De Kelders is a coastal residential village forming part of Greater Gansbaai in the Overstrand Local Municipality and the Overberg District Municipality of the Western Cape. It lies between the R43 and the limestone cliffs of Walker Bay, approximately five kilometres from central Gansbaai and about 40 kilometres by road from Hermanus. Nearby communities include Perlemoenbaai, Stanford’s Bay, Gansbaai, Kleinbaai and Franskraal. Its landscape is distinguished by rocky cliffs, sea caves, sheltered coves, coastal limestone fynbos and broad views across Walker Bay towards the mountains near Hermanus.
The precise date on which De Kelders was established as a residential settlement could not be reliably confirmed. Its name means “the cellars” and refers to the numerous cavernous openings and underground chambers formed in the porous coastal limestone. These caves developed through long periods of groundwater erosion, changing sea levels and wave action. Residential development later spread along the cliffs between Stanford’s Bay and the De Kelders entrance to Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
De Kelders has an exceptionally important archaeological heritage. Klipgat Cave contains evidence of occupation by Middle Stone Age people tens of thousands of years ago and later use by Khoe pastoral communities. Archaeological investigations identified stone tools, shell remains, animal bones, pottery and human remains that provide insight into changing coastal lifeways. The cave is now recognised as an important early-human heritage site and forms part of the Western Cape’s Cradle of Human Culture route.
The more recent history of the area is connected with fishing, farming and coastal settlement. In 1811 fishing families established cottages beneath the milkwood trees at nearby Stanford’s Bay, helping to develop the fishing culture from which Gansbaai later grew. The caves, freshwater sources and sheltered shoreline made the broader area attractive for habitation over many periods. Some caves remain inaccessible or closed for conservation and safety reasons, and visitors should never enter unmarked openings or restricted archaeological areas.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve extends for more than 17 kilometres along the coastline from the Klein River estuary to De Kelders. Klipgat Cave can be reached from the reserve’s De Kelders gate by a boardwalk followed by a short section over uneven rocks. Visitors can also enjoy coastal walking, picnicking, fishing with the required permit, birdwatching, fynbos photography and views across Walker Bay. Sea conditions, tides and slippery limestone surfaces require caution, and current gate times, conservation fees and access conditions should be confirmed with CapeNature.
De Kelders is renowned for land-based whale watching, especially when southern right whales visit Walker Bay to mate, calve and nurse their young. Whales can sometimes be observed from the cliff paths, accommodation decks and shoreline viewpoints during the main season, generally between June and November. Other marine attractions in the Greater Gansbaai area include responsible boat-based whale watching, marine wildlife excursions, the Dyer Island ecosystem, Danger Point and coastal hiking. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and marine activities remain dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Verified accommodation within De Kelders includes De Kelders Guest House, a seafront bed-and-breakfast overlooking Walker Bay, and Benguela, which offers guest accommodation and sea views from Eiland Street. Additional guest houses, villas and self-catering homes are available throughout the village, but their current operation and facilities should be confirmed directly before booking. Benguela also offers a restaurant experience by arrangement. A wider selection of supermarkets, cafés, seafood restaurants and takeaway outlets is available in central Gansbaai, only a short drive away.
De Kelders can be combined with visits to Gansbaai Harbour, Kleinbaai, the Dyer Island marine area, Danger Point Lighthouse, Stanford, Hermanus, Pearly Beach, the Agulhas Plain and Grootbos Nature Reserve. The coastline has a mild maritime climate, with warm summers, cooler and wetter winter periods and rapidly changing wind and cloud conditions throughout the year. Visitors should carry sun and wind protection, keep away from cliff edges, respect archaeological deposits and fynbos, follow reserve rules and use only recognised coastal paths.