The Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa is an ideal stopover for Garden Route holidays, or for visitors travelling south to the Cape Winelands. This region is close to the southern tip of Africa and can be approached via Bredasdorp or Swellendam.

Characterised by quaint towns, delicious local food and up and coming wines, the Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa is also on the famous Whale Route.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site and listed on Ramsar for its pristine wetlands in a prime conservation area. There is also a marine reserve where Southern Right Whales come seasonally to breed and many other marine species live including dolphins.

The reserve has over 70km (43 miles) of coastline and extensive wetlands (vlei). There are 260 species of bird including a breeding colony of pelicans and the rare Cape Vulture. Amongst 86 mammal species, visitors can see Cape Mountain Zebra, rare Bontebok, Eland, Grey Rhebuck, Baboon, Yellow Mongoose, Caracal and even Leopard.

De Hoop is part of the smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos (wild shrubs and flowering plants) are the predominant plant species found here, with many rare examples and some not even classified yet.

Climate:

Summers are warm and winters are mild to cold. Annual rainfall is around 380mm and August is generally the wettest month. Sea mists can occur. The most frequent summer winds are south-easterly and south-westerly while south-westerly winds prevail in winter.

Directions and information:

There are conservation fees (usually included in accommodation costs) or day visitors can pay on entrance. The De Hoop Reserve gate is open from 7am to 6pm and until 7pm on Fridays. Early or late arrivals can be arranged with Management.

Self-drive from Cape Town:

Take the N2 to Caledon. From Caledon, drive through Napier to Bredasdorp. From Bredasdorp take the R319 to Swellendam. After about 6km (4 miles) turn right - sign posted De Hoop/Malgas/Infanta. Take the gravel road for 35km (22 miles) until you see a sign to the right - De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Self-drive from Swellendam:

Drive on the N2 for 13km (8 miles) in the direction of Cape Town, turn left onto the gravel road, signed Spitskop. Continue on this road for about 45km (28 miles) until you reach a T-junction. Turn left at the T-junction signed Malgas/Infanta and travel about 2km (just over a mile) before you turn right onto the De Hoop Pad signed Buchu Bushcamp/De Hoop.

It is 7km (4 miles) from this turn off to the Main Gate of the Park and a further 8km (5 miles) to the office. All the roads in the reserve are also gravel except for a short tarred section at the entrance.