Baleens - Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Sustainability

Conservation efforts for Southern Right Whales and marine ecosystem within Walker Bay Nature Reserve.

Wildlife Near This Lodge

3872 species observed within 20 km, 60 mammals, 247 birds.

• Broadleaf Featherbush (Plantae, 774 observations)
• Common Pagoda (Plantae, 682 observations)
• Cape everlasting (Plantae, 667 observations)
• Common Sugarbush (Plantae, 579 observations)
• Sickleleaf Conebush (Plantae, 562 observations)
• Salter (Plantae, 532 observations)
• Angulate Tortoise (Reptilia, 531 observations)
• golden wreath wattle (Plantae, 519 observations)
• wild mallow (Plantae, 473 observations)
• Common Sunshine Conebush (Plantae, 471 observations)

Monthly Climate

Best Time to Visit Baleens

The best months to visit Baleens are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Great, temperature 20.85°C, rainfall 26.6mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 72.2%
• February: Great, temperature 20.71°C, rainfall 26.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 72.3%
• March: Good, temperature 19.31°C, rainfall 56.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 76.2%
• April: Good, temperature 16.74°C, rainfall 37mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 76.8%
• May: Good, temperature 15.03°C, rainfall 101.9mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 79.2%
• June: Poor, temperature 13.84°C, rainfall 127.4mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 78.6%
• July: Poor, temperature 11.97°C, rainfall 116.9mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 78.1%
• August: Good, temperature 12.21°C, rainfall 98.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 76.4%
• September: Good, temperature 13.21°C, rainfall 70.1mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 76.5%
• October: Good, temperature 16.12°C, rainfall 49.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 75.3%
• November: Good, temperature 17.59°C, rainfall 39.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 72.2%
• December: Great, temperature 19.01°C, rainfall 45.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Baleens special for whale watching near Walker Bay Nature Reserve?

We love Baleens because it offers unparalleled access to the Southern Right Whale migration. From June to December, these magnificent creatures come incredibly close to shore, and Baleens puts you right in the heart of the action. We recommend booking a room with a sea view for the most sensational whale watching experience directly from your guesthouse.

Is Baleens a good choice for families traveling with children?

Absolutely. Baleens is genuinely child friendly, and we found it to be a relaxed and welcoming environment for families. The proximity to Walker Bay Nature Reserve means there are safe, engaging outdoor spaces for kids to explore, and the lodge staff are excellent with younger guests.

Beyond whale watching, what other activities can we enjoy near Baleens?

While the whales are the main draw from June to December, the surrounding area offers more. We enjoyed exploring the coastal paths of Walker Bay Nature Reserve, and the guesthouse itself is a comfortable base for relaxing. For those interested in local culture, nearby Hermanus has charming shops and restaurants to discover.

What kind of atmosphere and amenities can we expect at Baleens?

Baleens feels like a luxurious and timeless guesthouse rather than a typical safari lodge. We found the rooms to be beautifully appointed and comfortable, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. Expect warm hospitality and a focus on making your stay restful and enjoyable.

What practical considerations should we keep in mind for a stay at Baleens, especially regarding costs and safety?

Baleens offers excellent value, particularly given its prime location for whale watching. We found the pricing to be transparent and reasonable for the quality of accommodation and the experience. Safety is also a priority; the area is generally very secure, and the guesthouse staff are attentive to guest well-being.

Other Safari Lodges in Walker Bay Nature Reserve

• Abalone Guest Lodge
• Ama-Krokka B&B
• Anlo Guest House
• Baleia Guest Lodge
• Beack House
• Buchu
• Chesham House
• Cloister
• Cone Bush
• De Kelders B&B
• Die Stroom B&B
• Erica Eco-chalet
• Fernkloof Lodge
• Francolinhof Guest House
• Garden Lodge
• Glen Oakes Private Camp Site
• Guesthouse Bellamente
• Habonim Camp Site
• Haus Giotto B&B
• Lobelia Eco-chalet
• Marebella Guesthouse
• Milkwood Lodge
• MOSAIC Duminy Cottage
• MOSAIC Lagoon Lodge
• MOSAIC Milkwood 1 Cottage
• MOSAIC Milkwood 2 Cottage
• MOSAIC Milkwood 3 Cottage
• Onrus Caravan Park
• Owl Camp
• Oxalis Eco-chalet
• Protea Eco-chalet
• Restio Eco-chalet
• Rivergate Guest Farm
• Romanza Apartment
• Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
• Saxon Lodge
• Sea Star Cliff
• Sea Star Lodge
• Stanford River Lodge
• Strandskloof Park
• The Roundhouse
• The Whale on Main B&B ****
• Umnenge Lodge
• Villa 1 - Fynbos Villa - Grootbos
• Villa 2 - Fynbos Villa - Grootbos
• Whale Rock Luxury Lodge
• Wortelgat
• Zzzone adventure basecamp for backpackers

Parks in Western Cape & Garden Route

• Agulhas National Park
• Aquila
• Bontebok National Park
• Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve
• Cederberg Wilderness Area
• De Hoop Nature Reserve
• Gondwana Game Reserve
• Hantam National Botanical Garden
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve
• Koggelfontein workshops
• Namaqua National Park
• Table Mountain National Park
• Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area
• Tankwa-Karoo National Park
• Tygerberg Nature Reserve

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa