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#1 of 1 limited service property in De Hoop Nature Reserve
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Value
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A mere three (and a bit) hour drive from Cape Town, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop is the former Camp David of FW de Klerk, and now offers a luxury stay on this pristine six kilometre stretch of private beach. This is some of the best land-based whale watching on the planet, and there's the reserve to explore as well.
Extraordinary location situated along a marine protected area. We were placed in what’s known as the whale room (sunrise room ) with spectacular sweeping views of the ocean. The lodge accommodated 14 guests during our stay with the incredibly knowledgable & attentive Francois as our guide. Delicious meals were enjoyed together with guests at one long table which made for interesting conversation. An open bar with coffee machine, rusks & biscuits is available in the dining area.
The well decorated & comfortable rooms have no fans or aircon. We opened our sliding door allowing for a lovely fresh sea breeze & sadly inviting in little field mice which unfortunately chewed into our luggage. (This was brought to managements attention) The drinks service was disappointingly marginal, often not being assisted when requesting a drink & on occasion being pointed to go make your own coffee. The gin bar was also to be open by 6pm & post our fynbos walk in the heat at just before 6, we were awkwardly refrained from having a gin upon our return.
Despite the peculiar lack of attentive service, this location, marine & birdlife & nature sets this stay in the extraordinary bracket.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The dirt road to the lodge is a corrugated loose gravelled road. Allow sufficient time to get to...
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.
Response from Pru Allison, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed your stay and thank you for your feedback which we've taken on board. Kind regards, Lekkerwater Team
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A wonderful opportunity to “get away from it all” in this very special lodge on an outstanding stretch of deserted and protected coastline. The individual private cabins on stilts are comfortable and appropriate for the setting, all with stunning views. The food, served at a long communal dining table, is surprisingly good given the remote location. Best of all are the guided walks in the fynbos and along the beach searching for octopuses in the tidal pools. All the staff are of very high calibre, nothing is too much trouble and you are made to feel at home - indeed, you are returning to the cradle of Homo Sapiens. Definitely stay for 3 or 4 nights not 2 and, given the 60km drive on dirt roads, an SUV or similar is preferable. An unforgettable experience.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take strong walking shoes and long trousers for fynbos walks. Take a spare car tyre if possible.
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.
Response from Natural Selection, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 26 Jan 2023
Hi Stephen, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review. We're thrilled that you enjoyed your time with us here at Lekkerwater, particularly the guided walks through the fynbos and tidal pools. We hope to be able to welcome you back before too long. Warm regards, the Lekkerwater team
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We were fortunate enough to have been able to book out Lekkerwater on an exclusive use basis for 7 couples in celebration of my 50th birthday. What a weekend it was!
After travelling some 4 hours from Cape Town, we were welcomed at the Lekkerwater car park. After some drinks and formalities, Guide Tim transferred us to the lodge, some 6km away. Tim reminded us that every egg and every glass (and everything else for that matter) were transported over the same bumpy 4x4 track after coming all the way from Bredasdorp some 1.5 hours away...
The Lodge, scenery, beach and location were breathtaking. Friends mingled, caught up after many years, had a well-deserved rest, shared meals and drinks, enjoyed a fynbos hike and rock pool exploration with Guide Tim (who was such a good fit for our group). We saw the first whales of the season, countless dolphins and other sea life. We spent hours in the hot tub, walking long distances on the deserted beach, body surfing the powerful high tide shore break waves like teenagers.
The food was exactly what we hoped for - generous, hearty and not too fancy. The staff was exceptional, and they went out of their way to make our stay memorable. Chris needs a special mention and each and every person creating and serving the food and drinks.
All in all, everyone was recharged, revitalised and relaxed.
Having travelled extensively for many years, I would never have thought that I would come to the conclusion that this was "the best weekend of my life" (I agree I may be slightly biased surrounded by my best friends, on an exclusive use basis and beautiful weather and scenery).
PS: The setup at Lekkerwater is such that you will mingle / share meals / have conversations with others. It is not the ideal location if you are very people shy or looking for a private escape (also mentioned clearly on their website), but if you can break away with friends / family and especially on an exclusive use basis, there can’t be many other places on the planet that compare.
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Date of stay: May 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Response from Pru Allison, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 20 May 2024
First of all Happy Birthday! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed such special celebrations at our beautiful lodge. It's really good of you to take the time to leave us such a lovely review and we hope to be able to welcome you back before too long. Best wishes, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Team
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This property although in an idyllic location is really only geared up for a 2 night stay. They seem to have a ridged formula in terms of menus and experiences. We stayed 4 nights and had expected this to be the highlight of our multi stop trip on the garden route and in Franschhoek. Sadly we were served the EXACT same dinner menus twice over. Be sure to like red meat as this is all you get . Night 1 was filet steak followed by warm Bananas , this exact same dinner was served again on night 3 . Nights 2 and 4 were a barbecue followed by an ice cream cone for dessert. People had written in reviews of trips to the caves and vultures this is no longer offered to you. You get the beach experience and the fynbos walk. Once again the same thing rolled out again. There were no drinks on the beach around the Boma as shown in pictures on the website. Rooms are tight with no bedside tables. No awning or umbrella on the room terrace for shade. Room cleaning was only ‘ok’ Very sad to write this review as we met very nice staff members during the stay. Attempted to get management to compensate for a poor experience but even that doesn’t work well either. This should have been a high end experience and we had far better experiences for a lesser room rate on numerous occasions on the trip.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Natural Selection, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 19 Apr 2023
Hi there and thank you for your review. We are sorry that expectations were not met as this would never be our intention, however, we have reached out to you directly in order to address the concerns raised. Rest assured all feedback is taken on board and the appropriate action will always be taken where necessary. Kind regards, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Team
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At the end of a long road through the nature reserve the Hoop, you will be collected for a rather steep drive through the dunes to arrive at a modern lodge with separate outbuildings that are the individual rooms: all with a view on the ocean. The lodge is intended for lovers of nature, hikes through the dunes or on the beach; its organized activities consist of two walks with extensive explanations provided by the owners, two biologists. These are very interesting and worthwhile. The guests share the meals at a long table; the first evening the story of the area is revealed in front of the fire place; a gin&tonic bar is opened at 6. the meals were lovely and full of interaction between the guests. It is truly a different “safari” experience.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:The drive from Bredasdorp to the parking lot takes its time, as well as obtaining the entrance...
