De Hoop Nature Reserve protects the world’s smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Across its 340km², you will find sweeping ocean views, rolling beach dunes, a 16km Ramsar-listed vlei, rare fynbos, an impressive range of wildlife, and the dramatic Potberg mountains.
De Hoop also holds the largest conserved stretch of lowland fynbos in the Western Cape. Of the 9,000 plant species found in the Cape Floral Region, roughly 1,500 occur in the reserve and its surrounding areas.
Wildlife sightings are equally rewarding. The reserve supports 86 mammal species, including bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, grey rhebok, baboons, yellow mongoose, caracal, and, on rare occasions, leopard have been spotted. More than 260 bird species are found here, from waders along the vlei to the breeding colony of endangered Cape vultures that roost in the mountains.
Protection extends offshore as well. The De Hoop Marine Protected Area applies the highest conservation measures, safeguarding not only the coastline but a further three nautical miles out to sea. Whales, Dolphins, seals, sharks, and at least 250 fish species live undisturbed in their natural environment.
Take the N2 to Caledon. From Caledon, drive on the R316 through Napier to Bredasdorp. From Bredasdorp, continue on the R316 down Long Street, turn left at the Caltex Toyota Garage onto All Saints Road and take the R319 to Swellendam out of town for about 6kms and then turn right - signposted DE HOOP/ MALGAS / INFANTA. Travel on the gravel road for 33km until you see a sign BUCHU BUSHCAMP / DE HOOP on your right. The reserve’s main gate is 7km from this turn-off. Drive a further 8km to the office.
Drive on the N2 for 13km in the direction of Cape Town, and turn left onto the Spitskop gravel road. Continue on this road for about 32km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left at the T-junction signposted MALGAS / INFANTA and travel approximately 2km before you turn right onto the De Hoop road signposted BUCHU BUSHCAMP / DE HOOP. It is 7km from this turn-off to the main gate of the park and a further 8km to the office.
De Hoop Collection has a selection of cottages and houses that include:
The nine three-bedroom De Hoop Village Cottages form part of the Opstal area and are within walking distance of all De Hoop Collection's communal amenities.
Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge and dining area, and an outdoor braai area.
The bathrooms each have a shower, basin and a toilet.
There are seven Equipped Cottages (one three-bedroomed cottage and six two-bedroom cottages) at De Hoop Collection.
Eland Cottage (three bedrooms):
(sleeps six)
Eland Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge and dining area, and an outdoor braai area.
The bathrooms each have a shower, basin and a toilet.
Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Baboon, Steenbok, Duiker and Grysbok Cottages (two-bedrooms):
(sleeps four)
Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Baboon, Steenbok, Duiker, and Grysbok cottages each have an outdoor braai area.
Inside, they have a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area.
The bathrooms each have a shower, basin and a toilet.
Cottage Amenities:
(sleeps four)
There are three two-bedroom cottages located within walking distance of all amenities.
Each cottage has a kitchen and living area, a cosy indoor fireplace and an outdoor braai.
The bathrooms each have a shower, basin and a toilet.
(sleeps six)
There are four three-bedroom houses located behind the tennis court, offering private,
fenced-in accommodation.
The houses are set amongst the milkwood trees near the Opstal area. Each features a fully equipped kitchen, a separate dining room and a lounge.
The bathrooms each have a bath, shower, basin and separate toilet.
Opstal Amenities:
De Hoop Collection offers luxury suites near the main Opstal buildings, The Fig Tree Restaurant and the vlei.
(sleeps two)
There are four Cloete Suites (suites 1 and 2 interlink and suites 3 and 4 interlink).
The suites are situated in the Opstal area close to The Fig Tree Restaurant.
Two of the suites have a view of the grasslands, where bontebok, eland and mountain zebra graze, and two others enjoy a spectacular view of the old majestic fig trees in the courtyard.
Each suite has a cosy seating area and a king-size bed. The bathroom has a shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
Cloete Cottage is a luxuriously decorated one-bedroom suite near The Fig Tree Restaurant.
