De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Few other reserves offer a complete outdoor experience, and the 340km2 showcases the ocean, dunes,16km long Ramsar-listed vlei, rare fynbos, diverse wildlife species and the majestic Potberg Mountains.
The reserve has the largest conserved area of lowland fynbos in the Western Cape. Of the 9,000 plant species found in the Cape floral region, the reserve and its surroundings have an estimated 1,500 species.
The 86 mammal species include bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, grey rhebok, baboon, yellow mongoose, caracal and the occasional leopard. The nature reserve also has more than 260 species of birds including many waders that live around the De Hoop vlei and a breeding colony of endangered Cape vultures that roost in the Potberg Mountains.
The highest level of protection is applied at the De Hoop Marine Protected Area to minimize human impact. Not only is the reserve protected but a further three nautical miles stretching out to sea ensures dolphins, seals, whales, sharks and at least 250 species of fish remain untouched.
Take the N2 to Caledon. From Caledon drive on the R316 through Napier to Bredasdorp. From Bredasdorp continue on the R316 down Long Street and 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 signed Malgas / Infanta and travel approximately 2km before you turn right onto the De Hoop road signed 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 Collections 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 have fully equipped kitchens, a lounge and dining area, and an outdoor braai 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 to 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 house has a fully equipped kitchen and a separate lounge and dining room
The bathrooms each have a bath, shower, basin and separate toilet.
Opstal Amenities:
De Hoop Collection offers luxury suites close to the beautiful vlei, main Opstal buildings and The Fig Tree Restaurant.
(sleeps two)
There are four Cloete Suites (suites 1 and 2 interlink and suites 3 and 4
interlink). Both buildings have communal entrances and private entrances for your convenience.
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 amongst others can be seen grazing, while the other two have a spectacular view of the old majestic fig trees in the courtyard.
Each suite has a cosy seating area and a King-size bed. There is a bath, shower, basin and toilet in the bathroom.
(sleeps two)
The Cloete Cottage is a luxuriously decorated one-bedroom suite decorated just a short stroll from the Fig Tree Restaurant.
The bedroom has a King-size bed and there is a bath, shower, basin and toilet in the bathroom.
(sleeps two)
The 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.
Two of the suites have a King-size four-poster bed and two single beds.
The third suite has two single beds that can be joined together to form a King-size bed.
There is a bath, shower, basin and toilet in the bathroom.
(sleeps two)
The cosy Stable Suite is set in the courtyard with its magnificent wild fig trees and Fig Tree Restaurant, which is in close walking distance.
The suite has a King-size bed and the bathroom has a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
The Vlei Suite is located next to the Stable Suite and has a cosy seating area with large barn doors that open up to a fantastic view of the vlei.
The suite has a King-size bed and the bathroom has a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two)
The 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 has a King-size bed and the bathroom has a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps two per suite)
The three Otter Suites are located close to the vlei and are a short walk from De Hoop’s many amenities.
These suites each have 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)
The Dassie Suite has a fabulous view of the vlei and is perfectly positioned to view birdlife and majestic sunsets from your private veranda. There is a fireplace in the cosy seating area inside.
The suite has a King-size bed and the bathroom has a bath, shower, basin and toilet.
Suite Amenities:
The remote and exclusive homestead is a 40-minute drive from the Opstal area and boasts a manor house and two cottages that overlook 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 who seek total privacy. It has a spacious fully equipped kitchen, a cosy lounge and a charming dining room. There are fireplaces inside and a lovely outside braai area under the milkwood trees.
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.
The two bathrooms each have a shower, basin and toilet.
(sleeps six)
The three-bedroom cottage is tucked away amongst the milkwood trees and is a short stroll from the vlei. It has an open-plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge as well as an outdoor braai.
The cottage has a bathroom with a bath, basin and toilet, as well as a lovely outdoor hot water shower.
Melkkamer Amenities:
(sleeps two)
De Hoop Collection’s five thatched Campsite Rondavels are perfect for guests looking for understated accommodation.
Each rondavel has an outdoor braai and dining area.
Two single beds can be joined together to form a King-size bed.
Please Note:
Amenities:
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, De Hoop Collection has something for everyone.
Future-Use Packages Deals and Special Offers
De Hoop Collection’s future use package deals and special offers are great value for money, and a guaranteed incredible experience just waiting to happen (T’s & C’s 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 and welcomes guests and day visitors. The fully licensed restaurant is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00 and serves:
De Hoop Collection offers the following amenities and activities:
Amenities
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.
Stay at De Hoop Collection and enjoy a fully catered and guided experience in The Jewel of the Cape’s nature and marine reserve.
“De Hoop Trail - Vlei to Whales” is a memorable walking experience over three nights and four days, with a total distance of approximately 38.5km.
Price:
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, called Flatrock for approximately to Tierhoek. Tierhoek offers gorgeous views of the Ramsar-listed vlei where you will 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).
Tuck into a delicious potjiekos dinner under the stars while your guide entertains you with the beautiful stories and history of De Hoop.
Day Two
Up at the crack of dawn, enjoy freshly brewed coffee and homebaked rusks on the veranda while you breathe in the fresh morning air. Then put on your hiking boots for an 8km walk to Melkkamer, while watching flamingos and pelicans swoop overhead. Melkkamer is a grand homestead dating from the 1800s, where you have a delicious brunch.
Don't get too comfortable though, because after brunch, take an Eco 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.
Then back to your villa for snacks and drinks, cake and tea, and an afternoon at leisure - a dip in the pool might be just the thing you need. Dinner is a traditional South African braai paired with star stories while you gaze at the magnificent night skies.
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 to walk the trail to Tierhoek.
Thereafter you will be driven to your vehicle at the De Hoop gate and a fond farewell to your friendly guide!
Trail Itinerary Excludes:
The beauty and tranquil surroundings at De Hoop Collection set the perfect backdrop for events that include, but are not limited to:
For more information about upcoming events or to find out more about hosting your next event, contact De Hoop Collection directly.
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.
The 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 back into the past, to a time when early Homo sapiens roamed our earth.
Entry Fee:
Exhibition: 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour'
The 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition is hosted at De Hoop Collection, in the heart of De Hoop Nature Reserve. This unique showcase opened on 18 January 2024 and is a collaboration between De Hoop, CapeNature, and esteemed research institutions that include the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, the 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. The exhibition premiered in 2018 at Spier Wine Estate, and after undergoing various iterations, it will be showcased at De Hoop for three years.
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. Historic buildings, a great restaurant and delicious food. There is a diverse variety of animals, birds and plants. A short drive to the beach with rock pools and incredible biodiversity. Our guide had an incredible knowledge of the area and the wonders of nature there. The staff are all so friendly and attentive. The food was incredible!” Yenusha Ramluggan
“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
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