The De Hoop Nature Reserve
I was lucky enough to visit this little spot of paradise in August—the height of whale season. The De Hoop Nature Reserve is famous for some of the best land-based whale watching on the planet between the months of June and November each year. During this time of year, the water is filled with Southern Right Whales and their offspring. They come up from Antarctica to breed. The marine life here is not limited to the whales. You can expect to see huge pods of dolphins, among other things. De Hoop really is the best land-based marine safari you can enjoy.
The reserve, which is 34 000 hectares, is just three hours from Cape Town, in the Overberg, and is a favourite for hikers, cyclists, bird, and of course whale watchers. You can use this location as a standalone vacation, or as a stop, up or down the Garden Route.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is also known as one of the few marine reserves in Africa. This protected area reaches out 5 km out to sea. The reserve is a World Heritage Site, and is home to fascinating wildlife, which are thankful to call this sanctuary their home.
Accommodation? Well you have choices. The Morukuru Ocean House and Beach House offer luxurious accommodation with superb views! The Ocean House is an exclusive use option, which accommodates eight adults and four children. The reserve is family friendly, so this is a great getaway with children of all ages! Each suite has a glass door overlooking the ocean, and its own en- suite bathroom facilities.
The Morukuru Beach House operates as a lodge, so does not offer the lodge as an exclusive stay, like its sister property, Ocean House. The rooms can be booked individually, making this is the perfect accommodation for couples.
Then we have the newly built Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, part of Natural Selection. Imagine staying in a place that literally means “the place of good water”! This is a wonderful, homely experience, perfect for a large group getaway, or once again for couples, honeymooners, etc. The seven rooms are located right next to a 6 km stretch of beach. You can spend your time ambling down the beach and exploring the rock pools at low tide.
We stayed at the De Hoop Collection which has a variety of accommodation options from which to choose. We were forced to take a “digital detox” (as wi-fi is only available at the main areas), which was exactly what we needed!! A little further away from the sea, (about a 25 minute drive), this lodge is perfect for adventurous guests who may like to cycle to the ocean. Accommodation options are well spaced out from each other—offering suites, as well as more family style accommodation. Traveling with kids, we absolutely loved staying here. We cycled, did boat trips, and spent time doing land-based whale watching. Thinking back to my time at De Hoop is special and I would visit them again in a heartbeat.
If outdoor adventure is for you, De Hoop Nature Reserve is the perfect getaway. Sand, beach, dunes and tracks offer so many wonderful options. Hike it, cycle it, or even snorkel in the stunning pools along the coast. If you are hitting the tracks, expect to have encounters with baboons, ostrich, Cape Mountain Zebra, bontebok and the mighty eland.
If you are more relaxed, or a good walk is as fast as your pace goes, you will love the vlei, floral sensations of the local fynbos and the diverse antelope that frequent this part of the Potberg Mountains. The vlei is a great spot to sit and enjoy the birdlife. The reserve is known for its variety of waders, and the Potberg Mountain is home to a colony of endangered Cape Vultures. Or laze on the beach with a good book and cast your eye out to sea every now and again to see what you can spot.
I would recommend a minimum 3 night stay in order to fully experience this reserve.
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