Visiting De Hoop – The Scenic Route
Betty’s Bay 200km, 2 hours 44 minutes from De Hoop
Stop in Betty’s Bay and see the Penguins at Stony Point. At just R10 entrance fee, it’s well worth the detour to see these flight-less birds in a beautiful coastal habitat.
Stanford 124 km, 2 hours 2 minutes from De Hoop
The quaint historic village of Stanford is positioned between Hermanus and Gansbaai, and is sprinkled with restaurants, vineyards and antique stores to explore. Stop for a coffee, or pop into the Tourism Office at 13 Queen Victoria street for brochures and info – book a horse ride, or get your adrenalin racing with a shark cage dive in nearby Gansbaai.
Napier 74.7 km, 1 hour 29 minutes from De Hoop
The village of Napier is a charming mix of restaurants and art galleries. Visit the Tourism Office at 67 Sarel Cilliers Street. For something unique – why not visit the Napier Toy Museum?
Bredasdorp 57.4, 1 hour 15 minutes from De Hoop
Founded in 1838, Bredasdorp boasts its own Museum, dealing predominantly with items salvaged from shipwrecks along the jagged coastline. Stop off here to top up on Petrol, and buy any goodies you may need for your stay. From Bredasdorp to De Hoop expect to see rolling farmlands dotted with grazing sheep, and twitchers, keep your eyes open for Blue Cranes.
For travellers coming via Swellendam:
Swellendam 58.5 km, 1 hour 18 minutes from De Hoop
The picturesque town of Swellendam, one of the oldest town in South Africa, is filled with gems that make it a must-visit. Release your inner child with a trip to the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary, or stop at the historic Drostdy Museum. Remember to take a photo of the Dutch Reformed Church with its brilliant white walls and impressive architecture.
The Elim Wine Route
Visit our page dedicated to this wine route here.
**Times and distances are approximate. Always allow enough time to reach your destination.
Explore Cape Country Routes
De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of Cape Country Routes’ Whale Route.
“The Overberg offers numerous attractions and activities: from land-based whale watching and wine tasting to water sport, hiking, mountain biking and the special ‘Blue Crane Route’ where you can see these protected birds in their natural habitat, on the way to Agulhas at the southern point of Africa.
The coastal route from Cape Town takes you along the False Bay coastline through the small seaside towns of Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond to Hermanus the ‘Whale Capital’, over Stanford to Gansbaai (for White Shark diving) and CAPE AGULHAS where the Atlantic and the Indian oceans meet. The route continues inland to the charming country towns of SWELLENDAM, and RIVERSDALE.” – Read more here.
As a proud Member of Cape Coutry Routes, we thought you may enjoy learning more about some activities that you could incorporate into an adventure-filled roadtrip around the Western Cape!
(Please note that these activities are not en route to De Hoop and some are a substantial distance from us. Do research your route carefully)
Van Loveren Wine & Tastings
“Wine Tasting” South Africa’s largest family owned winery boasts a pallet of superb experiences: Wine Tasting, Food & Wine tasting experiences, Hiking, Garden Tour…”
American Dream Cars
“Discover the Cape Routes in Style” This exciting new attraction has recently been launched and offers a special way of showcasing Montagu, Route 62 and the surrounding areas.”
Cape American Motorcycle Tours
“Best’ting tours offers guided tours of Route 62. We have Harley Davidson’s for hire to take you on an unforgettable experience around some of South Africa’s greatest sites.”
Paarl Rock Abseiling Excursions
“Cascade Country Manor, situated in the Cape Winelands, is proud to announce that it was recently awarded an exclusive permit to provide abseiling excursions down Paarl Rock.”
Adventure Shop Activities
“Based in Stellenbosch, the Adventureshop has been in the adventure tourism business since 2000 and have extensive experience in activity tours and adventures, safaris and Overland travel. ”
Safari Ostrich Farm
“Safari Ostrich Farm is a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn – the Ostrich Capitol of the world. Established in 1956 as a tourist activity, it is a must see attraction when visiting Oudtshoorn.”
Kobus Se Gat
“Kobus se Gat – Swartberg Experience is situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountain Pass. A hidden gem that will give you an authentic experience of South African culture whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the Swartberg Mountain range.”
Lady Stanford Luxury River Cruises
Comfortably accommodating up to 26 passengers, the Lady Stanford offers leisurely boat cruises up the Klein River towards the Hermanus Estuary before returning back to her dock. Scenic mountains and amazing bird life (“more than 250 bird species can be spotted in the wider Stanford area, of which 120 bird species can be spotted around the river and village”) make the trip an idyllic way to soak up the river’s ambience while enjoying time with friends and family.
- Great for group tours, special occasions, avid birders, or travellers looking to experience a luxury river cruise
- Book on per person basis or exclusive use
- Bring along your own drinks or snacks (glasses and ice provided)
- Pre-book a picnic to enjoy (Includes a delicious selection of breads, cheeses, salads, charcuterie, pate, dessert and water.), or a scrumptious pizza
- Knowledgeable guides
- Well equipped with various birding books and checklists, binoculars, blankets and a chemical toilet.
TIP: Great activity for wedding guests headed out to De Hoop – enjoy a pre-wedding gathering on the river to toast the soon-to-be-newlyweds
Contact details:
Tell 1: 082 766 8319
Tell 2: 082 902 1945
Tell 3: 028 341 0358
http://ladystanford.co.za
bookings@ladystanford.co.za
