For several years, a visit to and stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve has been on my bucket list. Despite being invited to stay a few years ago now, it seemed destined to never happen.
But eventually, our little family (with baby in tow) was able to enjoy the most special family getaway at this beautiful part of the Western Cape.
In this post, I share the highlights from our stay at De Hoop Collection, along with our cherished experience of this South African nature reserve.
Please note: While the natural area is maintained by Cape Nature, all tourist activities and accommodation falls under the careful guardianship of De Hoop Collection. De Hoop is a member of Cape Country Routes.
A Bit About De Hoop Nature Reserve
For those who don’t know, De Hoop Nature Reserve is located east of Cape Agulhas, where the two oceans meet in the southernmost tip of Africa.
Found some three hours’ drive away from Cape Town, it forms part of the rich Cape Overberg Region and can be accessed from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam.
Staggeringly, De Hoop Nature Reserve spans some 36 000 hectares, of which there are 70 kilometres of pristine coastline (itself an attraction thanks to the famous Whale Trail hike and world-class whale-watching), as well as a beautiful vlei (wetland) that stretches for some 19 kilometres.
It is a protected World Heritage Site with a truly precious biodiversity. It is famous for so much. Including the rich Cape fauna, flora and even two majestic, vast Natal Wild Fig Trees that have been growing near the Opstal since 1956.
A Magical Family-friendly Getaway in the Cape Overberg Region
During our two-night stay at De Hoop Collection, we were fortunate to really soak up the full beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Here is just a taster of what we enjoyed as a family, as we travelled with our very curious, adventurous baby:
- We enjoyed delicious breakfasts and suppers in the efficiently run, beautiful Fig Tree Restaurant (which offers incredible meals and impeccable, friendly service). Even our little one was made to feel so welcome and enjoyed dining out at night for the first time.
- We got to explore the reserve a bit on foot. (Both around De Hoop Collection’s footprint and further afield near the majestic sand dunes at Koppie Alleen.)
- We swam in the refreshing swimming pool near the tennis court. Our baby even got to dip tiny toes into a pool for the first time.
- All three of us, little one included, enjoyed amazing, up-close-and-personal game viewing from our accommodation. The ostriches walking past our window was a real highlight for baba!
- At night, we savoured the glittering night sky, strewn with thousands of pinprick stars.
Precious Family Experiences at De Hoop
- On an even more special family level, we introduced our baby to the beach for the very first time at Koppie Alleen. We drove to the sand dunes near Bites Beach Café. There, after a quick bite to eat, we made our way down to a sheltered corner of the beach. Little toes squished into wet, pristine sand on one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find anywhere. As a mother, it’s one of those moments I will always hold dear.
- We also got to experience the thrilling, still-new Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition. I love that there is even an interactive, child-friendly section, where little ones can draw on ostrich egg shell, count bones and interact with some exciting displays. Beyond that, there are some incredible short videos, historic displays and mesmerising imagery that whispers something sacred about the past.
Note: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- We were meant to join a nature drive but it would have meant dinner was too late for our little one. On the last day, we were also meant to join the eco boat cruise. Sadly, time was not on our side as we had to travel home. We will return in future to experience those activities though.
- I really wanted to do the marine walk (alone, though, as this was not baby-friendly) but the weather and tide didn’t play along.
- Other available De Hoop Collection activities include guided bird walks, guided mountain bike trails and an amazing vulture experience to one of the Western Cape’s last surviving vulture colonies.
Perilous Wild Fires on the Day of Our Arrival
On the day of our arrival, the Overberg Region was fraught with pillows of black and grey smoke, the result of a raging wild fire(s). On arrival at De Hoop Nature Reserve, we were initially apprehensive, having driven from Bredasdorp near the fires. However, we were quickly assured the reserve was not under threat.
My thoughts remain with those fighting the Overberg fires, residents and the region’s animals.
Wild fires pose a major threat to human- and animal-life. They put so much of our indigenous flora and fauna at risk.
I urge visitors to De Hoop to be especially mindful of this during fire season. Please take the necessary measures to avoid starting fires.
Where We Stayed: De Hoop Collection’s Cloete Suite 1
Our luxurious Cloete Suite 1, located in the Opstal area, has everything you could possibly need.
