Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Walker Bay is a coastal nature reserve in the south-western Cape, just east of Hermanus. The reserve includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches from Klein River to De Kelders at Gansbaai. Die Plaat is the area’s white sandy beach, with rocky limestone outcrops and the occasional southern right whale offshore. The scenic Klein River lagoon, north-west of the reserve, flows into the sea at times. Walker Bay is also historically significant, with records of Middle Stone Age people (65 000 to 85 000 years ago) living in Klipgat Cave. There is also evidence that Khoi and San people lived in the area about 2 000 years ago. Walker Bay is a picturesque, pristine reserve with an abundance of coastal and marine life. It is known as one of the best spots in South Africa to do land-based whale watching. Every year, hundreds of southern right whales gather in the sheltered bay to breed and calve their young. Dolphins throughout the year! A 24 km hiking trail hugs the coastline and there are several beaches and protected coves. Die Plaat, a vast area dominated by drift-sand can be seen from the other side of Walker Bay. The reserve is open daily from 7 am until 7 pm, and the entrance is on the northern edge of De Kelders. Visitors will need an entry permit, which can be purchased at the gatehouses at De Kelders and Uilenkraalsmond. The famous Klipgat Cave can be reached by a boardwalk and steps from the entrance.