The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a small but beautiful nature reserve about 200km east of Cape Town in South Africa
background
history
landscape
Flora and fauna
climate
getting there
The reserve can only be reached by car, although an off-road vehicle is recommended due to the condition of the access roads. It is best to take the street off Swellendam, even if other streets don't seem quite as long. Since the roads to this hard-to-reach part of the country are relatively poor, this is the best option. To Swellendam is very easy to get to via the N2 national road.
Fees / permits
Adults pay 24 rand and children 12 rand admission.
mobility
Some corners of the reserve can be easily reached by car and then further explored on foot. There are also some hiking trails from the camp.
Tourist Attractions
The point of interest is the reserve as such. It is home to around 1500 different plants, 86 species of mammals, over 250 different species of fish and at least 260 species of birds. Many animals, such as the extremely rare Bontebok or Cape Mountain Zebra, can be viewed directly from the camp and from the road. Ostriches, islets and baboons are also numerous.
activities
- Beach. There is a very beautiful, secluded beach in the reserve, which not only invites you to linger, but also to explore.
- hike. There are numerous hiking trails in the reserve, most of which start from the main camp. These often lead through different vegetation zones and offer a good insight into the nature of this area. Often you can also observe wild animals on hikes.
to buy
kitchen
It is best to bring your own, as there is only self-sufficiency here. There is a small shop in Ouplaas, near the reserve, but it is often closed. The next best option for shopping is in Swellendam or Bredasdorp (at least 60km away)
accommodation
Lekkerwater
Lekkerwater is a beach house just a few meters from the beach. It is secluded and an ideal place to stay during the whale season. The five rooms can accommodate up to 10 people. There is one bedroom with a double bed and two bedrooms with one bed each. There is also a small annex with two rooms that can sleep four people. Gas or battery-operated lamps are used for lighting and a diesel generator is used to generate electricity. Candles are provided for emergencies and there is free firewood for a delicious braai (barbecue). The bathroom has a shower and the kitchen has a gas stove, a refrigerator, as well as cutlery and crockery. Bedding is provided.
Fully-equiped cottages
Three fully equipped huts offer a view of De Hoop vlei. Each of them can accommodate up to seven people in two bedrooms. One room has a double bed and the other has three single beds. There is also a sofa bed in the living room. Bedding and towels are provided. There is a bathroom with shower and a kitchen with hot plates and an oven, microwave, refrigerator, crockery and cutlery.
These huts have electricity and hot water. Firewood is available for a small fee.
Rondawels and basic cottages
There are seven simple huts in the reserve. One large hut can accommodate up to ten people, while the remaining six huts are designed for four people. All have a bathroom with a shower and a kitchen with two hot plates, an oven, a microwave, a refrigerator, crockery and cutlery.
The two rondawels (round huts) are more intended for backpackers and each hold four people. Within a 10m radius there are three more huts in which the bathrooms with showers and the kitchen are housed. In the kitchen area there is a stove and a refrigerator, as well as cutlery and crockery. These round huts cost from R395 per person / night. However, you may have to share them with strangers. Gas for hot water and light is provided, but no bedding!
Ou Huis
The restored Ou Huis (old house) has its very own atmosphere. Up to ten people can sleep here, which is spread over two bedrooms and an annex. The large kitchen (with stove, refrigerator and microwave) can also be used as a cozy living room. There is also a living room, dining room and two bathrooms with bathtub and shower. The house has electricity. You don't have to worry about crockery and cutlery, bedding or the fire house here, all of this is provided.
You can book by phone at (028) 425 5020 or by email to [email protected] The exact prices can be found here see
security
trips
- Needle cap. Cape Agulhas. The southernmost point of Africa. On the ride over Bredasdorp you should definitely go to the famous factory with factory outlet Kapula candles drop by. Here beautiful candles with colorful, African motifs are made, which are unique in their kind and therefore an ideal travel souvenir.
