26 - 28 July 2024: Merrell Whale of Trail 53k...
South Africa’s iconic five-day Whale Trail hiking route is offered as a challenge to runners.
De Hoop’s annual winter special allows families and groups the opportunity to experience the natural abundance of De Hoop Collection at a special rate - and this year a group of 6 can stay in one of the fully-equipped De Hoop Village cottages for just R250pp a night.
Once at De Hoop guests can look forward to time out in nature walking, riding one of the many mountain biking trails that crisscross the reserve, birding or picnicing beneath a fig tree. Numerous guided activities are also available and booked with reception. Guided Marine Walks are a favourite, as are the unique Guided Vulture Colony Trip or the Guided Eco Boat Trips which include either pastries and teas or coffees for morning cruises, or house wines and snacks with the later afternoon ones as you glide along the 16km vlei (coastal lake). For keen birders, the vlei is a hive of activity -
“…the birds adore the place. Greater flamingo have twice bred successfully here over the decades - the only place in South Africa they have ever done so. You’ll also find lesser flamingos here, along with yellow-billed duck, little bittern, Caspian tern and the chestnut-banded plover. In fact, there are a total of 260 species of birds you could spot here. Sometimes you’ll see dozens of pelicans flecking the surface of the lagoons. Other times, there are literally thousands of Cape shovellers. The birds feel so safe here that they will frequently use this as a refuge where they can moult in peace – a time when they are vulnerable.” - Southafrica.net
While Bontebok, Ostriches, Eland and Cape mountain zebra are spotted roaming the reserve, the real attraction in winter is whale watching from the dunes at the nearby beaches. Prebook a picnic basket and head down to the shore to see if you can spot Southern Right whales breaching and fluking in the bay.
The De Hoop Village Cottages are well equipped for self catering, complete with outside braai areas,and the onsite Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily should you wish to dine out, enjoy a slice of cake and coffee or enjoy some wine from the Overberg region.
Whether it’s the call of nature, the allure of the whales or just the need for a good ol’ fashioned escape from the city, be sure to head out to De Hoop before July 27th to make the most of the accommodation special.
*R250pppn based on Cottage cost of R1500/night for up to 6 guests. Terms & conditions apply.
