Coot Club

OVERVIEW:

Coot Club is a family-friendly retreat within 464 hectares of private nature reserve on South Africa’s dramatic Cape coastline, 2 hours by car from Cape Town. This area is rich in birdlife and plant diversity, and guests can enjoy sandboarding down dunes, birding on the Klein river, quad biking, hiking, and canoeing against the backdrop of the Maanschynkop mountains. From June to December each year, you can also take 4×4 excursions to Walker Bay Beach to see migrating humpback and southern right whales. With a mix of cottages and boathouses, able to accommodate groups of varying sizes, this is an ideal malaria-free family destination where guests can be as relaxed or active as they choose. Rates at Coot Club include full breakfast at the Clubhouse, use of paddle boards, kayaks, adult fat bikes, and kids’ bikes.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Coot Club is located on the southern bank of the Klein River Lagoon, between Hermanus and Gansbaai on South Africa’s Cape coastline. Guests fly into Cape Town International Airport, and from there it’s a 2-hour drive. The property is 20 minutes by car from Hermanus.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT COOT CLUB:

Inspired by traditional Klein river boatsheds, accommodation at Coot Club consists of stylish nautical-themed cottages and boathouses with one, two, or three bedrooms, some facing the lagoon and others tucked into the milkwood forest. The style is airy and contemporary, with bold splashes of colour that add a fun, light-hearted element while blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Two of the Boathouse units are ideal for families, with a bathroom for each bedroom, and open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen areas. The three-bedroom Port Boathouse is spacious, with two en-suite bedrooms and a twin with a separate bathroom. There’s also a newly built two-bedroom Stern Boathouse designed for adults, with bedrooms that can be configured as doubles or twins, and indoor/outdoor showers in both en-suite bathrooms. All accommodations have cosy wood-burning fireplaces for warming up on cooler winter nights, and large light-flooded windows and patio doors that bring the outside in. Lawns is a three-bedroom family house with an upstairs loft and bunk beds for kids. Downstairs are two master en-suite bedrooms, one with a double indoor shower and an outdoor bath and shower. The house has a spacious veranda, perfect for dining al fresco, and a BBQ, fire-pit, and wood-fired hot tub. The cottages are set within pretty fynbos gardens and feature fireplaces and hot tubs. Leeward Large cottages are well suited to couples or small families, as each has a sleeper couch in the living room to accommodate a child.

Coot Club’s communal space includes the Clubhouse, where guests are invited to dine outside beneath ancient milkwood trees. An à la carte lunch menu serves simple, family-friendly options, including woodfire pizzas, homemade burgers, and BBQ roast chicken. Sundowners are offered on the lawn or the jetty, and in winter staff light the fire indoors and create a cosy, convivial atmosphere for guests to enjoy. There’s also the choice of dining at various scenic locations, including picnics on the beach or at romantic tables beneath the stars. Across the lawns from the Clubhouse, you’ll find an outdoor swimming pool with loungers – and although there isn’t a spa, in-room treatments can be arranged on request.

ACTIVITIES AT COOT CLUB:

A base from which to explore Walker Bay Beach and the Klein river, Coot Club has plenty to inspire those who love the great outdoors.

• 4×4 Walker Bay Beach tour

  – Take to the dunes of Walker Bay Beach on a 4×4 expedition for seasonal land-based whale watching and sandboarding on the dunes.

• Whale watching

  – Seasonal land- and water-based whale watching offers guests the unique chance of seeing migrating humpback and southern right whales in this stunning marine environment. Whale watching is usually offered between July and November.

• Quad bikes

  – Weather permitting, enjoy a thrilling guided ride on the Coot Club quad bikes, exploring the properties surrounding trails with glorious views across to the mountains.

• Water activities

  – Coot Club offers several kayaks for guests to paddle on the lagoon. Stand-up paddle-boards are also available, and wakeboarding, sailing, waterskiing, and tubing can be arranged at an additional cost. Wild swimming is possible in the lagoon.

• Birding

  – The Klein river is a superb birding destination full of resident and migrating species, including the African fish eagle, blue crane, pelican, flamingo, and various herons, kingfishers, and sunbirds.

• Walking and cycling

  – Take to the peaceful nature trails surrounding Coot Club on foot or by fat bike for slow-paced explorations. You can also cycle into the local Stanford Village and enjoy its quiet charm and simple lifestyle.

• Klein River trips

  – It’s possible to arrange scenic cruises on the Klein river, which is known for its tranquil natural environment and varied birdlife. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!