Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline, or mountain biking along the many gravel roads or scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day.

Situated a mere three-hour drive eastwards of Cape Town. Here, the Potberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean flank 34, 000 hectares of fynbos, beaches, dunes and vlei wetlands. De Hoop is the halfway point between Cape Town and Knysna and remains an uncommercial hidden gem for nature lovers.
De Hoop Nature Reserve offers the best land-based whale watching area in Africa. Home to migrating Southern Right Whales visiting the shores of De Hoop from Antarctica to mate and calve, it offers sanctuary to Bryde’s and the rare humpback whale plus pods of dolphins, all regular visitors to the Marine Protected Area.

The De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of affordable self-catering accommodation and luxury, fully catered stays. The range of accommodation caters to travellers in search of a comfortable but affordable getaway, as well as people who enjoy a luxury nature break.

The cottages are whitewash-walled fisherman-style houses characteristic of the Western Cape Coast. Ideal for a family and friends getaway, the cottages are well appointed and provide guests with a home-from-home setting. Catered and self catered options available.

The De Hoop Village forms part of the Opstal area, which offers the largest amount of accommodation in the De Hoop Collection and is close to the hub of central offices, restaurant, bar and curio shop. It is a short drive, hike or cycle to many of the interesting locations in the reserve. There is a tennis court, swimming pool and boules courtyard .

If you are self-catering, please ensure that you bring all your supplies. Our curio shop sells wood, firelighters and meat but it really is a gift shop and not a food shop.