time to walk around and remember water to drink.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve is an unspoiled piece of heaven with a beach and the amazing Klipgat Cave. It is believed that people from the stone age lived here and once you enter the cave you can see why. It is big, breathtaking and might just restore your faith in mankind again when you gaze upon unspoiled natural beauty.
Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers as there is some climbing and stairs involved. But we are not particularly fit or adventurous and if you walk at a relaxed pace almost anyone can visit the cave.
Leave yourself enough time to walk around and remember water to drink.
Written October 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kkti2013
London37 contributions
Sep 2019
This is an amazing location. It's stunning and very peaceful, and there was hardly anyone there when we went. We got to there from De Kelders but we did struggle to find the entrance to the reserve. This is definitely the place for you if you like peace and quiet and you can have the stunning views mostly to yourself. If you want to visit the caves then I'd recommend checking when the tide comes in as you won't be able to access them.
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrearothner
George, South Africa105 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Khoi Sun Caces on the rugged coast of Walker Bay. Well preserved. Secluded and permission to access.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leonmq
Cape Town, South Africa119 contributions
Dec 2017
The most beautiful stretch of beach some 20 km in length of pristine coastline between Hermanus and Gansbaai Die Kelders.Walk at low tide on the hard sand from Grotto beach Hermanus for miles.Take along water ,hat and swim wear,binoculars and camera.Plenty of birds to view ,terns , black oyster catchers ,sandpipers,gulls ect Access can also be gained via Stanford in 4x4 vehicle where we spotted a Cape Leopard sunning himself in the Jeep track!We enjoyed a most memorable picnic at Soepies Klip.
Written December 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RiesCor
Hermanus, South Africa50 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
Nothing beats a hike through the best the walkerbay has to offer. How amazing and breathtaking the views along the route. A MUST
Written February 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerda D
10 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
The reserve boasts some of the best coastline between bettys bay and franskraal, however a large proportion of the reserve is private property and therefore you are only allowed to walk along the beach up to the high tide mark. The caves arent world class deep caves yet do provide shade and beautiful photos. The entrance fee is R50 pppd or free for wildcard users. It is a nice dayspot however hikes seem few and far between. Note the beacg can become crowded very quickly and the parking lot is small. Access is via de kelders. Maps are provided online.
Written December 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manivasagan N
6 contributions
Sep 2021
We did this walk from Walkerbay and it was a magnificent walk on the coastline. Very well kept and well marked out. Easily accessible to all.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingWalker Bay Nature Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Walker Bay Nature Reserve
- Hotels near Walker Bay Nature Reserve:
- (0.04 mi) Pretty Belinda
- (0.10 mi) Heights Villa - lower level
- (0.11 mi) Hermanus Heights Villa
- (0.31 mi) FrancolinHof
- (0.48 mi) Selkirk House
- Restaurants near Walker Bay Nature Reserve:
- (1.43 mi) Char'd Grill & Wine Bar
- (1.39 mi) Pear Tree
- (1.48 mi) Cafè 1904 Restaurant
- (0.92 mi) Lizette's Kitchen
- (0.40 mi) Mikro Coffee Company
Walker Bay Nature Reserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 24 |
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Very Good Reviews | 8 |
Walker Bay Nature Reserve Photos | 58 |