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The Flagship Hiking Trail

The epic Whale Trail – stretching over five days and 55 km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen – remains the flagship trail for multi-day hikers who flock to De Hoop Nature Reserve experience unsurpassed scenic beauty and a diverse natural experience.

Nature lovers keen to go premium have the luxury De Hoop Trail, which covers a distance of 19 km over two days, with three nights spent in upmarket accommodation, and dining on fine cuisine.

Day hikes include guided hiking options; birders can head out for anything from one to three hours along the vlei to focus on the identification and behaviour of the birdlife at De Hoop; or otherwise set off on a two-hour interpretive marine hike exploring the rock pools and sandy beaches.

Mountain Biking Trails

De Hoop may be world-famous for its land-based whale viewing, but few people realise this natural World Heritage Site also boasts some excellent mountain biking trails. The overnight trail starts from the Potberg Environmental Centre and follows a 12 km ride along a dirt track. All your equipment, bedding and food will be transported to Cupidoskraal Camp, where you will be based for the duration of your stay.

Five other routes await exploration once you reach your base, but it is doubtful that you would do more than one of these per day. Rides generally cross the hard dunes down to the sea, with some of these sandy climbs rated as strenuous (read ‘carry your bike’)…the views from the top are certainly worthwhile. Nothing stops you from doing your own thing along the magnificent network of vlei, coastal and fynbos trails. You can run (or hike) these for a day (or even a week) and will still only scratch the surface of the amazing reserve.

The mountain biking trail starting from the campsite loops around for a fabulous three-hour run along gravel road and mostly sandy dual tracks, with guaranteed game viewing along the way. Or explore the 9 km trail along the cliff top edge of the vlei for views and birds galore.

Marine Life

De Hoop is one of the key breeding areas in the Southern Cape for Southern Right Whales. Around 120 Whales return here each year to mate and calve, and the best place from which to spot these gentle giants is the high dunes at Koppie Alleen. Cape Clawless Otters are one of the most precious mammal finds you could make along the vlei at De Hoop. Early mornings, just after dawn, are the best time to find them.

Experience the Galaxies

Meet at the Fig Tree Restaurant from 8:30 pm (dependent on weather and season) to experience the galaxies gracing our incredible African night skies. An amateur astronomer will point out key stars and other interesting facts.

By Jacques Marais