DE HOOP CAMINO
5 days/4 nights of guided and unguided walking in the pristine environment of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, exploring the reserve’s rich marine, plant and wildlife. Staying in comfortable off-grid accommodation at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and the De Hoop Collection. .
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE ON FOOT…
A MIX OF BEACH WALKS, SEA LIFE, FYNBOS AND WONDER.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EACH DAY OF THE TRAIL
Day 1 & 2
GUIDED AND UNGUIDED MARINE AND NATURE WALKS AROUND LEKKERWATER BEACH LODGE
Your first day on this walking trail starts with an optional 6km walk from the Lekkerwater parking area into the Lodge, along the road and through the fynbos. Here you will spend your first two glorious nights.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve extends along the southern coast of the Western Cape and Lekkerwater is situated approximately half way along this spectacular reserve. This is an off- grid coastal escape surrounded by the rich natural history of the region, from the endemic fynbos and inter-tidal ecosystems to the remarkable mammal and birdlife.
You may spot schools of surfing dolphins, countless bird sightings (including the endangered black oystercatcher) while enjoying marine life thriving amongst the gullies and rock pools. Between July and November, Southern Right whales migrate here from the Antarctica to calve and breed in the warmer waters close to shore – making this an exceptional whale watching experience.
On day two you have the whole day to enjoy the guided marine and nature walks or take a self guided walk or simply soak up the breathtaking views. Here you’ll be staying in one of seven rooms, each with a deck overlooking a 5km stretch of pristine beach. This couldn’t be a better place to start.
Day 3
FULL DAY SELF GUIDED COASTAL WALK TO THE DE HOOP COLLECTION
It’s time to hit the long trail! You’ll spend today embarking on a leisurely self- guided 6 to 9 hour coastal walk from Lekkerwater Beach Lodge to the end of the Whale Trail at Koppie Alleen.
Today you walk the most breathtaking section of day 4 and 5 of the remarkable Whale Trail enjoying 15km of endless Indian Ocean views, surrounding hills, gorges, caves and ravines. The landscape along the walk consists of a combination of beautiful sandy beaches, limestone karst rock platforms, blow holes, natural swimming pools, caves and rocky cliffs. Inland from the coast, discover large areas of lowland coastal fynbos.
At the end of the trail you will be met by folks from the De Hoop Collection and transferred to the De Mond Villa to be reunited with your luggage that will have been transferred from Lekkerwater to De Mond by vehicle.
The rest of the day will be well earned at leisure enjoying the views and birding along the shores of the De Hoop Vlei. Enjoy a delicious potjiekos dinner around the camp fire and under the stars.
Day 4
EXPLORING THE WESTERN SECTOR OF THE DE HOOP RESERVE
After an early morning breakfast, you will once again put on your hiking boots for the 5km guided walk around the Vlei, exploring the rich birdlife and fynbos, after which you will end up at Melkkamer for brunch.
This is a grand old Homestead that was built at the turn of the last century and is steeped in history. After brunch a boat transfer will take you across the vlei where the walk will continue for a further 7-8 kms through a combination of cliff routes, on the edge of the Vlei and through some open areas where you may enjoy wildlife sightings.
Dinner will be enjoyed around the campfire at De Mond.
Day 5
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tierhoek to start the morning’s guided trail with a 4km route up the fynbos paradise of Flatrock, with its panoramic views over the De Hoop Vlei. Your return transfer is by vehicle from the main entrance gate to the De Hoop Reserve to the Lekkerwater car park. Enroute for a guided walk to the Potberg Vulture Colony – the only remaining active Cape Vulture Colony in the Western Cape.
If De Mond is fully booked when you make your enquiry, alternative accommodation will be found either at Melkkamer or in the De Hoop Collection.
FIND YOURSELF HIKING THE MOST BREATHTAKING SECTION OF THE REMARKABLE WHALE TRAIL