De Hoop Nature Reserve — Attraction in Cape Agulhas Local Municipality

De Hoop nature reserve is a unique paradise which is largely untouched and pristine. The circumstances underlying it's magnificence are complex but irrelevant now. What we have is something special and something which so far is being managed appropriately. Development is inevitable, but so far has been quite well managed. Not affordable to everyone, but paradise seldom is. A day visit is in reach of all of us though and I heartily recommend making the effort and driving the dirt roads which seem to be too much of a hassle for most holiday makers. We were largely alone in an untouched wilderness, surrounded by fynbos and dunes. Accommodation ranges from extremely high end (the Morukuru residence to the more affordable but stunning De Hoop collection, but all are spectacular. We had lunch at the Bites Beach Cafe, which was a treat. Menu could be better given the location, but did I mention the location? Spectacularly situated looking onto the sea, splendidly isolated and a truly memorable place to eat, drink and be merry. Food: 3 out of 5 because of the limited cafe menu, location: 8 out of 5,...

The nature reserve is off the beaten track and one needs to go off road through the barren ( in summer) Overberg. What a delight to arrive at the reserve! Flora and Fauna are well preserved, the white sand dunes and turquoise ocean are very scenic, the tidal pools exciting to explore, snorkeling in summer, whale watching in winter and spring, hiking nicest off peak season. On top of all this super nice accommodation and friendly, knowledgeable staff! Last not least an exhibition about the origins of man which adds to the interest. AND we can recommend the restaurant for events. We were privileged to experience the efficient event management with attention for the details. 10*out of 10 . We are and will be regular visitors. Just one word of caution: on arrival via GPS you need to know that Google maps is mis leading you to the Potberg section which is only for hikers of the Whale trail. The nature reserve is signposted "De Hoop Collection" and the sign can be easily...

When you drive on (the not so good) , gravel road from Bredasdorp to De Hoop's entrance gate (in a Sedan, not a 4x4 SUV) , you're relieved to find a small patch of tarred road, then you get this fantastic view of the huge white sanddunes, the deep blue horizontal stripe of the Indian ocean, and the huge vlei on your right, with whitewash buildings dotted on edge of water, then you know you discovered a special corner of the Southern cape. The accommodation is 5 star, but unfortunately , cater for rich overseas guests. Was taken back a bit by the huge "Campsbay" style mansion they building on the prestine marine reserve sanddunes at Koppie alleen, called "Morukuru Ocean House" a private overseas developer, local south africans can just dream of staying there a nighy, apparentenly rates going to be R65000 to R70 000 (that's right not a typo) What a disgrace, overseas developers allowed to move in on public reserve,...