De Hoop is situated in the The Overberg area which is characterised by quaint towns, a blossoming wine industry and delicious local dishes. The 36 000 hectares of De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and over 70 kilometres of pristine coastline.

A 19 km vlei (wetland) stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.

More at www.dehoopcollection.co.za

Location

The De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated in the Overberg region, east of Bredasdorp.

Click to view the location of De Hoop Nature Reserve on Google Maps.

Access

The reserve is about 260 km by road from Cape Town, and may be reached via either Bredasdorp or Swellendam.

The last 60 km of either route is along gravel roads and takes an hour to travel.

Conservation fee payable at the gate: R30 per person.

Gates open at 07:00 and close at 18:00 (19:00 on Fridays).

PLEASE NOTE: The nearest fuel station is 15km away at Ouplaas.

Accomodation

The De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation. From affordable self-catering chalets to more luxurious self-catering cottages and a luxury guest house. The De Hoop Collection of accommodation has something for everyone, from families travelling on a limited budget, couples seeking a comfortable but affordable breakaway to top-end fully inclusive weddings and honeymoons.

Accommodation at The Opstal Camp:

• De Hoop Village at Opstal - x 9 three-bedroom cottages
• The Opstal Houses - x 3 three-bedroom houses
• The Vlei Cottages - x 3 two-bedroom cottages
• Equipped Cottages - x 6 two-bedroom cottages and x 1 three bedroom cottage
• The Opstal Manor House – luxury guest house with three rooms.

Activites

• The best land based whale watching
• The De Hoop Walking trail
• Guided bird walks
• Interpretive rock pool talks
• Stargazing and star identification
• Mountain bikes
• Self guided walks
• Tennis
• Game walks and drives
• Weddings and honeymoons

Facilities

• Fig Tree Restaurant – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (also does fantastic picnic hampers)
• Swimming pool
• Tennis Court
• Education centre
• Shop

Children

The De Hoop Reserve is a safe, outdoor destination with almost year-round sunshine.

Children of all ages will relish the freedom to explore the reserve. The endless beach, towering sand dunes, inter tidal rock pools and diverse fauna and flora provide a natural playground for kids to learn.

An education centre and guide is on hand to interact with the children.

Why We Love It

• Out of this world land based whale watching
• Breathtaking scenery
• Fantastic team at the Fig Tree Restaurant – with fabulous food and wine list!
• Romantic Vlei Cottages
• Great photographic opportunities