We’ve found the perfect holiday destinations for families, couples, and groups of friends
The De Hoop Collection – a member of Cape Country Routes – opened in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in 2007, and this destination in the Overberg region is a (deservedly) popular spot for everyone from families and groups of friends to couples (talking couples, and romance, it’s jolly lovely for weddings, too). It’s on the world-renowned Garden and Whale routes. A World Heritage site, it offers world-class whale-watching and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with its more than 260 species of birds including the endangered Cape Vultures. A colony of almost 200 vultures roost and nest in the Potberg Mountains and exciting Vulture hikes and viewing opportunities are offered. Other activities include interpretive marine walks, hiking, and mountain biking trails, eco boat cruises on the vlei, nature drives, and tennis or boules. De Hoop is a nature lover’s paradise of unparalleled peace and tranquillity and may well be one of the last of the Cape’s unspoiled gems.
Overlooking the beautiful vlei with its spectacular birdlife is the staple of De Hoop’s dining scene, The Fig Tree Restaurant, and the Silo Wine Cellar where an exceptional variety of wines can be enjoyed. Accommodation ranges from the Opstal Manor House, the Cloete & the Otter Suites (all dinner, bed and breakfast), the self-catering Equipped Cottages and Melkkamer Manor House plus five Campsite Rondawels, and all are available over the Christmas period -Dec 24 to 26 (but don’t dilly dally, these will book out fast). In-house guests can look forward to a delicious Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and on New Year’s Eve, a lovely evening with dinner and music. To enhance your festive stay you can book guided activities for the whole family – from boat cruises on the 19 km wetland to nature drives or marine walks at the Marine protected coastline or order a delectable picnic basket and explore the reserve on foot or bicycle.
Details: Phone 021-422 4522 or email [email protected], www.dehoopcollection.com
