There are many natural wonders in the world, but only a few offer such awesome diversity as does the pristine De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve, one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature… the sea, deserted beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, wide open spaces, coastal fynbos, diverse animal and bird life, including the endangered Cape Vulture and the very best whale watching … it offers unique outdoor experiences like no other. 

Great news for all nature lovers is the recent exciting announcement from William Stephens, the owner of The De Hoop Collection and chairman of Cape Country Routes.  “We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of our brand-new trail experience – the De Hoop Trail: Vlei to Whales, which will provide walkers with yet another opportunity to connect with nature. Here, in the ‘Jewel of the Cape,’ the ‘De Hoop Trail – ‘Vlei to Whales’ promises an unforgettable walking experience.” 

Experience the ‘wonder’ that is De Hoop Nature Reserve first-hand with a trail experience that has exploration and comfort at its heart. A fully catered and guided ‘experience’ – four days, three nights and approximately 38km covered as you walk, explore and experience the natural and cultural history of the reserve and discover a wealth of marine, bird, animal and rare plant species with a qualified nature/marine guide. 

The primary accommodation option for the fully catered and guided experience Vlei to Whales Trail is De Hoop Collection’s newest addition to its already wide range of accommodation offerings – De Mond Villa, a newly restored and refurbished Villa right on the edge of the Ramsar-listed vlei. An exclusive blend of authenticity, luxury and comfort, the five en-suite bedroomed De Mond Villa offers awesome interior décor, wifi, a private outside area with barbeque and swimming pool and the most incredible views. Itis completely off the grid (thanks to a combination of solar and gas facilities) and being right on the edge of the vlei spectacular birdlife awaits you, plus the possible sightings of wild bush pigs, otters, rock dassies, herds of Eland and even leopard tracks.

Should it already be booked, The Collection’s historic Melkkamer Homestead on the opposite side of the vlei and a 40-minute drive from the central Opstal area, is offered as an alternative (depending on availability).

The ‘De Hoop Trail – ‘Vlei to Whales’

Rate: R12 900* (*valid for 2023) – for a fully catered, guided, three-night/four-day experience. De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately a three-hour drive from Cape Town or George. A minimum of four guests is required (who should be reasonably fit to enjoy the experience), and it is not suitable for children under 12 years of age

Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at De Mond Villa or Melkkamer Homestead; all meals and snacks – breakfasts, brunches, lunches, picnic, snacks and dinners and local house wines, spirits and beers and soft drinks. Road transfers to and from de Mond Villa and within De Hoop.

Excluded are transfers to and from De Hoop Nature Reserve, CapeNature Gate entrance & Conservation Fee (R40 per person) paid on arrival at the gate, fully comprehensive travel insurance, gratuities to the lodge staff and guides, premium drinks not on the “house” list.

To Book: res@dehoopcollection.co.za,  021-422 4522

Ts & Cs apply. 

Guests also have access to a host of amenities including De Hoop Collection’s warm and cosy Fig Tree Restaurant (in an old sheep shearing shed that dates back to the 1800s) and William’s Wine Cellar, in an old, converted silo, a tennis court, two swimming pools and boules.

This pristine World Heritage Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for hikers, walkers, cyclists and families with guided nature drives, bird and marine walks, mountain biking trails, bike rentals, eco boat trips on the vlei, guided ‘vulture experience’ visit to the colony of almost 200 vultures in the Potberg Mountain, whale watching, and De Hoop Collection’s wide range of accommodation options designed to suit all budgets.

_{Prepared for De Hoop Collection by Theresa Gibbon PR}