Nature lovers will find a variety of De Hoop Nature Reserve activities available from snorkelling to dune walks, mountain biking to game drives and much more besides. Whale watching is a seasonal activity and visitors can find a wonderful spot on the beach to observe these sea creatures and their young.
Popular De Hoop Nature Reserve activities include several short and day hikes as well as a 5 day Whale Trail with portage. There are also many mountain bike routes and visitors are advised to book in advance as it takes around 3 days to explore them all. A day can be made of these outings which can include a picnic and snorkelling in the rock pools at low tide.
From February 2011, guests at this South African nature reserve can also enjoy a beautiful walk on the 4 day De Hoop Melkkamer Trail. It offers spectacular coastal scenery with amazing sand dunes and beautiful beaches. Whale and Dolphin sightings can be enjoyed in season (July to November). Guests can also spot Zebra and Bontebok and will be accommodation in luxury en-suite rooms in the Melkkamer area.
Fig Tree Restaurant in the Opstal area is open for breakfast, teas, snacks, light lunch and dinner. Picnic baskets can also be ordered. The restaurant is licensed.
Activities available in De Hoop Reserve:
- Whale watching (July – November)
- Game drives
- Beach walks
- Rock pool low-tide walks
- Birding
- Guided mountain bike trail (2-3 hours)
- Hiking (various including a 6 day Whale Trail)
- Swimming (pool at Opstal or swim in the marine reserve)
- Snorkelling
- Horse riding
- Tennis (courts at Opstal)
- Guided bird and fynbos walk (1-3 Hours)
- Interpretive marine walk (2 hours)
- Stargazing and star identification (1 hour)
