In 2007, De Hoop Collection entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Cape Nature, the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wilderness areas and public nature reserves in Western Cape Province of South Africa, and has since managed accommodation and activities inside De Hoop Nature Reserve which is 36 000 hectares in size.

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 antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline, 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.

Our accommodation options range from comfortable self-catering cottages and houses to luxury suites.  Whether you are on a romantic honeymoon or looking for a family getaway, our accommodation offering has something for everyone.

The on-site facilities include The Fig Tree Restaurant and Wine Cellar with licensed bar, 2 Swimming Pools, a Tennis Court and a Laundry.  Our restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and picnic baskets can be pre-ordered. 

Our guided activities include a morning Bird Walk, the Marine Walk that takes place at low tide at our Marine Protected Coastline, daily Mountain Bike Tours and Nature Drives, Boat Cruises on the Protected Vlei and the Vulture Experience which showcase the last remaining Cape Vulture Colony in the Western Cape. 

Conservation & Community Highlights:

1. De Hoop Nature Reserve boasts a 70km Marine Protected coastline which extends 5km into sea. The coastline has become a safe haven for the Southern Right Whale and other marine species.
2. The De Hoop Vlei was declared a Ramsar site, making it a conservation area of international importance and an undisturbed home for water birds, otters and some fish species.
3. Part of the footprint of De Hoop Collection is a Heritage Site. The quad and buildings have been beautifully restored and are used as guest accommodation.
4. The Melkkamer Homestead dates from the 1800’s. These historical, sandstone houses have been restored as guest accommodation and the area is beautifully maintained.
5. De Hoop Nature Reserve has more than 1500 different species of vegetation, some species are endemic to the reserve.  Efforts to remove alien vegetation to allow the indigenous vegetation to flourish, is ongoing. 

Future Aims:

1. Continuing with Staff Development by giving opportunities for growth and further education.
2. Expanding our gardens to grow fresh, organic produce to use in The Fig Tree Restaurant while at the same time encouraging healthy living and giving staff the skills and knowledge to grow their own food.
3. Supporting the African Penguin Relocation project by Birdlife South Africa and Cape Nature.
4. Starting an extensive recycling project.

Images provided.