De Hoop Nature Reserve: The Ultimate Getaway
Two weeks ago myself and a group of friends headed to De Hoop Nature Reserve for the weekend. I have been looking so forward to the visit as heard so many amazing these and it certainly did live up to its expectations. We were so spoilt – the weather was amazing, our accommodation was perfect and it was the ultimate weekend away for some exploring and relaxing.
De Hoop is situated about 3 hours away from Cape Town so we headed up after work on Friday. The drive is pretty far, but such a beautiful one and well worth it. We stayed in the Opstal House (Black Oyster Catcher was our cottage). The houses sleep 6 people, however, there is a really wide variety of accommodation ranging from gorgeous little rondawels and camp sites to beautiful luxury Vlei houses that are quite honestly breath-taking. Below are some shots of our stay.
Our Saturday morning started off with a run through the reserve – the most beautiful routes and surroundings!
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| Our room |
My friend, Chris, then spoilt us all to a champagne breakfast in the little braai that each of the Manor Houses had.
That afternoon we all headed off on a walk along the beach and were lucky enough to see some whale in the bay. De Hoop is renowned for amazing whale watching, especially in season. This area was called Koppie Alleen.
We then finished off the perfect day with a curry evening in our house which had a really well equipped kitchen and a nice dining and lounge area.
We spent the Sunday on a walk and looking at the other accommodation options which were all really amazing. The wedding venue option at De Hoop is also truly incredible, especially with all the accommodation available. We ended off our visit with a lunch at the restaurant, The Fig Tree, this really was amazing and so well priced! This is the platter I got – everyone’s meals were really delicious!
The below are the Vlei houses which are definitely my favourite! They were built way back when and have been refurbishes, still keeping some of the quaint old finishes. I just loved these, particularly the Melkkamer Vlei Cottage (first image). This cottage sleeps six and decorated so beautifully. We travelled across the rover in a boat to get to these two cottages as they are across the Vlei – so pretty!
For further details you can check their website out here: http://www.dehoopcollection.com/ – I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thanks so much for having us and for the great service from all the friendly staff!
Oh wow, this looks stunning! Just fabulous! I'm so jealous and it looks like such a great honeymoon destination. Definitely sending this on to the fiance 😉
Thanks for sharing
It really is. Try go for as long as possible too – so many great things to do!
That looks amazing, reckon its my next getaway location. Beautiful pics!
You MUST do their 5 day hike. I know…It sounds appalling – but it's luxury hiking. You hike the whole reserve, from mountains to cliffs to beaches, and they give you crates in which to put all your belongings apart from your day pack.
Then you like from chalet to chalet, so no setting up tents or living in misery. They transport your crate for you so your things are waiting for you at the end of the day. You end every day with a hot shower, braai, and warm bed. I'd definitely recommend it!
Do it! Such a treat 🙂
They told me about this! It sounds unreal with picnics and stuff! I am very keen to do it. Thanks for sharing 🙂