As an added bonus, it is very centrally located within De Hoop Collection. So you are a short two minute walk away from Reception and the Curio Shop, The Fig Tree Restaurant, the swimming pools, tennis court and more.
It, along with Cloete Suite 2, offers a gorgeous view of the nearby grasslands, where the reserve’s bontebok, mountain zebra and eland, along with a wandering flock of ostriches, graze peacefully.
These suites were named after the Cloete family, who once lived on the reserve.
I love how this vision came to life and how we were able to stay in this beautiful suite.
In-room Amenities:
Another unexpected historic delight is the framed glass display. This showcases some beautiful, historic stone and clay walls.
For us, the suite was pure paradise with windows all round. (These are wide enough to sit on and gaze out at the nearby wandering game.)
We had ostriches stroll right past our window (a delight for our curious baby adventurer) and bontebok grazed a few metres away in the shrubbery.
Our baby also had wonderful views from the camp cot and got to enjoy game watching first-hand therein too.
Another huge plus is the spacious king-sized bed, fireplace, porch with outdoor seating and gorgeous claw bath, which even baby happily got to splash about in with us.
There is also parking around the corner and the majestic fig trees just behind the suite. (They are a true marvel. Although I spooked myself by accidentally walking under them in the dark!)
Another special part of the accommodation is the chance to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets and enjoy crystal clear, star-filled skies from the comfort of this room and bed.
Some in-room highlights include:
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- Indoor fireplace
- Electric blanket
- Tea and coffee station with a bar fridge
- Daily room cleaning service, if required
- Complimentary daily water restocking (both sparkling and still drinking water)
- A gorgeous en-suite bathroom, with a stand-alone claw bath and spacious shower
- Porch with outdoor chairs
- Swimming pool access (both to the infinity pool near the restaurant (for adults only) and the tennis court-located, family-friendly pool)
- Breakfast at The Fig Tree Restaurant
- A camp cot provided for baby (upon request)
- Nature watching from our suite as the buck, ostriches and even zebra mill nearby
- Night-time star-gazing from our suite and courtyard area
Restaurant, Bar or Pub On-site?
Yes, De Hoop Collection has a beautiful restaurant on-site called The Fig Tree Restaurant.
The restaurant offers great breakfast, lunch or set dinner menu options and its head chef is Marcia Tyobeka.
The restaurant also has a most impressive wine cellar (with some 3000 wines on hand) and bar.
You can enjoy drinks or sundowners outside, overlooking the gorgeous infinity pool and vast vlei beyond.
The sunsets from the restaurant are especially magical thanks to its lofty setting and the all-glass windows and doors that face the vlei, deck and boma area.
Breakfast and dinner were included in our hosted stay so we got to experience the best of both.
The restaurant has a la carte menus for breakfast and lunch, while dinner is a set three-course menu each night.
For breakfast, we enjoyed the buffet-style option. (Although you can also order hot breakfast options off the menu.)
Our dinner meals were some of the best food I have had. They were so beautifully presented and plated.
On-site Spa?
No, De Hoop Collection no longer has an on-site spa or spa services.
Although, on a pampering note, the Curio Shop sells beautiful Charlotte Rhys toiletries.
Family-friendly?
Yes, De Hoop Nature Reserve is extremely family-friendly. Our baby was welcomed throughout the reserve.
From what I understand, during your stay, you can pre-arrange a capable, friendly nanny to help with childcare services. We didn’t book this option but it is something to consider. The staff here are wonderful with kids; everyone was so kind and lovely to our child.
On another note, I was assured that I would have been able to breastfeed on both the game drive and eco boat cruise if needed.
Our little one was also allowed to join in on the activities. These range from the nature drive to the Origins exhibition and the eco boat cruise.
The swimming pool (near the tennis court), game watching, walks, play area (in front of The Fig Tree Restaurant), boules and tennis court provide extra entertainment and fun for children.
Some other activities, like the vulture encounter, are only suitable for older kids. If you are unsure, please check with De Hoop before booking.
At both Bites Beach Café and The Fig Tree Restaurant, we were welcomed for meals with baby and a secure high chair was provided.
We handled meals ourselves for baby. But, for older kids, there are food options available. Personally, we saw older children dining at breakfast and dinner quite happily.
Our accommodation included a lovely camp cot and small blanket. De Hoop Collection also has family-friendly options for those travelling with older kids.
