De Hoop Nature Reserve
Hikers, cyclists, birdwatchers and whale watchers favour unaffected De Hoop Nature Reserve, situated a mere three-hour drive eastwards of Cape Town. Here, the Potberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean flank 34, 000 hectares of fynbos, beaches, dunes and vlei wetlands. De Hoop is the halfway point between Cape Town and Knysna and remains an uncommercial hidden gem for nature lovers.
Whale watching in De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve offers the best land-based whale watching area in Africa during the winter months (July – October). Home to migrating Southern Right Whales visiting the shores of De Hoop from Antarctica to mate and calve, it offers sanctuary to Bryde’s and the rare humpback whale plus pods of dolphins, all regular visitors to this Marine Protected Area.
Cape Floral Kingdom
De Hoop Nature Reserve is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of six Floral Kingdoms of the World, and occupies only 0.04% of the planet’s landmass. Situated at the southern tip of Africa this tiny floral kingdom is a World Heritage Site and the only one to be fully contained within a single country.
Best time to visit De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop is a beautiful year-round destination with much to offer nature lovers. Winter (July – September) is best for land-based whale watching, hiking, sand boarding and mountain biking. During these months the Whale Trail offers life-changing experiences on the reserve. During Spring, Summer and Autumn (September through May ) explore rock pools, take nature walks and picnic.