The bedroom features a king-size bed, and a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home that has been restored to its former glory. Rooms can be rented out individually, or all three rooms within the Manor House can be booked for exclusive use.
Suite 1 features a king-size four-poster bed.
Suites 2 and 3 each feature two single beds that can be joined together to form a king-size bed.
The bathroom has a bath, a shower, a basin and a toilet.
(sleeps two)
Stable Suite is set in the main Opstal courtyard, offering a beautiful view of the wild fig trees. The Fig Tree Restaurant is just a short walk away.
The suite features a king-size bed and the bathroom includes a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
Vlei Suite is next to the Stable Suite.
It has a cosy seating area with large barn doors that open up to a fantastic view of the vlei.
The suite features a king-size bed and the bathroom includes a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
Fig Tree Suite is located in the courtyard with its magnificent wild fig trees and a short walk from The Fig Tree Restaurant.
The suite features a king-size bed and the bathroom includes a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two per suite)
The three Otter Suites are near the vlei and a short walk from De Hoop’s many amenities.
These suites each feature a king-size bed and a luxury bathroom with a Victorian bath, shower, basin and toilet. Each suite also has a lovely outside shower.
(sleeps two)
Dassie Suite has a fabulous view of the vlei and is perfectly positioned to watch birds and majestic sunsets from its private veranda.
Inside, there is a cosy seating area with a fireplace.
The suite features a king-size bed and a bathroom with a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
Suite Amenities:
De Hoop Collection’s Melkkamer Homestead is a 40-minute drive from the main Opstal area.
It includes a manor house and two cottages overlooking the De Hoop vlei. The historic buildings date back to the late 1800s.
Please Note:
(sleeps eight)
The remote four-bedroom stone house is the perfect destination for discerning guests wanting total privacy. There is a sheltered braai area under the milkwood trees.
Inside, the living area includes a modern kitchen, lounge and dining room.
Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps eight)
The four-bedroom cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge and indoor fireplace.
There is a shower, a basin and a toilet in each of the two bathrooms.
(sleeps six)
The three-bedroom cottage is tucked away among the milkwood trees and is a short stroll from the vlei. There is an outdoor braai area.
Inside, there is an open-plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge.
The cottage has a bathroom with a bath, basin and toilet, as well as a lovely outdoor hot water shower.
Melkkamer Amenities:
De Hoop Collection offers all-inclusive, fully catered retreats in the heart of the nature reserve in its De Mond and De Hoop luxury villas.
(sleeps ten)
De Mond Villa features five beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom.
All rooms feature a king-size bed, which can be separated to form two single beds. One room has an ensuite bathroom with a bath, shower, basin and toilet. Four rooms have ensuite bathrooms with a shower, basin and toilet.
Overlooking the beautiful Ramsar vlei, the villa has a private outside area with a swimming pool and a braai. Here, sightings of birdlife, herds of eland, wild bush pigs, rock dassies, otters, and even leopard tracks await.
Included Meals*:
*Drinks for Guests’ Own Account
Included Activities*:
*No Discounts on Set Rates (activities offered are included in the rates, even if you don’t take part in them).
De Mond Villa Amenities:
(sleeps six)
De Hoop Villa features three beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Two of the rooms are located inside the villa, and one, just a few steps away, is in a private, standalone suite.
All rooms feature a king-size bed, which can be separated to form two single beds. The ensuite bathrooms each have a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
Guests can unwind in the elegant communal lounge featuring exquisite artwork from the Grootbos Florilegium. An outdoor boma area provides the perfect setting for starlit dinners and fireside relaxation.
Whether you relax around the indoor fireplace, take a dip in the private swimming pool or enjoy the warmth of the KolKol wood-fired hot tub, your stay includes panoramic views stretching across the fynbos towards the iconic beach dunes that will stay with you forever.
