Whale Watchers Inn

“Craig - Easter Weekend 2026”

A short drive from Heidelberg, what a wonderful place Witsand is! This little East Coast town with its warm and friendly folk offers an authentic local, countryside experience second to none. Coming from the West Coast, I enjoy visiting smaller towns and villages - places like Paternoster, Lambert… more

A short drive from Heidelberg, what a wonderful place Witsand is! This little East Coast town with its warm and friendly folk offers an authentic local, countryside experience second to none. Coming from the West Coast, I enjoy visiting smaller towns and villages - places like Paternoster, Lambert's Bay etc. - where, usually, the people are hearty. Witsand and Whale Watchers Inn is no different. From meeting Tannie Annerie and her husband, Oom Tekkie and their pup Peanut, our Easter breakaway was well-rounded with peace, joy and happiness. Tannie Annerie welcomed us at short-notice and accommodated our early check-in. Having worked in hospitality for +10 years at 5-star, ultra-luxury establishments, I am well aware of how tricky this could be to accommodate a guest's early check-in request, yet we were fortunate that Annerie could accommodate us in this regard. The Grunter room we booked was among the last two available spaces we could reserve, and we are grateful to have secured the booking at last minute, as our stay in Witsand was extended with an additional day. This space is perfect for a young couple needing a private space to relax, a family of 4, or friends getting together after years. The extra touches are much appreciated. We enjoyed the coffees & teas and rusk provided complimentary. Beyond this, we absolutely loved walking to and from Whale Watchers Inn to the local restaurant & bar, Anchorage, run by Oom Tekkie, which beautifully captures the heart & soul of Witsand. Oom Tekkie and his staff Tyrone, Shania, Kerishni and others (I can't remember all the other names) were all very welcoming, friendly and professional. From time-to-time Tannie Annerie would also pass by to serve guests and patrons extending the warmth we experienced at Whale Watchers Inn into the restaurant. Although we are content with Whale Watchers Inn, we have noticed some minor aspects of outdatedness, which Tannie Annerie excitedly (and with a big smile) informed of improvements they will be making in the future. I look forward to visiting again to experience her smile and joy after changes. These will definitely enhance the ambience, but other than these physical aspects, nothing comes close to the intangible experience we had with Tannie Annerie at her establishment. Well Done for sustaining this culture of local warmth, friendliness and sincere "platteland" care. This might be insignificant to others, buts for once we could speak Afrikaans again so comfortably and truly feel at home. Almal is mense-mense. We entirely loved our time at Whale Watchers Inn and truly look forward to visiting again. Until then, I wish every success to Tannie Annerie & Oom Tekkie and their amazing staff compliment, even at Anchorage. To quote a little sign at Anchorage that I think captures the village, its people and the culture in the best words possibly: "Witsand (and I would say Whale Watchers Inn & Anchorage) is a small drinking town with a SERIOUS fishing problem." Tot volgende keer, liefde, lig en plattelandse groete. Craig

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