Have you been to De Hoop Nature Reserve before? If not, it should definitely be on your, post-lockdown, bucket list. The De Hoop Nature Reserve and it’s Marine Protected Area, is one of Cape Nature’s flagship nature reserves, most commonly known for its enormous Southern Right Whale migratory calving population.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve
You will find the De Hoop Nature Reserve, in the Overberg region, approximately three hours drive from Cape Town. The 34 000 hectare Nature Reserve boasts one of the most majestic stretches of coastline I have ever encountered in South Africa.
The view from Koppie Alleen is something you really need to experience in the flesh! Pristine white sand dunes give way to the most spectacular view across the crystal blue water. If you are fortunate to visit at the right time of year, the dunes are the best whale watching vantage point!
My most recent visit was just before lockdown, my last hoorah before spending the next few months at home! Shortly after my visit, a travel ban due to lockdown regulations has sadly prevented the reserve from being able to accept leisure travellers. However, we are all ever hopeful that the reopening of leisure travel will happen in the not too distant future!
The De Hoop Collection
The De Hoop Collection offers a range of both self-catering and luxury accommodation, in one of the most scenic parts of South Africa! Amazing wide-open spaces, make it the ideal escape from the daily grind, allowing you to feel like you can actually breathe again.
Whether you are looking for family-friendly accommodation or a romantic luxury getaway for two, the De Hoop Collection has something for everyone! Accommodation ranges from affordable self-catering chalets to more luxurious self-catering cottages and upmarket fully catered lodges.
During my most recent stay with a group of media, we stayed at the remote, stone Manor House. The Manor House offers accommodation in four beautifully decorated, ensuite, bedrooms.
The Manor House, comprehensively equipped for self-catering, has a spacious kitchen, a cosy lounge and a dining room. Indoor fireplaces and an outside braai area, under the milkwood trees, make it the ideal retreat regardless of the season. Melkkamer Manor House is perfect for discerning guests, seeking the privacy of a sole-use villa. Please note that the unit is sold on a self-catering basis only and no facilities are available at Melkkamer. The main Opstal area and restaurant is a 40min drive away. Boat trips are an option but are weather and water level dependent.
When I visited previously with my family, we stayed at the Melkkamer Vlei Cottage, which was a fantastic experience. I can highly recommend De Hoop for a family-friendly getaway, with a great selection of child-friendly activities on offer.
Dining At De Hoop
The Fig Tree Restaurant at De Hoop, in the main Opstal area, is open daily, between 08h00 and 21h00. {the restaurant is currently not open due to lockdown regulations, but this may be subject to change}. At the helm is Head Chef, Marcia Tyobeka, who although a vegetarian, creates a variety of delicious dishes, including fish and meat culinary delights. The kitchen was very accommodating in creating healthy low-carb and gluten-free alternatives, which I prefer.
The Fig Tree serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also on offer are as a selection of snacks, teas, coffees and cakes. They also have a fabulous local wine selection, ciders and craft beers.
The original building, which was a shed, has been renovated into a beautiful eatery boasting picturesque views of the Vlei. The silo behind ‘The Shed’, also cleverly transformed into ‘William’s Wine Cellar’, is home to more than 3000 wines.
Things To Do at De Hoop
De Hoop offers the ultimate in outdoor experiences. These range from sea-based adventures to wonderful day trips. A day trip not to be missed is to the Potberg Mountains. Where you will be able to see the last remaining breeding site for Cape Vultures, in the Western Cape.
The reserve is home to a diverse animal population, including antelope, bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. Keen birders can enjoy birdwatching from the shores of the Vlei, or go on a Guided Eco Boat Cruise.
Also on offer are guide walks and hikes through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline. Visitors are also able to mountain bike along the many gravel roads or enjoy scenic game drives.
I also highly recommend lazing on the beach, weather permitting, naturally, or snorkelling in the many turquoise rock pools.
During our stay, we hiked over the sand dunes and along the beach to Koppie Alleen. It turned out to be more challenging than expected, but I found the experience both humbling and invigorating, pushing me way out of my comfort zone!
Special Offers
Leisure travel may still not permitted, but I highly recommend at the earliest opportunity, you steal away to this hidden gem. Do your bit to help support the tourism industry and take advantage of De Hoops new Stay in SA, Play in SA special. All locals can enjoy a 40% discount on all accommodation types, excluding meals and park fees and no minimum night-stays required. The Stay in SA, Play in SA special offer is valid until 31 August 2020 and is subject to availability. (excluding Easter and Event weekends.) Booking is essential, either via telephone 021-422 4522 or email, [email protected].
Images
©2010 – 2020 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. Please do not use any images featured on this website, without written consent from the copyright holder and owner.
Disclosure & Disclaimer
I was hosted by De Hoop Collection, and my accommodation, meals and drinks were complimentary. All information and rates are deemed accurate at the time of publication.
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