Welcome to Whale Huys

Whale Huys and Sustainability

In all that we do, we try to have as light a touch as possible on the environment while still providing a comfortable and relaxing stay. This is why we chose for the natural cooling of the thatched roof and high-ceilings over air conditioning. The disadvantage of thatch is that twigs and sand can sometimes fall out of the roof, especially if we have had strong winds so you may notice this on the bedding or the floor.

The eco-wood deck is manufactured from recycled plastic rather than unsustainably harvested hard woods. As much as possible we choose for environmentally friendlier products, including the Afriearth shampoos, soaps and other amenities. The mosquito nets installed in each bedroom are a more sustainable alternative to Peaceful Sleep and other insecticides.

The solar geysers provide most of our hot water and this is supplemented by two electric boilers. If at any point you need more hot water you can press the red buttons on the far left of the controllers in the cupboard in the bedroom at the top of the stairs to the left. This will switch on the electric supplementary heaters. They turn off again when they reach 55 degrees.

We are fortunate that De Kelders does not have a water shortage or any water restrictions, but nonetheless we try to minimize water wastage through a water recovery system for the pool, water efficient taps and shower heads, and reuse of some of our grey water for the garden.
The lighting at Whale Huys is also fitted with low-energy LED lighting and the slow combustion fireplace is designed to optimize heat while reducing the amount of wood used. All of our new appliances, like the dishwasher, oven, refrigerator and washing machines are A rated (or better) for low energy consumption.

Gansbaai was chosen as the most responsible destination for tourism by the Responsible Travel organisation and website, and we are proud to be part of this community.

You can help by ensuring you turn off all lights when you leave whale Huys and avoiding water waste whenever possible. In a place of such amazing natural beauty, conservation just makes sense.

Surrounded by nature

At Whale Huys you will discover that without the noice of roads and cities, that sounds of nature emerge. The sound of the waves and dozens of species of birds, each with their own signature call. During whale season you may will likely hear the tail slaps and breaching sounds as well as some of the calls they use to communicate with each other. But there are many other peaceful residents near by. We regularly see cape mongoose — there are lots of them, but we call “him” Manny. You will also likely see dassies, tortoises and a variety of lizards. On the rare occasion, we have also been fortunate enough to see cape otter, cape gennet, and even a small bokkie. The house is also surrounded by many different types of natural fynbos. We are delighted to have such a bounty of nature directly surrounding us. We do all we can to not disturb this natural environment, and encourage our guests to do the same.

The South African Reforestation Trust
While we have tried to reduce our impact to a minimum, we have also partnered with Trees for Tourism so guests can easily offset the emissions of their travel and other activities through a certified tree planting programme in a nearby indigenous forest. You can sponsor the planting of one tree for just R100, and you will receive a personalised certificate of offset.

Settle in, feel at home.

Perched on the ocean’s edge in De Kelders, southwestern Cape, Whale Huys is a beautiful self catering accommodation with unobstructed sea views from all living areas, dining areas and bedrooms. Fall asleep and wake to the sound of the waves gently lapping at the rocks below and the sea birds cavorting in the ocean breeze. With 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms, a salt-water pool, poolside bar, outdoor braai and a fully equipped kitchen, Whale Huys is the perfect holiday rental choice for large families or groups of friends looking for a luxurious place to vacation together!

Ocean, nature, spectacular views and whale watching at your doorstep!

Each bedroom of this stunning Whale Coast self catering accommodation opens out onto its own sea front balcony, affording visitors breath-taking views of our gorgeous coastline. The uninterrupted panoramic views of Walker Bay and the surrounding mountain range extend up to Hangklip and even the Cape of Good Hope on a clear day.
Next to the infinity pool, a private path winds its way through the fynbos vegetation that is indigenous to the Western Cape, taking you to the water’s edge, or to a walking trail that extends from the one end of Gansbaai to the pristine beaches of the Walker Bay Nature Conservancy near Hermanus.

Whale Huys combines the warmth and character of traditional thatched roof architecture with the luxury of a modern holiday villa. It boasts conveniences like basic satellite TV, wireless Internet and a laptop, which you can use to check your email, stay in touch with loved ones or surf the web. Although Whale Huys is a self catering accommodation, a private chef and daily maid services can be made available at an extra charge.

More About De Kelders and how to get to Whale Huys
Located less than two hours away from Cape Town International Airport, Whale Huys self-catering accommodation is well positioned as a weekend escape from Cape Town or Johannesburg. With Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa, lying just 85km to the north, you’ll find Whale Huys the perfect spot to start your garden route tour.

Whale Huys has been built directly on the Whale Coast in De Kelders (Overberg region, Western Cape), affording visitors some of the best land-based whale watching in the world directly from the villa during the months of June to November! Also during the rest of the year, dolphins, seals, dassies (rock hyrax) and dozens of species of birds provide a delightful and intimate experience with nature.
Things to do in De Kelders and Surrounds