Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Cape Overberg
The Walker Bay Nature Reserve is managed by Cape Nature and stretches for almost 25km from the scenic Klein River Estuary, near Voëlklip, just outside Hermanus, to De Kelders, and continues for a short distance beyond Gansbaai.
The magnificent, unspoiled and remote 17km stretch of beach between Klein River and De Kelders is called Die Plaat. Beautiful shells and pebbles dot the scenic shoreline and black mussels abound in and around the rock pools. Blessed with private coves, unusual rock formations and cliffs with rock “umbrellas” for a shady spot to relax, the beach is also ideal for kite flying, a picnic, sandboarding and walking. There are safe places to swim, depending on the weather conditions, but the surf can be extremely dangerous.
Rock and surf fishing is also popular, and there is a wonderful 4×4 fishing trail.
Lowland coastal fynbos, also known as strandveld, is the main type of vegetation and is characterised by species such as bietou, blombos, sour fig and waxberry. Dense thickets of old milkwoods occur along the banks of the Klein River lagoon.
Most of the mammals found in the reserve are shy, although the tracks of Cape clawless otter, bushbuck, duiker, grysbok and steenbok are occasionally spotted. Offshore, southern right whales occur from about August to November, while Bryde’s and humpback whales, and various dolphin species occur throughout the year. Marine fish include the sought-after galjoen, kabeljou and steenbras, which may be caught at Galjoenbank, Sopiesklip, Skeurbank and other fishing sites.
The reserve hosts numerous species of seabirds, including the striking African black oystercatcher. This species is threatened by coastal recreational activities as it breeds on beaches during the summer. Please avoid disturbing coastal birds and destroying sensitive dune vegetation.
Fires and overnight camping are not allowed. No overnight accommodation is available in the Reserve. Litter must be removed and vehicles are to stay within demarcated areas.
Click for Enlarged Map
Marine and Coastal Management regulations apply to the removal of bait and other marine organisms. Permits for marine angling are available at Post Offices. A freshwater angling license (obtainable from any CapeNature office) is required for angling in the Klein River lagoon and estuary. Alternatively, permits can be obtained from the Walker Bay Nature Reserve office at Voëlklip (cnr 7th Street and 17th Avenue, during office hours (Monday to Friday 08h00 –16h00).
Tel: (028) 314 0062 Fax: (028) 314 1814 E-mail: Website.
Access to the Reserve is via Mierkom at Stanford, De Kelders (Die Plaat) and at Uilkraalsmond. A entry permit is required and can be obtained at the gatehouses at De Kelders and Uilkraalsmond.
The reserve is open daily between 7am and 7pm.
| More info on the town of Stanford | More info on the Cape Overberg |
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