Benguela Cove Launches Eco Kayaking for Bot River Adventures

Visitors to Bot River Lagoon can now explore this wildlife haven by electric kayak. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate has introduced self-propelled E-kayaks to enable visitors of all ages and skill levels to easily traverse these protected waters, encountering a range of wildlife and panoramic views.

“We’re delighted to offer this sustainable adventure highlighting our lagoon’s spectacular scenery and biodiversity,” said Penny Streeter OBE, owner of the award-winning estate and vineyard. “Gliding quietly by E-kayak lets guests soak up the peaceful surroundings where you might spot anything from fish eagles to flamingos and wild horses.”

The two-hour Benguela Cove E-Kayak Tour allows even first-time kayakers to relax while taking in the lush wetlands, looming Houw Hoek Mountains and nearby Walker Bay – where southern right whales and their calves often frolic in season.

These protected marshlands harbour some of Africa’s most threatened species. Kayakers might catch sight of the rain frog hiding among reeds. Sacred ibis probe the mudflats for crustaceans with curved beaks, while regal African fish eagles survey their domain. Squawking hadada ibises and diminutive malachite kingfishers flit among the trees, along with grey herons and black-crowned night herons tiptoeing across lily pads.

The diversity stems from Benguela Cove’s singular terroir, set in a lagoon and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow sandbar. The temperate climate is the perfect habitat for local wildlife and also for the estate’s vineyards under winemaker Johann Fourie. The 65 hectares of vines produce award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and other grape cultivars. Guests can enhance their e-kayaking outing with a tasting of these vintages, perhaps paired with fresh local produce at the estate’s restaurant or oyster bar.

As a WWF Conservation Champion, Benguela Cove promotes the preservation and enjoyment of this local ecosystem through sustainable practices and initiatives. These include the use of onsite wildlife cameras to monitor species' health, an iNaturalist app enabling guests to contribute sightings for scientists to track natural changes and support for the Cape Leopard Trust to protect visiting leopards.

The two-hour Benguela Cove E-Kayak experience includes kayaks, life jackets, water and support staff. Guests are advised to bring hats, polarised sunglasses, sun protection and binoculars and cameras are encouraged to capture mementoes of sightings along the lagoon.

The launch follows the recent introduction by the Benguela Cove estate of eco-cruises and wine-tasting tours aboard the Lady Bonnie pontoon boat.

Guests can extend their visit with wine tastings, vineyard tours and dining at the popular Moody Lagoon Restaurant. Here diners can enjoy views across the lagoon over dishes celebrating locally sourced produce. Luxury villa rentals are also available onsite for overnight stays at this serene oceanside estate an hour’s drive from vibrant Cape Town.

For more information and e-kayak tour bookings, see www.benguelacove.co.za or email info@benguelacove.co.za. Share your experience using #BenguelaEcoKayak. 

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Editors notes

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, Hermanus, is a vineyard and wine tourism destination located in the Walker Bay region of South Africa. The Benguela Collection wine and hospitality group is owned by the Streeter family. The Benguela Collection includes Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens and Mannings Golf & Wine Estate in the UK.

It was founded by Penny Streeter OBE in 2013 when she acquired and developed the 543-acre Hermanus wine farm and residential estate at Benguela Cove, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean at the start of the Hermanus Wine Route.

The cellar-door wine hospitality experience includes luxury oceanside villa accommodation with every modern facility, including en suite bedrooms and a private swimming pool. There is also the ‘Moody Lagoon’ Hermanus restaurant, a seafood and oyster bar and a popular wine-tasting pontoon tour with beautiful views across the tranquil lagoon, protected by a sandbar from the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests can book cheese and chocolate pairings, winemaking experiences, and enjoy a programme of major art exhibitions, music and other year-round events, as well as children’s entertainment.

Cultivars are Sauvignon Blanc 45%, Shiraz 25% and others, to create some of the best South African wines.

Vineyard - Acquired in 2013; 170 acres; First vines planted in 2004; 350,000 bottles produced per year.