Ever wondered what De Hoop Nature Reserve is all about, well Hilton and Mel decided to do some exploring to find out…..
About 3 hours from Cape Town… you will find De Hoop Nature Reserve, near Cape
Agulhas… But arrive in daylight or even take Friday off as there is just too
much to do.
Welcomed by bontebok, eland and ostriches we felt like we were in the wild…
Being one the biggest nature reserves managed by Cape Nature this can only be
fun.
Our campsite was on the water.. Not sure if it was a dam or a river but waking
up was pure pleasure as there are over 250 bird species to spot, including some
fish eagles. We spotted zebra and funky pink flamingos early in the morning.
The camp site had no electricity but the ablution block is 3 stars and up.
Cleaned and serviced there is also an area for cooking, washing up, and a mini
oven and a freezer.
Saturday morning was spent on one of the four mountain bike trails. We saw some
buck species at the water hole and also spotted the hiking trails.
With a restaurant and pool nearby 2 days are just not enough. The restaurant
has a fireplace which is great for a group booking or even a birthday. Outside
the pool area has a view to die for, which begged us to come back for a
cocktail or two.
The weather was amazing and we soaked up the sun all day Saturday, making
potjie and roosterkoek.. Sudden raindrops overnight cleared early in morning
with another bright sunny day ahead. We set off to ride Route 2 of the mountain
bike routes which took us out to a viewpoint called Tierhoek. You can also 4×4
here but we decided to keep that and the 3 hour cycle to the Beach for next time.
We very nearly phoned in for leave on Monday to stay and enjoy this beautiful
spot for another day, but sadly we had to pack up and head home.
There are also cottages as well as the campsites, we definitely will be back.
Watch this space for a club outing soon to De Hoop Nature Reserve!!!