This coastal reserve has excellent hikes and is a prime birdwatching spot. The main attractions though, other than the ocean vistas, are the impressive Klipgat Caves, site of an archaeological discovery of Khoe-San artefacts. There are informative panels within the caves. The reserve is in two sections, though most people stick to the area just north of De Kelders. You can also access the park from Stanford and from Uilenkraalsmond, south of Gansbaai.
© Roger de la Harpe/Shutterstock
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Top choice in Western Cape
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
12.64 MILES
Taste the Jacksons pinotage here – a fine example of South Africa’s home-grown grape variety. There’s also charming self-catering accommodation available …
28.07 MILES
Proclaimed in 1988 as South Africa's first Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the Kogelberg has incredibly complex biodiversity, including more than 1880 plant…
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
29.03 MILES
These often delightfully empty gardens are well worth a visit. Paths explore the region's indigenous plant life – try the Leopard Kloof Trail, a 3km round…
15.06 MILES
Best known for its various wine-pairing options, which include a superb brunch pairing (R495) as well as tea pairings (R435) and even a juice pairing for…
12.21 MILES
This 15-sq-km reserve is wonderful if you’re interested in fynbos (literally 'fine bush' – shrubby plants with thin leaves). There’s a 60km network of…
13.9 MILES
As with other wineries in the region, the pinot noir really shines here. The real star, though, is the superb restaurant (mains R150 to R200), which…
12.42 MILES
The cheese from this farm has become wildly popular – the aged Gruyère is particularly good. Taste and buy a selection of cheese and put together your own…
9.71 MILES
The white wines here are good, particularly the sauvignon blanc. There’s also a small distillery producing grappa and mampoer (moonshine) and a country…
Nearby Western Cape attractions
7.23 MILES
Dating from 1895, the lighthouse is set in pretty grounds and has some information on the 1852 HMS Birkenhead shipwreck. It's best to call in advance as…
8.91 MILES
Birkenhead is one of the country's oldest microbreweries and one of its most scenic, with a lovely view of the Klein River Mountains. Sip your way through…
9.71 MILES
The white wines here are good, particularly the sauvignon blanc. There’s also a small distillery producing grappa and mampoer (moonshine) and a country…
11.54 MILES
This museum doesn’t have a lot going for it, but outside there’s a display of old fishing boats and the admission fee includes entrance to the more…
11.57 MILES
The harbour clings to the cliffs in front of the town centre and is the hub of Hermanus. You'll find three museums here: the Old Harbour Museum, Whale…
11.59 MILES
There's a mildly interesting collection of photos from the Hermanus of yore at this small museum. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Old…
11.6 MILES
There's lots of info on whales, including daily audiovisual shows. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Old Harbour Museum and the…
12.21 MILES
This 15-sq-km reserve is wonderful if you’re interested in fynbos (literally 'fine bush' – shrubby plants with thin leaves). There’s a 60km network of…