Exciting and Indulgent Ways to Spend your Stay at Whale Huys in De Kelders
Set against an extraordinary section of coastline that peers down the eastern sweep of the Cape Peninsula, you’ll find our self-catering villa, Whale Huys. This three-storey, four-bedroom guesthouse perches on the west-facing cliffs in De Kelders, a tiny seaside community, affording guests spectacular sunset views, unparalleled whale sightings, and much-needed R&R. But aside from enjoying the property and taking a little time out to rejuvenate, the area offers guests to Whale Huys a plethora of exciting and enchanting activities to do, from whale watching, shark cage diving, and nature appreciation to wine tasting, eating out, and retail theraphy.
Whale watching
False Bay is famous for its whale watching activities, both land-based and out to sea. But if you’re not up for the crowds and costs of Hermanus, De Kelders and its big sister Gansbaai are much better options for whale watching, especially given the elevation and unobstructed ocean views enjoyed from Whale Huys. In fact, there’s really no need to venture further than Whale Huys’ conservatory with its wrap-around windows, incredible views of False Bay, and telescope!
If, however, you’re keen to get out into nature, the pristinely beautiful Walker Bay Nature Reserve which is sandwiched between Hermanus and Gansbaai is a fantastic place to explore. Here, there is a spectacular stretch of coast and untouched indigenous vegetation alive with birdlife. Walker Bay is also known as one of the best spots in South Africa to do land-based whale watching.
Nature appreciation around Whale Huys
Aside from the bus-sized cetaceans that frequent the southern Cape coastline between June and November, there are other, more permanent residents to be spotted in this heavily natured neck of the woods. Thick, green marine scrub and bushes proliferate on the narrow swath of land between the villa and the coast, with a private walkway winding its way down from the pool deck to the rocks below. This connects to a coastal path, which is quite lovely for morning and afternoon strolls, weather permitting.
If you’re vigilant and just a little bit lucky, dolphins, seals, and the occasional great white shark can be spotted in the bay. Mongoose and dassie (rock hyrax) are very common and will even approach you if they smell food. The birdlife here is rich with black-backed gulls, rock kestrels, rock martins, speckled mousebirds, and southern double-collared sunbirds being frequent visitors. Endangered African black oystercatchers also grace the rocky outcrops at the foot of Whale Huys and, further out to sea, you can spot Cape gannets diving and kilometre-long trains of Cape cormorants making their way from one end of False Bay to the other.
Shark cage diving
Gansbaai is regarded as the shark capital of Africa (if not the world) with several tour companies offering day trips out to sea, not only to witness these enormous, prehistoric creatures in action, but also to get into the water with them (with a wetsuit on and in a cage, of course). The White Shark Diving Company, Marine Dynamics Shark Tours and Extreme Scene are three reputable companies that offer such trips. It’s also very possible that you’ll see other marine wildlife during your adventure, like dolphins, seals, and whales, as well as several different bird species.
Note: it’s a smart idea to pop a (non-drowsy) motion sickness prevention tablet before your trip. The swells can be quite large out to sea and the only ones who will be grateful for your indisposition will be the fish.
Go wine tasting
Aside from whale watching and nature appreciation, De Kelders is located right off one of the Cape’s most under-appreciated wine routes. The southwestern Cape coast is home to a constellation of wine estates that, located in the cool, maritime climate of the Overberg region, produce a beautiful array of white and red wines.
At an approximate 15-minute drive away, the closest wine estate to Whale Huys is Lomond Wines. Further afield (about 30 to 45 minutes’ drive), you’ll find Springfontein, Stanford Hills, Hermanuspietersfontein, and Strandveld Wine Estates. Closer to Hermanus (40 minutes’ drive), there’s the entire Hemel-en-Aarde valley, which is littered with well-accomplished wine estates like Bouchard Finlayson, Creation, Ataraxia, Sumaridge, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, and a whole lot more.
In other words, the south coast is prime wine country and, depending on whom you ask, it is here that you’ll find the Cape’s most delicious pinot noirs!
Eating out
Gansbaai has plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés to choose from, while Stanford has a reputation for being one of South Africa’s most interesting culinary small towns. But if you’re looking for a bit of spoil within walking distance from Whale Huys, Benguela is the best option. Chef-proprietor Jonathan Engelbrecht offers a sophisticated five-course fixed dinner menu with wine pairings in an intimate, social dining environment.
For something a little more informal, a 10-minute walk from Whale Huys you’ll find Kloeksathome, which serves delicious food at reasonable prices. Make sure you reserve (they only have five tables) and take your own wine since they don’t have a liquor license. Coffee on the Rocks, also located nearby, does coffee, snacks, and light lunches.
Go for a lazy walkabout
Left your sarong at home and looking for a replacement? Or what about a special souvenir to remember your trip to this magical part of the Cape coastline? Gansbaai has plenty of artsy gift shops and souvenir, clothing, and curio stores to peruse on a leisurely walk through town. The Fynbos Homeware Shoppe, M+S Designs, and the One Stop Curiosity Shop are just a few examples of the treasures awaiting exploration!
Visit the Danger Point Lighthouse
It took forty years after the Birkenhead ship met a devastating end on the coast at Gansbaai for the powers-that-be to finally erect a lighthouse in 1895. Today, that lighthouse stands as a reminder of the perils of the southern Cape coast and its famous storms. Located 10 kilometres to the southwest of Gansbaai, on a peninsula known as Danger Point, the white octagonal lighthouse makes for a lovely daytime excursion. Visitors to the Danger Point Lighthouse can climb its steps for a gorgeous vantage point out over the Atlantic Ocean - look out for whales! Also, no fewer than seven wrecks litter the rocks beneath the lighthouse so keep a look out for the debris.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 15:00 | Off-peak (May to September): by reservation only | Peak season (October to April): 10:00 to 15:00
For bookings and enquiries, please contact Whale Huys today!
