De Hoop Nature Reserve

Situated Just Three Hours From Cape Town in the Overberg Region, near Cape Agulhas – 'the Southern Tip of Africa'. Thousands of Years ago, Stone Age people hunted wildlife in what is now: 'De Hoop Nature Reserve', followed by Late Stone Age hunter-gatherers who lived off the Land and Coastal resources. Before the arrival of Europeans, the nomadic Khoisan, roamed the inland Plains. (Today, carefully preserved artefacts from this era are displayed at the tourist information centre at the Main Entrance.)

On guided walks, one can even visit the 'middens', where the indigenous inhabitants of the Southern Coast, known as Strandlopers, combed the Beaches and consumed shellfish for Hundreds of Years. The Overberg Region was Colonised in the early eighteenth Century and over the next 100 years, it became known for its: 'Sheep Farming; Horse and Cattle Breeding, and Grain Farming'.

The Cape Provincial Administration, bought the De Hoop Farm in 1956, and De Hoop Nature Reserve, was proclaimed in 1957. The further acquisition of Land enlarged this. Initially, the Reserve served as a: 'Wildlife Farm'. Where rare and endangered species, such as Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra, were bred for restocking.' Since the early 1970's, though, the objective of De Hoop has been the Conservation of this unique Coastal Region.

In 1986 a Marine Protected Area was proclaimed off its Coast, contributing to the Conservation of the Region’s Coastal Marine Resources. The Indigenous Inhabitants of the Southern Coast were known as: 'Strandlopers'. They combed the Beaches and consumed shellfish for Hundreds of Years.

ACCOMODATION: De Hoop Nature Reserve Highlights Choose between self-catering Cottages and luxury catered Suites or family friendly, with an all Year 'Kids Club'.

Excellent birding with over 260 species of Birds. Hike one of the most scenic hiking trails in South Africa or just Laze on the Beach. Explore the diverse Landscapes on guided and self-guided hikes, bike rides and marine walks. Laze on the beach or venture out snorkelling exploring many of the turquoise rock pools. Watch the sunset with a drink in hand on an afternoon boat cruise on the De Hoop Wetlands. (For some pampering treat yourself to a spa treatment at De Hoop Spa.) De Hoop offers some of the best Land based whale-watching in South Africa. Sit on the sand dunes and watch the Southern Right Whales come close to shore and be in awe of the beautiful creatures. From May to November almost 500-600 whales visit the Coast of, De Hoop.

The Fig Tree Restaurant in the Farmhouse Area is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The delicious South African meals are freshly prepared with local produce. Picnic baskets can also be ordered. (The Restaurant is licensed and serves some excellent South African wines.) After a busy day return to your: 'De Hoop Nature Reserve Accommodation' you can get a fire going and roast some marshmallows over smouldering coals while gazing at the star-studded night Sky. Inland, away from the Coast, this stunning 34,000-hectare reserve is a UNESCO Ramsar World Heritage Site, rich in biodiversity, home to an array of unique and rare wildlife and a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and whale watchers.