We hope you’re having a gorgeous Spring! Here’s to warmer, longer days with more time to squeeze in the best of De Hoop. With so much to do, we suggest your clients spend at least two nights out at the reserve to really soak up the experience of this nature and marine escape! And just in case you’re wondering, here are our Top 5 Spring Activities to add to their itineraries (please book ahead for the guided options):
- Spot Whales from the Beach
De Hoop is enjoying a record-breaking number of whale sightings off the coast of the Nature and Marine Reserve this year. Guests can book a picnic basket and head down to Koppie Alleen for some truly world-class land based whale watching.
- Mountain Bike around the Reserve
Explore the beauty of De Hoop on two wheels. Guests can opt for a trail, or just ride around the Opstal area and enjoy the freedom of the wind in their hair and the sights of nature. With no large predators, De Hoop Nature Reserve is the ideal space to get close to game and nature without fences. For those who would prefer a guided experience, kindly book at reception.
- Get Twitchin’
Guests should remember to pack their favourite bird book and head off for a walk exploring the feathered friends who call De Hoop home, or sign up for a Guided Bird Walk and soak up the knowledge from our trained and informative guides.
From renowned Conservation Photographer, Peter Chadwick via Photodestination.co.za:
Specials: Black Harrier, Cape Vulture, African Black Oystercatcher, Denham’s Bustard, Blue Crane, Cape Eagle-Owl, Southern Tchagra, Knysna Woodpecker, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Orange-breasted Sunbird
Recommended Viewing Points: Koppie Alleen, The Opstal, The Vlei Trail & The Klipspringer Trail at Potberg Farmlands on the drive into the reserve.
4. Cruise into the Season
Enjoy an eco boat cruise on the Vlei (a protected RAMSAR site) and enjoy the tranquillity offered by this 19km stretch of water. Home to a plethora of bird life, it is another Twitcher Hot Spot.
“The vlei at De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp is one of the best birding sites close to Cape Town – 259 different bird types represent 70% of the 369 species known in the south-western Cape, including rare and threatened species.”
- Just Relax
Winter has a way of wreaking havoc on our skin, why not suggest guests rejuvenate theirs at the De Hoop Spa? From facials to massages, they’ll be pampered to perfection with swoon-worthy ELEMIS products.
2019 Winter Special Open for Bookings
Our Winter Special for 2019 is available already! We have taken 40% off our De Hoop Village Cottages for May, June & July and your normal commission applies off the special rate.
De Hoop Village has 9 units. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, double bedroom, twin bedroom, bunk beds bedroom, bathroom with shower, outside braai (barbeque) area. Limited Availability. E&OE.
De Hoop Collection’s Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings, and are available from our Reservations officer.
Spotlight: De Hoop Bespoke Trail Experience
3-Nights: Walk and experience the natural and cultural history of the De Hoop Nature reserve and Marine Protected Area with a qualified nature/marine guide. There are many natural wonders in the world but only a few with such awesome diversity – De Hoop, The Jewel of the Cape.
