De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape spans 36 000 magnificent hectares of nature at its best. Pure and pristine, this nature reserve and World Heritage Site lays claim to marine reserve, dunes, vlei, beautiful Cape fynbos, and a variety of fauna. It’s one of the world’s best land based whale-watching areas, providing a safe harbour to pods of these immense ocean visitors. Watch them from the large sand dunes as they blow, breach and frollick!

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Here are some of the other activities in the reserve:

  • Stargazing & Star Identification: on this 1-hour trip you’re invited to experience the stars and constellations of the clear De Hoop night sky.
  • Guided Mountain Bike Trail: Bike your way through the reserve among herds of eland, bontebok and other species with a guide who will share his knowledge of the reserve. For those who’d prefer not to pedal, game drives are also on offer.
  • Interpretive Marine Walk: this walking trail takes you on an exploration of coastal rock pools and sandy beaches, accompanied by a guide who points out interesting marine life forms. Between June and December you’re bound to see some whales on this walk.
  • Guided Bird & Fynbos walk: walk with a qualified field guide and enjoy De Hoop’s fynbos and birdlife. More than 260 species of marine and terrestrial birds have been recorded in the reserve. Wetland birds include pelicans and flamingos.

A safe destination with almost year-round good weather, De Hoop is a wonderful place for family holidays. De Hoop’s long beach, massive sand dunes, tidal rock pools and variety of animals and plants create a magnificent natural playground for curious, energetic children. There is so much to do at De Hoop that anything less than 2 nights is just a taster begging for a longer stay.

Self-catering is often the accommodation choice for families, and this is on offer at De Hoop. Another alternative is The Opstal Manor House – a beautifully restored manor providing luxury living for six, as well as a restaurant and deli.

Mail our Getaway Consultants to enquire about or book a stay in De Hoop Nature Reserve, or call us on 0860 102 907 (local) or +27 21 797-7122 (international).