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.
Response from Pru Allison, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 06 Jan 2025
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. It's great to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back before too long. Kind regards, Lekkerwater Team
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This location is unstoppable! Located in the middle of the de Hoop Reserve, this great lodge with only a few rooms. You travel with strangers and leave as friends after the 2 days you spend there together. The team was fantastic and every wish was fulfilled here. The room has a great terrace with direct views of the sea and the whales passing by. It was just great!
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lekkerwater is just a magical place - from its remoteness to the scenery. We especially enjoyed our walks and all the knowledge Tim shared with us about the marine life and the pretty bushes. The staff were friendly and made us feel very special. Sundowners were spectacular as we watched the whales frolicking close by!
However, there are a number of things the can be improved. The rooms lack a certain 'feminine' touch and were not very clean. The way the common areas are set up, we always find ourselves engaging with other guests. Although this may be a positive and friendships may be forged, it can also be a bit much especially if one is looking for some quiet time. Although all the food is cooked fresh, it is fairly average and does not compliment the whole experience.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Natural Selection, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 14 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review, we really do appreciate it. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that you love the lodge's position as much as we do. Thank you too for your constructive feedback. It's always so useful for us to have this sort of review so that we can ensure our standards are as high as we strive for them to be going forwards. Warm regards, The Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Team
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My wife and I had been travelling in South Africa for two weeks and were getting tired of living out of a suitcase. Out three night stop at Lekkerwater was just the oasis of calm, comfort and peace that we needed.
The directions for driving to the Lodge were excellent and we had no difficulty except that we were relieved when we reached the end of the several kilometers of corrugations!
The accommodation was extremely comfortable and private with stunning views and the constant sound of the sea in our ears.
The communal lounge and dining areas were very well furnished with wonderful views in all directions of the endless sea and beach. The cuisine was excellent and prepared by a chef who clearly knew his trade; frankly better than some of the expensive meals I had had in Plettenburg and Cape Town.
The guided walks were both of very good quality and very interesting being led by someone who knew what he was talking about and was able to communicate his love of the environment we were in in a very special way.
All in all this was a very different, very comfortable and very peaceful diversion and we loved every minute of our stay. I particularly appreciated my conversations with Leigh who offered an insight into South African history both long ago and more recently as well.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Natural Selection, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 15 Apr 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review, we really do appreciate it. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed such a happy time with us here at Lekkerwater and we hope to be able to welcome you back before too long. Kind regards, The Lekkerwater Beach Lodge Team
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The drive to the lodge after the turnoff in Bredasdorp took longer than I anticipated, but it could also be due to the roadworks that was happening in one section.
Once you pay the conservation fee at the CapeNature gate they radio the Lodge to advise them that you have "arrived". The parking area is safe, and this is where you are collected and transferred to the lodge.
You are welcomed into the "family" on arrival, with welcome drink and snacks as well, then you are shown to your room to sloowwwly unpack and enjoy the views from your deck. No matter which room you are in, the views are superb.
The pace is slow, and you decide what activities to take part in. The nature and marine walks were very interesting and Billy is extremely knowledgeable.
Delicious South African inspired meals are held family style in the dining area and a great way to get to know your fellow guests.
The lodge is very proud of their eco footprint, and staff give an informative talk about the history of the lodge and the area.
Highly recommended and would say that a 3 night stay should be minimum!
A huge thank you to all the staff for looking after and feeding me so well.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
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.
Response from NS-Marketing, Public Relations Manager at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed such a happy stay, and we hope to be able to welcome you back before too long. Kind regards, Pru - Lekkerwater marketing team
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There is very little I can fault Lekkerwater on. From the booking process, communication it was all professional. The drive is a bit rough and a high rise vehicle is definitely needed or else it would take very long to reach the parking area. They take you onto comfortable Safari trucks down into perfect paradise. The views are just raw, untouched nature. Everyone is very helpful and kind and let you go at your own pace whilst staying there. No pressure to do too much if you simply want to unwind. Great selection of wines, and you certainly won't ever be hungry. The chefs whip up a great, hearty selection of meals. The rooms are comfortable, a little smaller than anticipated but the views do make up for it. There is a great hot tub experience on the beach which really added relaxation to another level. Sundowners each evening make sunset even more magical and it is a very secluded stay. The pods of dolphins are visible by the naked eye. Without a doubt recommend Lekkerwater to unwind, unplug and for some downtime.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Pru Allison, Marketing at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
Responded 18 Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back before too long. Kind regards, Pru - Lekkerwater Beach Lodge marketing team
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There are more places to choose from in the De Hoop Nature Reserve area.
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictMalagasDe Hoop Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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