Included Meals*:
*Drinks for Guests’ Own Account
Included Activities*:
*No Discounts on Set Rates (activities offered are included in the rates, even if you don’t take part in them).
De Hoop Villa Amenties:
(sleeps two)
De Hoop Collection’s five thatched Campsite Rondavels are perfect for guests who want understated, budget-friendly accommodation.
Each rondavel has an outdoor braai and dining area.
Two single beds can be joined together to form a king-size bed.
Bathroom:
Amenities:
De Hoop Collection has something for everyone's taste and budget.
From remote luxury self-catering houses overlooking the 16km long vlei and fully-equipped cottages nestled in ancient milkwood forests to upmarket catered suites just a short stroll from The Fig Tree Restaurant.
Future-Use Packages, Deals and Special Offers
De Hoop Collection’s future use package deals and seasonal special offers provide great value for money (T&Cs apply).
Contact De Hoop Collection for more information about rates, future use package deals and special offers.
The Fig Tree Restaurant is situated in the main Opstal area at De Hoop Collection.
Menu:
De Hoop Collection offers the following amenities and activities:
Discover an array of guided and self-guided activities at De Hoop that include:
Walking Trails (self-guided and guided)
Mountain Biking Trails (self-guided and guided)
Nature Drives
Boat Cruises
“Gather a group of friends, training partners or your local trail group and package an outdoor adventure!”
Whether you decide to walk, run or ride, De Hoop Collection’s five unique trails offer something for everyone.
De Hoop Collection offers ‘The De Hoop Trail - Vlei to Whales’, a fully catered and guided experience.
Rates:
Includes:
Day One
Meet your nature guide at the gate at 14:00, and after an orientation briefing, you will be set to go!
The reserve is home to more than 1,500 different plant species, and this route takes you through a downhill fynbos paradise, from Flatrock to Tierhoek. Tierhoek has stunning views of the Ramsar-listed vlei, where you will pause to enjoy snacks and refreshments. From there, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Enjoy the sunset over the vlei with a glass of Overberg wine (keep an eye out for the local Cape clawless otter family).
Then, for dinner, feast on delicious potjiekos under the stars while your guide entertains you with the beautiful stories and history of De Hoop.
Day Two
Rise at the crack of dawn, enjoy freshly brewed coffee and home-baked rusks on the veranda while you breathe in the fresh morning air.
Then put on your hiking boots for an 8km walk to Melkkamer, a grand homestead dating from the 1800s, with flamingos and pelicans swooping overhead. Rest your legs while you enjoy lunch at the homestead. Don't get too comfortable, though, because after lunch, take a boat cruise with your guide to the Opstal area. Once there, head off on a 7km walk through the fynbos and plains with Cape mountain zebra, duiker, bushbuck, eland, bontebok and ostriches as your companions.
Now it’s back to your villa for snacks, drinks, cake and tea, and an afternoon at leisure. A dip in the pool might be just the thing you need to freshen up.
Dinner is a traditional South African braai paired with stories about the stars and the galaxy.
Day Three
After an early light breakfast, your transfer takes you 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, the last 7km of the popular Whale Trail. From Wyoming, you will be transferred to Potberg to view the endangered Cape vultures, the Western Cape's last surviving colony.
After a delectable picnic lunch at Potberg, you will be transferred back to your villa for your last night. Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by your chef.
Day Four
After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the Opstal for a trail walk to Tierhoek.
Then, you will be driven to the De Hoop front gate, where your vehicle and luggage will be waiting for you.
Trail Itinerary Excludes:
De Hoop Collection’s beauty and tranquil surroundings set the perfect backdrop for events that include, but are not limited to:
If you are looking for updates on upcoming events or hoping to organise something of your own, De Hoop Collection is the team to contact.
De Hoop Nature Reserve sets the scene for a fairytale wedding in nature.
With De Hoop Collection’s massive old fig trees, the reserve's picture-perfect Ramsar-listed vlei and pristine beach dunes as a backdrop, yours will be a marriage made in heaven.
