De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area is one of Cape Nature’s flagship nature reserves, a World Heritage Site and critical to the conservation of the endangered Southern Right whale .

Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline, or mountain biking along the many gravel roads or scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day. Day visitors welcome, and restaurant open daily.

Accommodation

The De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation. From affordable self-catering chalets to more luxurious self-catering cottages and upmarket fully catered lodges. The De Hoop Collection accommodation has something for everyone, from families traveling on a limited budget, couples seeking a comfortable but affordable breakaway to top-end fully inclusive weddings and honeymoons. Catered and self catered options  are available for most accommodation types.

Explore De Hoop by Bike

Enjoy De Hoop’s natural beauty from your saddle on one of the many mountain bike trails through the reserve.  Mountain bikers are encouraged to explore the magnificent terrain with one of our guides or at their own leisure. Close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich are a highlight. A qualified field guide will share his knowledge of less obvious natural and historical aspects of De Hoop. Four guided trails are on offer, each differing in difficulty, distance and time. Depart from meeting tree at various times during the day. To be booked and confirmed with the guides – please ask at reception. Duration 2 – 3 hours