Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the Overberg includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches along Die Plaat from the Klein River estuary in Hermanus to the historic Klipgat Caves in De Kelders, Gansbaai. With its endless stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, fynbos trails and majestic cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Walker Bay Nature Reserve is something truly special.

About

CapeNature is the custodian of the Western Cape’s natural environment which includes Walker Bay Nature Reserve.

See a map of Walker Bay Nature Reserve, here.

Activities

Enjoy the following activities at Walker Bay Nature Reserve:

Swimming
Fishing
Klipgat Cave
Hiking

Birdwatching
Whale Watching
4x4 Trails

Tariffs

CapeNature charges access and activity fees to all visitors not in possession of a valid Wild Card.

Please Note:

Pensioners' discount of 30% applies on all accommodation options, outside of peak times, from Sundays to Thursdays
Off-peak rates apply to all days except Western Cape school holidays and public holidays, as well as on the day before and after holidays

Peak rates are charged during Western Cape school holidays and public holidays, as well as on the day before and after holidays
Wild Cards are not accepted at Stony Point

Wild Card

CapeNature’s Wild Card is the most affordable way to explore! Wild Card membership gives you one year’s unlimited access to the Wild partner parks, reserves and resorts, depending on the type of cluster you choose. Membership is available for an individual, couple or family, while foreign visitors can get International Wild Card membership.

Your Wild Card also includes:

Wild Magazine (sent to you every quarter)
Wild e-Newsletter (sent to your inbox every month)

Exclusive Offers and Competitions
Trip Ideas (available on the website to help you plan your visits)

Gift Idea: A CapeNature Wild Card is a gift that will create memories and boundless joy for family, friends and colleagues who are outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information and to buy your Wild Card online, contact CapeNature directly.

Permits

CapeNature is responsible for the administration and issuing of various permits for outdoor activities that include:

Hiking
Filming Permits
Events Permits
Recreational Fishing
Hunting

Scientific Research
Protected and Endangered Plants
Wild Animals in Captivity
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Contact CapeNature for more information and guidance on how to apply for your chosen permit.

Accommodation

CapeNature reserves each offer a range of accommodation options for those visitors wanting to spend more than a day enjoying the great outdoors.

CapeNature Accommodation

Overnight Hiking
Eco-Venues
Self-Catering
Camping
Groups

Browse the selection at the CapeNature bookings link, here.

CapeNature Visitor App

Experience nature in the Western Cape with CapeNature’s convenient mobile Visitor App!

CapeNature Visitor App

Free with no hidden costs for additional functionality
Simple and easy to use
Access to everything you need when visiting reserves
Automated check-in to complete visitor information for COVID-19 and indemnity screening
Access to reserve maps to discover hidden pathways
Access to iNaturalist to share and discuss your outdoor findings
Notifications on the latest reserve alerts
Chance to win prizes in competitions
Easy to share with family and friends when making group bookings
Convenient for planning your next CapeNature trip

Download the CapeNature Visitor App

Search CapeNature on your Google Play Store (available on Apple App Store soon)
Download the CapeNature Visitor App to your device
Enjoy…

Reviews

“Walker Bay Nature Reserve is like heaven on earth.” Jacques

“One of the most stunning places to visit. I think about it every day although it's been three years since we visited. Truly beautiful, unspoilt and peaceful.” Susan

“One of the most beautiful places to go. The reserve is on the road from Hermanus to Gansbaai. There is a small admission fee. Deserted beaches and beautiful flowers.” Theo

“Unspoilt beauty! Spotted southern right whales, Cape fur seals and had a wonderful walk along the beach!” Anton

“Even though this reserve is close to Stanford and Gansbaai, it has a wonderful feeling of remoteness. Great birdlife, long white sandy beaches and the chance to see seals, dolphins and even whales in the season. A peaceful haven, well worth a visit for nature lovers.” Michelle

Conserve - Explore - Experience