To arrange your consultation, contact De Hoop Collection directly.
De Hoop Collection is the perfect venue for team-building events and conferences.
Cloete Room has seating for up to 50 delegates, and conference packages can be custom-designed to suit your conferencing needs.
Your conferencing package could include:
De Hoop Collection invites you on an incredible journey into the past, to a time when early Homo sapiens roamed Earth.
Entry Fee:
Exhibition: 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour'
The 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition opened on 18 January 2024 and is a collaboration between De Hoop, CapeNature, and esteemed research institutions that include Wits University, University of Johannesburg, SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) and the University of Bergen, Norway.
Unravel the Wonders of the Southern Cape’s Coastline
Unravelling the archaeological wonders of the southern Cape's coastline, the exhibition highlights the archaeological sites of Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter, and Klasies River, where early Homo sapiens lived 50,000 to 120,000 years ago.
The exhibition is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to documenting human origins and indigenous wisdom embodied by brothers Craig Foster (co-founder of the Sea Change Project, and known for the Oscar and BAFTA-winning documentary "My Octopus Teacher") and Damon Foster, alongside decades of archaeological research in the southern Cape by SapienCE scientists like Professor Christopher Henshilwood, Dr Karen van Niekerk, Professor Sarah Wurz, and their teams.
Handpicked by Craig Foster for their strong work ethic and aesthetic flair, De Hoop’s William and Nini Stephens, Hendrik Arendse, and Dalfrenzo Laing will closely collaborate with CapeNature to enhance the region's cultural and natural heritage legacy as stewards of this unique and irreplaceable "Heart of the World."
Africa Lives in All Of Us
With a powerful 'We Are All One' message, the ‘Origins of Early Southern Behaviour’ exhibition emphasises the genetic roots of all Homo sapiens in Africa.
“De Hoop Collection is situated within the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It features historic buildings. The Fig Tree restaurant serves delicious food. There is a diverse variety of animals, birds and plants. It’s only a short drive to the beach with rock pools and incredible biodiversity. Our guide had incredible knowledge of the area. The staff are all so friendly and attentive!” Yenusha Ramluggan
“We stayed in one of the chalets at De Hoop Collection and enjoyed being surrounded by bontebok, ostriches and plenty of other wildlife the whole time. The food and service at the restaurant were excellent. We booked a marine walk and the vulture experience, both of which I strongly recommend to make the best out of your stay. And then, allow enough time for whale watching from the restaurant terrace or beach at Koppie Alleen. That was our absolute highlight!” Michael Fuchs
“De Hoop Collection is one of my favourite places to stay in South Africa. The staff and management are exceptional. The chalets are also very well appointed.” Simon Warren
“De Hoop Collection has great accommodation. The restaurant serves reasonably priced lunches, and we had excellent yellowtail! The reserve is one of my favourites. I saw a young jackal hunting, loads of kudu and bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, wonderful birdlife, flotillas of pelicans and young flamingos. The snorkelling at the beaches was just divine.” Vivienne Holtzhausen
“Peaceful atmosphere and excellent whale-watching at De Hoop Collection.” Denise Carrick
“De Hoop Collection is in an incredible location with animals all around. The house we stayed in was very neat. The restaurant was excellent and the staff wonderfully warm and friendly.” Geoff Robertson
For more than a decade, De Hoop Collection has been guided by a simple belief:when people flourish, nature flo...
Guests to De Hoop Collection will notice some very special wallpaper, textiles and upholstery designs... ...
A huge thank you to The Unrivalled Passport and Jurgen Bremer for capturing the magic of family time at De Hoo...
A Guided Eco Boat Cruise is a wonderful way to explore the De Hoop Vlei...
Run the pristine Whale of Trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve in one day! Choose between the 53km or 35km, Whale J...
Join us for our annual celebration of Wine, Whales and Music!
Introductory Special: Stay 5 nights, Pay for 4 - valid until 31 August 2026!
