For nature enthusiasts and people who love to be outdoors on holiday, De Hoop Nature Reserve is ideal. It makes a terrific holiday playground, whether travelling as a couple or as a family. Exclusive Getaways lists 20 reasons why you’d want to visit De Hoop Nature Reserve, a destination drenched in beauty and packed with fantastic activities.

1. WHALE WATCHING

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the world’s very best places for land-based whale watching. Southern Rights comes to this shoreline in huge numbers to calve from June to November. As much as 40% of the world’s Southern Right population comes to De Hoop to breed and calve.

2. SUPREME SAND DUNES & BEACHES

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
There is so much beauty at De Hoop. Ocean views are fantastic from the vantage point of snow-white sand dunes.

3. MARINE WALKS

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
Explore De Hoop’s stunning beaches, coastal rock pools and marine life on a guided walk.

4. ECO BOAT TRIPS

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
A boat trip is the ideal way to explore the De Hoop Vlei. See plenty of birds, wildlife, and perhaps also the odd otter or porcupine.

5. WALKING AND HIKING TRAILS 

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
De Hoop is a paradise for walking and hiking. There are several trails to do, of varying length and scenery, and these are available all year round.

6. BIKING

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
Guided bike trails will bring you among fynbos and wildlife – the scenery is brilliant.

7. FYNBOS

De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. De Hoop is important for the conservation of lowland fynbos and has an estimated 1500 plant species of which 108 are threatened, and 34 occur only in De Hoop.

8. EXCELLENT BIRDING

De Hoop’s Guided Bird Walk is focused on the identification and behaviour of the prolific birdlife found in the reserve. 

9. WILDLIFE

De Hoop nature Reserve holiday activities things to do
You are likely to see herds of Eland and Bontebok in the reserve, as well as Cape Mountain Zebra, ostriches and more.

10. SNORKELING

De Hoop’s rock pools offer excellent snorkelling in clear water.

11. PICNICS

The idyllic surroundings at De Hoop just beg one to enjoy picnics. Picnic baskets are available, to make it an easy matter.

12. WELLNESS SPA

De Hoop’s spa offers facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs and nail treatments, using Elemis products.

13. NATURE DRIVES

In the late afternoons you can enjoy the sights of reserve on an open safari vehicle, with a qualified field guide. Take in the scenic wetlands, view birds and plants, and enjoy a scenic stop for sundowners and snacks.

14. CAPE VULTURE EXPERIENCE

Get to view endangered Cape Vultures at the cliffs of Potberg Mountain. This is the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these birds. The drive will take you through endangered fynbos before arriving at the vultures. The activity includes a packed picnic which you carry in a backpack. Suitable for guests aged 12+. 

15. ELIM WINE ROUTE

Elim wines are unique, thanks partly to the winds that blow off the sea. There are a good number of wineries to visit on this route, and many interesting vintages to try that have been influenced by the coastal climate.

16. A LOT TO SEE AND DO NEARBY

Venturing a little beyond De Hoop Nature Reserve, you can visit the Penguins at Stony Point at Betty’s Bay; go to quaint Stanford or Napier; or drive to Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The whole of the Overberg is very scenic and bursting with sights worth seeing and experiences worth having.

17. RESTAURANT DINING 

De Hoop Collection’s Fig Tree Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, as well as snacks, teas, coffees and cakes, and a selection of local wine, craft beer and cider. Set for stunning views, the restaurant also features ‘William’s Wine Cellar’, where you can select your wine in a converted silo.The restaurant offers a la carte menus for breakfast and lunch, and set menus for dinner. Delicious picnic baskets are also available.

18. GREAT CATERED ACCOMMODATION

De Hoop Collection offers excellent accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, at Opstal.

19. EQUIPPED SELF-CATERING

There is a selection of self-catering accommodation available at De Hoop, including at Opstal, Vlei Cottages, Equipped Cottages and De Hoop Village. The accommodation is attractive and equipped with linen, bathroom towels and kitchen equipment. Serviced daily.

20. FAMILY FRIENDLY

Children of all ages are welcome at De Hoop. The reserve offers ample opportunity for families to do things together and have quality outdoor family time. The guided activities are great learning opportunities for children, and the reserve has plenty of space for kids to let off steam. Self-catering accommodation is ideal for families who want flexibility and a no-fuss holiday, with a comfy base to bed down at the end of adventure-filled days outdoors. Childrens bikes are available for use. There is a swimming pool and tennis court for children to enjoy, as well as a boules court.

Mail us to book, or call +27 21 797-7122.