Lowland fynbos underbrush meets grass plains and forested gorges, only to run into a long white beach with rocky shores and blue waters. De Hoop Nature Reserve’s diverse landscape is an amazing home to impressive birdlife and wildlife, of which the rare Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra reign. There might be many ways to experience the enchanting landscapes and animals of De Hoop, but those adventurous hearts’ only real option is to walk the sensational De Hoop Trail.
The Jewel of the Cape is a place unlike any other in the world and is best enjoyed through the De Hoop Trail. The trails breath-taking natural beauty collects nature lovers from all over South Africa to explore the magnificent vlei and coastal reserve. Fully catered and accommodated, this luxury three night long trail is led by a skilled guided, who, over the two full days of walking and two half days,reveals the treasure chest that De Hoop offers in natural, cultural and historical value. Delectable cuisine prepared by De Hoop’s professional chef and luxurious accommodation in the historic Melkkamer Manor are your daily rewards after traversing the expanse of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
De Hoop’s trained guides will take you through the diversity of 1,500 plant species in the reserve (it is one of the most diverse areas in the Cape Floral Kingdom), as well as discover the reserve’s rarest mammals, such as the Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and even bats that hide inside the mysterious limestone caves. But perhaps most enjoyable is the Marine Reserve. De Hoop’s Marine Reserve is the second largest in all of Southern Africa and remains one of the world’s best calving areas for Southern Right Whales.
During the late winter and early spring months, these enormous water bound mammals can be seen calving, nursing and breaching in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The De Hoop Trail takes you right along the coastline, offering brilliant views of these great beasts in their most revealing and admirable water displays, only to move onto a cultural-historical experience that will knock your socks off. The De Hoop, Melkkamer and Potberg “historical homesteads” have wonderful stories behind them, and the surrounding areas include sites of San rock art, ancient human fossils that pre-date those found in the Cradle of Humankind and fascinating tools and evidence from eras past.
But, for those more nature bound, the nineteen kilometre long vlei serves you as an incredible presentation of De Hoop’s best birdlife, with an astounding 260 species! Or perhaps you might be lucky enough to even spot the shy Cape Clawless otter doing acrobatics in the cool water. At only R5,500 per person sharing, which includes accommodation, internal transfers, meals, tea, coffee, bottled water and juice, this mixing together of the best birding, game spotting, incredible landscapes and marine experiences will be something that you will never forget! To find out more about the De Hoop Trail and reserve your weekend away, please e-mail res@dehoopcollection.com or call ‘0861 De Hoop’.
