There is something special about the West Coast National Park during the winter months. Once the summer crowds disappear, you’re left with this quiet, rugged beauty that really forces you to take a breath. My husband and I recently stayed on the Harmony houseboat for a night, and it was the perfect excuse to slow down.
The experience starts with the scenic drive through the reserve. It’s a proper coastal safari—we spotted ostriches and gemsbok right along the road and loads of different birds. Even though it was ice cold outside, the views were so beautiful that we had to keep stopping for photos. Once we reached the jetty, our skipper, Bongi, welcomed us. He was friendly and helped us with our luggage onto the boat. A massive plus is that the skippers are available 24/7 in case you need to get back to shore for any reason, so you never feel “stranded” out there. They also offer a great service where, for a fee, they’ll head into Langebaan to grab you takeaways or extra provisions and bring them right to your deck.
The boat setup is fantastic. They actually have a fleet of six different houseboats to choose from, ranging from a 2-sleeper right up to a massive 20-sleeper depending on your crowd. Our boat, the Harmony, sleeps eight, which would be perfect for a group of friends, but it still felt private and cozy enough for just the two of us. It’s fully self-catering and has everything you need, from bed linens to a well-stocked kitchen. Since you can’t have a proper West Coast trip without a braai, there’s a braai right on the deck, and you can buy wood and firelighters directly from the skippers.
While the boat is made for relaxing, there’s plenty to do if you’re feeling active. You can explore the secluded beaches nearby, rent a kayak, go on a boat trip, or even cast a line and fish right off the deck. There are also some great hiking trails. After the sun set, we fired up the gas fireplace in the lounge, which was exactly what we needed, and spent the night playing cards and enjoying a homemade dinner while it was freezing outside.
One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no Wi-Fi on board, but the phone signal is actually quite good if you really need to check in. We watched one of the most incredible sunsets followed by a massive full moon rising over the lagoon, which was easily the highlight of the stay.
Kraalbaai is a simple, down-to-earth escape where the real attraction is the landscape itself. It’s all about the pure peace of having space, silence, and being right in the middle of nature. It’s a hidden gem and a fantastic way to recharge.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Kayla Robertson
To book your visit to Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats, visit their website: www.kraalbaailhb.com
