Activities
With so many things to see and do in the area, endless experiences and adventures are right on your doorstep
Birdwatching
Westend House was specifically designed with the birdwatcher in mind.
The house acts like a luxury hide for canopy species in the surrounding forest and waterbirds in the floodplains below. African Fish Eagles, Knysna Turacos, and Crowned Hornbills are almost daily visitors (as are the resident troop of vervet monkeys!). Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Black Harrier, Martial Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk, African Spoonbill, Osprey, and Goliath Heron are some of the specials that have been seen from the deck.
Birdlife South Africa has accredited Westend House as a Birder-friendly Establishment.
Hiking & walking
Endless hikes along the coast and through the surrounding farmlands can be done with local guides.
Unguided beach walks are regarded as safe from Kleinemonde beach to Riet Point. We are unaware of any incident in the 15 years that we have been here.
At low tide there are some amazing rockpools to dip into along the way. And if you are lucky you could find some wild oysters washed up right after spring tide.
Fishing
The East and West Kleinemonde estuaries are popular fishing spots for Spotted Grunter and Dusky Kob, among others.
Fishing is best from the sandbanks around the bridge or from a boat.
The coastline offers excellent rock and surf fishing opportunities.
Canoeing & Boating
Explore the tranquil West Kleinemonde estuary directly from the house!
Bring your own boats or use one of ours. Guests may use our private watercraft at their own risk:
Two-man Indian Canoe: Perfect for a peaceful morning paddle for two.
One-man Fishing Kayak: Specifically for those wanting to find the best fishing spots on the river.
Paddleski: Great for a bit of light exercise and exploration.
Depending on the water level, you can moor right below the house. A private path leads from our property through the thicket directly to the water’s edge. If you are bringing your own larger boat, there is a public launch site at the beach.
Golf
The Fish River Golf Course (previously Fish River Sun) is a mere 10 minutes drive away, as is the Royal Port Alfred golf course.
Swimming
Kleinemonde beach has two seawater lagoons. These are closed to the sea most of the time by a sandbar that forms across the river mouth.
This makes them safe for swimming and they’re often considerably warmer than the ocean. Their shallow waters on white sand near the mouth are perfect for kids to play in safety.
The open water swimmer can enjoy a straight 1km swim to the main bridge.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer holidays at Kleinemonde beach for swims in the Indian Ocean, as there are rip tides to be aware of.
Surfing
For the more adventurous surfer Kleinemonde point has a popular break, if you are up for the walk.
The most popular surf spot in the region is famous East Beach in Port Alfred, a 10-15 minute drive away.
Visit Bathurst
The quaint and quirky little village of Bathurst is a mere 30km drive via Port Alfred on the tar road, or a 23km drive on the bumpy but scenic dirt road.
Bathurst offers a variety of restaurants, pubs, shops and historical sites to visit and is well worth the trip.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/bathurst-south-africa/index.html
Experience Westend House for Yourself
“Spacious and spectacular views. It felt like home away from home.”
Michelle Barrett, Google Review 5/5
Beautifully situated along the river. A birdwatching paradise.”
Wayne Lewis, Google Review 5/5
