Walk and experience the natural and cultural history of the De Hoop Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area with a qualified nature/marine guide. There are many natural wonders in the world but only a few with such awesome diversity – De Hoop, The Jewel of the Cape.
The “De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales” promises a memorable walking experience with up to +-38km covered over 4 days! Experience the wonder that is De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve, first-hand.
The trail makes use of De Mond Villa, De Hoop Villa or the historic Melkkamer Manor House, depending on availability. Each accommodation option is uniquely situated, offering different perspectives on the rich biodiversity of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The trail is fully catered and guided.
This is a catered and guided experience.
EXPLORE DETAILS OF THE TRAIL
Day 1
Arrive promptly at the gate at 2pm on Day 1, where you will be met by a qualified guide. After a short safety briefing, you will immediately start the adventure! The reserve is home to more than 1500 different plant species and this route takes you through a downhill fynbos paradise, called Flatrock for approximately 5.5/6.6km to Tierhoek. This area is rich with fynbos and Tierhoek offers gorgeous views of the vlei, while enjoying some refreshments and snacks. From there, you will be transferred to De Hoop Villa, your accommodation for the duration of your stay. A gentle introduction follows on arrival: check in, settle into your new home, and take in the view with a glass of Overberg wine — perhaps accompanied by a passing group of ostriches. As evening falls, enjoy a delicious potjiekos dinner under the stars while your guides share the stories and history of De Hoop.
Distance – + 5.5/6.5 km
Day 2
Day 2 is an early start. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee…. Then put on your hiking boots for a 7km walk to the De Mond Villa area through fynbos and renosterveld with possible sightings of the Cape Mountain Zebra, duiker, bushbuck, eland, bontebok and ostriches. Here you will enjoy a delicious brunch while taking in the sweeping views over the De Hoop Vlei. Don’t get too comfortable though — after brunch, your guide will lead you on an 8km walk to Melkkamer, while flamingos and pelicans glide overhead.
Melkkamer is a grand homestead dating back to the 1800s, where refreshments await before you return by boat to the Opstal area. Back at De Hoop Villa, enjoy snacks, cake and tea, then spend the afternoon at leisure — a dip in the pool might be just what you need.
Dinner is a traditional South African braai, paired with starlit skies and stories shared around the fire.
Distance walked +-15km
Day 3
Early bird catches the worm! After a light breakfast, Day 3 starts with a transfer to Koppie Alleen, a 70km stretch of marine protected coastline. Here your guide will entertain you with the tales of the sea and its creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive octopus before you start walking over the dunes. After a quick coffee break, you will hike towards Wyoming – this is the last 7km of the popular Whale Trail. Be sure to take in the views and ocean breeze because after this, we will be hiking inland at Potberg. You will be transferred from Wyoming to view the endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these amazing birds, a +2km return walk up to the viewing deck. After a delectable picnic lunch at Potberg, you will be transferred back to De Hoop Villa for your last night. Enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner prepared by our chef.
Distance walked – + 9km
Day 4
After a final breakfast, it’s time to farewell De Hoop. Your guide will lead you on a walk from De Hoop Villa to Tierhoek, through fynbos and renosterveld along a route often frequented by eland and bontebok. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your vehicle at the De Hoop gate, bringing your trail experience to a memorable close.
Total Distance walked – approximately 38.5 km
Price & What You Need to Know
Rates*:
South African: R14 200 per person (minimum of 4 people)
International: R15 350 per person (minimum of 4 people)
* Valid for 1 October 2024- 30 September 2025
What you need to know:
De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately a 3 hour drive from Cape Town or George
The De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales needs a minimum of four guests
Guests should be reasonably fit to enjoy the experience
Not suitable for children under 12 years of age
What is included:
Three nights accommodation at De Mond Villa or Melkkamer
All meals and snacks – breakfasts, brunches, lunches, picnic, snacks and dinners
Local House wines, spirits and beers and soft drinks
Road transfers to and from de Mond Villa and within De Hoop
What is excluded:
Transfers to and from De Hoop Nature Reserve
R40 per person Cape Nature Gate Entrance & Conservation Fee paid on arrival at the gate
Fully comprehensive travel insurance
Gratuities to the lodge staff and guides
Premium drinks not on the “house” list
We look forward to
welcoming you to the
“De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales”