De Hoop Nature Reserve – A Lush Eco-Lover’s Paradise

Ready to swap your screen saver for the ultimate authentic nature escape? Situated East of Cape Agulhas near the southern tip of Africa in the Overberg region, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a scenic three-hour drive from Cape Town.

With De Hoop Collection’s winter special of 40% off on certain accommodation, there has never been a better time to discover this unique natural treasure. Join me on an enticing visual journey highlighting De Hoop Nature Reserve’s many delights.

NATURE THERAPY

De Hoop is the nature escape you didn’t know you needed, until now. Her magic gently weaves its way into your heart, filling your soul with incredible joy and soothing inner peace. It is here that time slows down, giving you a chance to reconnect with yourself and your beautiful surroundings.

The De Hoop conservation area covers an area of 36 000 hectares and is a World Heritage Site. Filled with an abundance of fauna and flora, you will fall in love with its rich biodiversity and brilliant splendour.

Bird enthusiasts can find around 260 different bird species in the De Hoop Vlei (wetland) that stretches for 19km across the reserve, registered on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Set sail on an Eco Boat Cruise on the vlei in the morning or afternoon, experiencing an entertaining and informative guided tour. Enjoy bird, game, otter and if you are fortunate, porcupine sightings. My personal favourite is the afternoon departure with wine, beer and tasty savoury snacks!

***@queenofjozi enjoying the eco boat cruise.***

As one of the world’s best land-based Southern Right whale-watching areas during the winter months (June to November), this marine protected area is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important nurseries for this endangered mammal.

The reserve boasts over 70km of pristine coastline and is simply breathtaking. The guided Interpretive Marine Walk at Koppie Alleen was another WOW activity during our stay. The safari drive to Koppie Alleen doubles as a photography and game viewing experience.

Our guide, Dillon, spoke passionately about his love for the ocean and the diverse marine life as we walked over the towering sand dunes and explored the rock pools. He gently plucked sea creatures from the pools, sharing anecdotes about each one before placing them carefully back in the water.

You will not find the Big 5 in the reserve, which makes walking or cycling a wonderful way to enjoy close encounters with a variety of rare antelope, ostriches, and smaller creatures. A hike up Potberg Mountain to view the endangered Cape Vultures, the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these amazing and misunderstood birds, is an unmissable experience.

***The vulture viewing deck at*** ***Potberg Mountain.***

Other activities include guided bird walks, multiday hikes, mountain bike trails, nature drives and swimming in the sun-drenched pool.

An exciting new exhibition opened on 18 January 2024 – the ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’. Curated by Craig Foster of My Octopus Teacher fame and archaeologist Petro Keene, it highlights the Southern Cape coastline’s rich marine environment and archaeological heritage. We were staying at De Hoop during the final building phase, so I look forward to exploring the exhibition when I return to De Hoop. Various entry fees apply, and prior booking is required via email. More information can be found here >> De Hoop Collection.

ACCOMMODATION

The De Hoop Collection, a member of Cape Country Routes, offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, and is ideal for family and friend getaways, as well as romantic escapes. Choose from affordable self-catering chalets, more luxurious self-catering cottages, and upmarket fully catered lodges.

Our group was hosted in the Opstal Suites and Opstal Manor House. I stayed in the beautifully appointed Fig Tree Suite. It comfortably sleeps two guests in one spacious bedroom with a large en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower.

Overlooking one of two majestic Natal Wild Fig Trees that were planted in 1956, the Suite is a tranquil haven after a busy day out. The gorgeous four-poster bed is as comfortable and dreamy as it looks. I loved the bath and shower, along with fragrant Charlotte Rhys bathroom amenities. The Suite also contains a bar fridge, desk, tea, and coffee making facilities and a wonderful selection of books.

You will not find a TV set or cell signal in your room because who needs that while you are in such stunning surroundings? For those who cannot bear to be without Wi-Fi or need to work, you can connect to the online world in The Fig Tree Restaurant.

THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT

All that fresh air sure makes one hungry! You are in luck, because the Fig Tree Restaurant serves the most delicious fare that will please your palate and have you lining up for more!

Situated in the main Opstal area, the Fig Tree Restaurant is open to both day and overnight visitors. The inviting outdoor terrace overlooks the De Hoop Vlei and is the perfect spot to enjoy local food and drinks, especially as the sun is setting. The spacious indoor area, complete with comfortable couches and a cosy fireplace, is ideal for cooler weather.

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, teas, coffees and cakes, the fully licensed restaurant has an astonishing wine selection, as well as local gin, craft beers and ciders. The silo was transformed into William’s Wine Cellar. Home to more than three thousand wines, step inside the round shaped space to select your fine wine of choice.

For something that is a little different for a group, arrange a traditional potjiekos dinner beneath the stars in the Vlei Boma (at an extra setup charge), followed by stargazing on a clear night. A “potjiekos” means “small pot food” and is cooked in a cast-iron pot known as a “potjie.” Cooked slowly over an open fire and prepared outdoors, it usually contains meat and vegetables and is utterly delectable!

Enjoy sunset cocktails on the newly built viewing deck. I absolutely love this recent addition that offers a serene setting to indulge in delightful food and drinks. Nestled beneath a large overhanging fig tree with far-reaching views, it is a picture-perfect spot to linger for a while. I am a huge fan of the Figtree’s legendary buffet breakfast, packed picnics, cappuccinos, and moreish pizza. The wine and gin selection is beyond fantastic. A feast for all the senses awaits!

This eco-lovers paradise should be on everyone’s bucket list and with three visits under my belt, I can hardly wait to return to this wild and wonderful conservation area. Read more about my two previous visits to De Hoop Nature Reserve in 2019 and 2021.

A big shout out to Ford South Africa for supplying impressive wheels for our road trip. The luxury Ford Everest XLT in eye-catching Sedona Orange is pure class with a host of high-quality features. Whether on or off-road, the stylish, spacious adventure SUV is built for smart, safe driving.

Veldskoen Shoes are the best for travelling and gave us each a pair of shoes of our choice. My Namaqualand Daisy Sandal in tan was the perfect choice. Extremely comfortable and stylish, this sandal is yet another winner from this local is lekker brand.

Thank you to Theresa Gibbon for the media trip invitation, the amazing group of ladies I travelled with, Cape Country Routes, Ford South Africa, Veldskoen Shoes and the wonderful team at De Hoop Collection. You will be hard pressed to find a more welcoming and loyal group of people who take tremendous pride in their work.