De Hoop Nature Reserve

Hello relaxation!

 

I spent an idyllic weekend at the De Hoop Nature Reserve last weekend. It exceeded all my expectations and it's very close to Cape Town. Just 3 hours and you will be there! Perfect for a weekend getaway.


They market themselves as one of the finest whale viewing spots. Now, I am from Hermanus and during whale season I can see them from my bedroom, but I must say De Hoop does offer spectacular views. Just look at these pictures.



Heading down from Potberg



Nature at it's best

You won't miss a whale at this spot



Only 1 km and you will be next to the sea
 

Perfect photo spot

Cheese!



Beautiful!

 



The view goes on and on...

If it's summer how great would a beach day be here?

You won't only be treated to whale watching but also to beautiful surroundings which is home to endangered fynbos, more than 85 game species and a birding paradise. South Africa's largest antelope, the Eland, is here in large numbers.

Eland

 

Blombos

 


Lepelaar

Bontebokke

The reserve is not big so you can cover it in a day. You can even do it by bike. They offer four mountain bike trails.  If you have some more time you can sit for hours at the wetlands and observe the birds or watch the animals in action. We loved our encounter with a troop of baboons who were very efficient in trying to open doors and climb through windows. It was also so special to observe the game and see how the males challenged each other to a duel match to mark their territory.

The explorers

The wetlands

 If you really want to relax you don't even have to leave your accommodation as the species wander past and inbetween the houses. Just be careful of the baboons. We caught some in the act.

De Hoop Nature Reserve offers accommodation for all budgets.

• Melkamer manor house: Five star service that has four luxury en suite bedrooms. (from R1000 pp)
  
• Melkamer Foreman's Cottage: Charming cottage hidden between milkwood trees. It's walking distance from the above. (From R650pp)
• Melkkamer vlei cottages: This cottage overlooks the largest wetland in the Southern Cape Coast.(From R650pp)
• Opstal Houses: There are three houses with three bedrooms each. Fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms as well as a fireplace inside and outside braai area.(From R650 pp)
  
• Opstal Manor house and suites: This is the central area of the reserve. The restaurant, a swimmingpool and a tennis court is located here. You will also live in luxury here. (From R895pp)
  

 

• Equipped cottages at the Opstal house: Fully equipped cottages for a self-catering stay. (from R595 pp)

 

 

• De Hoop Village at Opstal: We stayed here. These cottages have three bedrooms, a fully equipped bathroom and kitchen as well as a dining area and outside braai.  I will tell you some more just now. (From R595pp)
  
• Vlei cottages: These are two bedroom cottages with an inside fireplace that overlooks the wetlands. (From R650pp)
• Campsite rondawels: Simple and affordable accommodation that has nicer views than some of the more expensive options. (From R395pp)
• Caravan and campingsites:  They have communal bathrooms and kitchens. (From R295pp)

All of the above, excluding the caravan and campsites, provide you with crisp linen and towels. I must say it's not your typical nature reserve décor. Charlotte Rhys products are in the bathrooms and the beds have electric blankets on them. You won't bump into any typical African décor here! There style is country but chic.

Above are just some of the accomdation options. If you check out their website they have even more extensive descriptions and pictures of everything they offer!

As I have mentioned we stayed in the De Hoop Village cottages. They had a great winter special where you only pay for one person per night. Unfortunately that specials ends July. Be sure to check out their social media for any other upcoming specials.

Now we really had a relaxing stay. The cottages have three bedrooms. Each room either as a double bed, two single bed or a bunker bed. The kitchen is fully equipped with a oven, microwave, kettle ect. They even set up a dining area. The outside braai will be the main socialising spot.


Some of the bedrooms



Inside and outside

They also offer a 3 day walking trail and provide you with accommodation and meals. The trail will offer a combination of birding, game viewing and a fynbos and marine experience. A reasonable level of fitness is required and all participants should be above the age of 12.

Just remember that everyone pays  R30 fee when they enter the Reserve. Wild Card holders don't pay. If you are in the Overberg you can also just drive here for the day. Come and enjoy  the reserve followed with brunch or lunch at The Fig Tree restaurant. Dinner has to be booked beforehand.


Reception

 


The Fig Tree

De Hoop Nature Reserve will see me again. What a nice surprise that such a stunning location to relax at is not far away! You will experience mother nature here at her best!

Contact them at 086 133 4667 or 021 422 4522 or info@dehoopcollection.co.za
For more information visit their website
Tweet them @DeHoopCollectio
Like them on Facebook (They post about their specials here!)
Directions from Cape Town:  Take N2 to Caledon. From Caledon drive through Napier to Bredasdorp. From Bredasdorp take the R319 to Swellendam. At about 6kms turn right – sign posted De Hoop / Malagas / Infanta. Gravel road for 35kms until you see a sign to the right – De Hoop Nature Reserve.

The accommodation area in the distance