Pet-friendly?
No, no pets are allowed within the reserve.
This is because De Hoop Collection is situated within the Cape Nature-protected nature reserve, where game, rich bird life and indigenous plants are found.
Budget-friendly?
It depends on your accommodation type. The Cloete Suites are quite luxurious so they are within high-end pricing. But there are definitely cheaper accommodation options available, if needed.
Alternatively, day visitors are still welcome to enjoy a meal at The Fig Tree Restaurant (advance booking is recommended). Or to book day activities with the De Hoop Collection team.
Outdoor Facilities
De Hoop Collection offers beautiful outdoor facilities, including the tennis court, two swimming pools, deck and boma, as well as pool seating and outdoor seating near The Fig Tree Restaurant, a boules courtyard and more.
You can also enjoy lovely walks around the facilities, including a beautiful cliffside hike that edges the vast vlei (found just below the restaurant).
Beyond this, you can also visit the beautiful Bites Beach Café at Koppie Alleen. It’s near the sand dunes and overlooks a stunning stretch of beach and wild coastline.
Event, Wedding or Conference Facilities:
Yes, De Hoop Collection plays host to some exciting events and memorable African weddings.
For more information on this or to book an event or wedding, please contact them directly or visit their website’s Events section.
Location, Location:
De Hoop Collection is found in the vast De Hoop Nature Reserve, which can be accessed from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam.
Having tried both routes, I prefer the gravel road from Swellendam direction via Spitskop.
Note: De Hoop Collection is found either some 33 km or 45 km along a gravel road, depending on your chosen route.
The roads leading to the reserve are both well-maintained. But, for the trip, I advise using a high rise vehicle.
Also, to be safe, consider filling up your car’s tank in either Bredasdorp or Swellendam.
We travelled in a SUV and found the road perfectly manageable at that time of year. Just a bit dusty but totally worth it.
Just abide by the speed limit, give way where needed, take it slow and of course, enjoy the scenery as you drive.
Note: There is a entry fee per adult and child payable at the Cape Nature – De Hoop Collection main gate. Entry is free to Wild Card members with the Cape Nature Cluster or All Parks.
The gate is open daily from 07:00 am – 18:00 pm. Except on Fridays when it stays open till 19:00 pm.
See here for exact gate fees, opening times and other reserve info.
Website for More Information:
De Hoop Collection is available on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to connect with and follow them there!
You can also check out Cape Country Routes’ website or their Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for more information.
Booking Link:
To book a stay, please see here.
To book a day activity within the reserve, please see here.
Alternatively, please contact The De Hoop Collection team directly.
Contact Details:
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De Hoop Collection: +27 (021) 422 4522, info@dehoopcollection.co.za
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Cape Country Routes: +27 (021) 023 3611, bookings@capecountryroutes.com
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Cape Nature – De Hoop Nature Reserve: +27 (028) 542 1114/5.
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Whale Trail or Permit Bookings: +27 (087) 087 8250
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Bites Beach Café, Morukuru: +27 (082) 651 2114
Hosted or Fully Paying:
We were kindly hosted for a two-night stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve by De Hoop Collection and Cape Country Routes. However, as always, all views and opinions remain entirely my own.
We enjoyed complimentary breakfast, dinner and some day experiences as part of our hosted stay. But all drinks, gratuity and self-catering snacks were purchased and paid for separately by us during our stay. Our food and drinks at Bites Beach Café were also paid for by us.
Entry to the De Hoop Nature Reserve is also paid for separately. Although Wild Card holders enjoy free entry if they have the Cape Nature Cluster or All Parks.
How It Rated:
Overall, our stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve was flawless. A pretty effortless 10/10.
We made the most special family memories and felt so welcome here, especially as parents with a young, busy baby. I cannot recommend a visit to or stay at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve enough. It really is one of those magical, wild places that thankfully still exist on earth.
In Closing
Thank you so much to the De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve, The Fig Tree Restaurant and Theresa of Cape Country Routes for hosting us for this memorable family-friendly stay, along with the hosted food and day experiences enjoyed as part of our visit.
We have sworn to visit De Hoop Nature Reserve each summer now as day visitors, as we simply aren’t done with this special jewel of the Overberg Region.
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