De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha and is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and, during the winter and early summer months, whale watchers. The reserve extends to the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, which provides an important sanctuary for marine life. Aside from fynbos De Hoop also conserves 86 mammal species of which the bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, eland and baboon are most likely to be spotted enjoying the vast vistas of the reserve.

The southern right whales annual visitors to this stretch of protected Cape coastline, inspired the creation of the popular Whale Trail – a keen favourite for avid hikers.

Visitors looking to extend their visit are catered for at De Hoop Collection which offers a comprehensive range of options from campsites through to fully-catered suites. On-site activities allow day visitors and guests alike the option of exploring the Marine and Nature Reserve with an experienced guide. Whether an interpretive marine walk, or a eco-quad bike tour catches your fancy, the De Hoop Collection staff are on hand to share their knowledge with visitors.

The Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily for meals, teas and coffee

Overnight: De Hoop Collection View iBrochure
De Hoop Collection offers a wide variety of accommodation from affordable self catering cottages to fully catered luxury suites. Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse wildlife and the Potberg Mountains. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline, or mountain biking along the many gravel roads or scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day. Day visitors welcome, and restaurant open daily.

DAY 12-DAY 14: HERMANUS LODGE, HERMANUS
Hermanus
Built along the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus has grown from a small seaside resort town to become possibly the best-known place for whale watching in the world. Today, this busy town is more than just a popular holiday destination and offers visitors all kinds of activities, both energetic and relaxing.

Overnight: Hermanus Lodge View iBrochure
A guesthouse in Hermanus, nestled in the majestic Hermanus mountains, is an enchanting base from which to explore the wonders of Hermanus …. adjacent to the picturesque Hermanus Golf Club and overlooking the 25th green, it is only minutes from the beach, cliff path, whale watching and the Hermanus Village. Hermanus Lodge is ranked amongst the finest accommodation in Hermanus.

From the sun-drenched swimming pool area you are treated to the magnificent backdrop of the Overberg Mountain range and the world renowned Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Enjoy a stroll along the romantic Hermanus cliff path and hold your breath as a mother whale and her new-born calf come within metres of the rocky shoreline. Here you will discover why Hermanus offers the best land-based whale watching in the world!

Tuck into our indulgent breakfasts, whilst watching early morning golfers making their way onto the 25th green. Later, grab some towels and head of to one of our famous beaches, or just laze around our sun drenched courtyard. Or sip a sundowner from your vantage point in the Rocky Lounge, next to a crackling, open fire place, watching the shadows lengthen on the fairway as another perfect day draws to an end in Hermanus.

Franschhoek
Idyllically situated in the Cape Winelands, this peaceful country retreat is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. The once sleepy little village was named Franschhoek, meaning “French Corner” as it was founded by French Huguenots who fled Europe and were seeking a secluded hide-out. They found it in the fertile valley of Franschhoek and this heritage is showcased at the fascinating Huguenot Memorial Museum. The Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village remains remarkably well preserved as restrictions have been placed on the extent of renovations and new construction in order to preserve the spirit of the original settlers. The town’s proximity to Cape Town allows for pleasant day trips during which visitors can explore the area’s many world-class wine estates and impressive range of excellent restaurants or simply browse the quaint, upmarket boutiques strewn along the town’s lovely tree-lined avenues.

Overnight: Franschhoek Country House & Villas View iBrochure
This exclusive boutique hotel is situated on the outskirts of Franschoek in a wonderfully restored manor house and former perfumery dating back to 1890. The hotel offers a world-class on-site restaurant, two pools, and 26 luxury rooms and Villas Suites. Most rooms lead out onto a private balcony or patio with magnificent views of enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains. The Villa Suites are extremely luxurious and boast a fireplace, air-conditioners, 2 balconies, and many more unexpected luxuries. An hour’s drive from Cape Town makes it the perfect getaway for anyone visiting the Western Cape.

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