By: Tarryn-Leigh Solomons
Three hours from Cape Town, a 33-kilometre gravel road leads you into the heart of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. It’s less of an inconvenience and more of a decompression tunnel — a quiet, winding route that draws you out of city noise and into stillness.
By the time the wilderness opens up before you, you’re surrounded by rolling sand dunes, the shimmering vlei, and rare fynbos stretching as far as the eye can see. Antelope and Cape Mountain zebra wander freely, ostriches patrol the plains, and overhead, the Potberg Mountains guard one of the last remaining colonies of endangered Cape vultures.
Where Luxury Meets Nature
The De Hoop Collection, part of Cape Country Routes, blends Dutch-inspired architecture with a timeless connection to nature. We stayed in the Opstal Vlei Suite, where mornings begin with bird calls over the water and ostriches meandering past your stoep.
The suite itself balances understated luxury with purpose. With no Wi-Fi in the rooms, you’re gently encouraged to disconnect — a rare and refreshing break. For those who need it, Wi-Fi is available at the on-site Fig Tree Restaurant, but most guests are too content to notice.
Dining at The Fig Tree
The Fig Tree Restaurant, once a working shed, is now a warm and stylish space overlooking the vlei. Chef Marcia Tyobeka and her team curate meals that celebrate both flavour and creativity, delivering dishes that are thoughtful without being fussy.
Exploring the Vlei and Beyond
A highlight of our stay was the Guided Eco Boat Cruise. Gliding across the still water, we watched dassies dart through reeds, baboon families in the distance, and wading birds take flight, all against the dramatic backdrop of the Potberg Mountains.
But the reserve offers much more:
- Hike or cycle through fynbos plains and coastline trails.
- Relax at Koppie Alleen, with turquoise rock pools perfect for snorkelling.
- Encounter bontebok, eland, zebra, and more in their natural habitat.
Why De Hoop Is Special
De Hoop is a place of paradoxes: wild yet comfortable, remote yet deeply welcoming, luxurious without excess. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventure, craving soulful stillness, or simply needing to breathe a little more deeply, De Hoop meets you exactly where you are — and reminds you to linger.
It’s more than a getaway. It’s a gentle invitation to return to yourself.
Full list of activities at De Hoop Collection:
Guided bird walk
- Duration: ± 2 hours
- A guided walk with a qualified field guide focusing on bird identification and behavior.
- The walk length is adjusted based on participants’ fitness levels.
- Departure times:
- 6am (October – March)
- 8am (April – September)
- Departure point: Meeting tree at the Opstal
Interpretive marine walk
- Duration: ± 2 hours
- A coastal walking trail exploring rock pools and beaches with a qualified guide.
- Includes insights into marine life and a chance to spot Southern Right Whales (June – December).
- Departure: One hour before low tide (confirm with reception the day before).
- Departure point: Meeting tree
Guided eco boat cruise
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Cruise on the De Hoop Vlei with opportunities to see birds, otters, porcupines, and game.
- Schedule:
- Daily at 11am and 3pm (summer)
- Or by arrangement
- Morning cruise includes: Tea, coffee, pastries, croissants, jam, and cheese
- Evening cruise includes: House wines, local beers, juices, and savoury snacks
- Excludes: Spirits and specialty wines
- Capacity: Maximum 10 guests (including children)
Guided MTB trail
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Cycle among game species such as eland and bontebok with a qualified guide.
- Learn about De Hoop’s lesser-known natural and historical features.
- Departure: From reception (time confirmed at reception)
MTB hire
- Duration: 8am – 5pm (full-day hire)
- Cost:
- R350 per adult
- R200 for children under 12
‘Origins of early Southern Sapiens behaviour’ exhibition
- Overview:
- Curated by Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher) and archaeologist Petro Keene
- Highlights the archaeological heritage of the Southern Cape coast
- Features findings from Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter, and Klasies River
- Times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm daily
- Booking:
- Prior booking required via email: Origins@dehoopcollection.co.za
- Free for De Hoop overnight guests
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- Group bookings available
- Note: Managed by the De Hoop Collection team for an initial three-year period
Vulture experience
- Duration: ± 3 hours
- Travel to Potberg Mountain to view the Cape Vulture, the last colony in the Western Cape.
- Includes a scenic drive and a ±1-hour hike to the Vulture Deck.
- Inclusions: Packed picnic in a backpack
- Requirements:
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Minimum 2 guests, maximum 10 guests
- Prior booking essential
- Departure: From the Opstal Area (times vary by season)
- Open to: Overnight and day visitors
Nature drive experience
- Duration: ± 2 hours
- Open-vehicle drive with a qualified guide through scenic areas of the reserve.
- Spot endangered species like Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as wetland birds.
- Inclusions: Sundowners with snacks, soft drinks, local beers, and house wines
- Departure times:
- 5pm (summer)
- 4pm (winter)
- Capacity: Maximum 8 guests
Why De Hoop Collection?
- A unique combination of fynbos, marine life, archaeology, and game viewing
- Rich biodiversity in a protected nature reserve
- Curated experiences tailored to a variety of interests
