Destination: De Hoop – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

De Hoop is a nature lover’s paradise of unparalleled peace and tranquillity

Just a 3-hour drive from Cape Town, De Hoop Reserve is situated in the Overberg region. The 36 000 hectares of De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and over 70 kilometres of pristine coastline.

De Hoop was once a working farm, founded in the mid-1700s and owned by various people until the provincial government purchased it in the 1950’s. In 1957, De Hoop was proclaimed a nature reserve. In the mid 1970’s the area became dedicated to the conservation of the cape Floral ecosystem. De Hoop was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004

There’s a 19km wetland that stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. The Reserve has around 260 bird species, and 86 mammal species such as Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Grey Rhebok, Baboons, yellow Mongoose, Caracal and Leopard.

De Hoop is a great destination for families and couples and there’s a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. There are a variety of activities ranging from day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline. Observe the magnificent birdlife on the Vlei or mountain bike (you can hire bikes on site) along the many gravel roads around the reserve. Book a scenic game drive or enjoy a hike where you’re likely to enjoy a close encounter with Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Bontebok, Baboons and Ostrich. You could also opt to laze on the beach and snorkel in the many turquoise rock pools. There’s a tennis court, breathtaking infinity swimming pool and a boules courtyard.

If you visit De Hoop in summer, ensure you take a dip in the infinity pool that has the most spectacular view of the wetland.

The Opstal area is a central base from which to explore the reserve and is close to the hub of central offices, restaurant, bar and curio shop.

The majority of the De Hoop Collection’s accommodation are renovated Cape Dutch farm buildings that have retained their original charming white-washed exterior and thatched rooves. I stayed in The Cloete Suites – situated in the Opstal area within close proximity to the Fig Tree Restaurant.

Each suite is beautifully decorated and has a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.

I love how the property is dotted with the most incredible, majestic fig trees that were planted in the 1950’s

The Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, teas, coffees and cakes and is licensed.

The building is a light, bright and beautiful space with stunning views of the De Hoop Vlei. There’s a fabulous selection of local wines, craft beers and ciders. The restaurant’s pizza’s (only served at lunchtime) are legendary, as is the fish and chips and burger topped with caramelized onions, bacon and brie cheese.

The silo behind ‘The Shed’ was cleverly transformed into ‘William’s
Wine Cellar’, a round shaped space that is home to more than 3000 wines where you are invited to select a cultivar of your choice.

Explore the Vlei and enjoy bird, game, otter and even porcupine sightings with an eco-cruise experience. Cruises are held daily at 11am and 3pm during summer or can be booked by arrangement.

Morning cruises include tea, coffee as well as pastries and croissants with jam and cheese. Guests opting for the evening cruise can enjoy house wines, local beers, juices and savory snacks.

An absolute must-do is the walking trail at Koppie Alleen.

Here one can explore coastal rock pools and sandy beaches while a qualified guide points out interesting marine life forms.

If you visit between June and December, you may be lucky enough to experience the Southern Right Wales in the bay.

Photo: Jean Tresfon  

Every year, some 40% of the world’s Southern Right Whales come to these shores to breed and De Hoop Nature Reserve is an important destination for them. Females and their calves swim in the clear waters, while males put on spectacular displays. These endangered mammals ensure that the De Hoop Reserve in South Africa is one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching areas.

As a marine reserve and World Heritage Site, De Hoop guarantees a safe nursery for these pods of visiting cetaceans. They come so close to the shore that visitors can relax on the un-spoilt sand dunes, watching in awe as these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly-flop. Season runs from: End of May through to November. In season 500-600 whales will call De Hoop home. Sightings of 50-75 during height of season.

What a privilege is was adventuring out to the cliffs of Potberg Mountain to view endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these amazing birds.

After a short scenic drive through endangered fynbos, once at Potberg, we hiked up to the Vulture Deck to watch the vultures swoop and soar above.

The hike, while quite steep, was not at all difficult and even those who aren’t so fit will manage. This hike is suited to guests aged 12 and over.

De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes. lean more about De Hoop Nature Reserve HERE.

Phone: 27 (0)21 4224522 or Email: info@dehoopcollection.co.za

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Instagram: @dehoopreserve
Facebook: @DeHoopCollection
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Facebook:  @CapeCountryRoutes