Travel with friends … to the De Mond Villa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve
One of the joys of travel is to do so with a group of family or friends. So we’re always on the lookout for exclusive-use villas and lodges. Our latest find is the newly restored and refurbished De Mond Villa in the extraordinarily beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve.
This pristine nature reserve, a Ramsar listed vlei, is all wide open spaces, endless stretches of deserted beaches, coastal fynbos, teaming with animal and bird life and offers the best whale watching imaginable.
The reserve is home to the De Hoop Collection, which has a wide range of accommodation, including various self-catering options as well as the De Mond Villa. With five en-suite bedrooms, awesome interior decor, incredible views, a boma and swimming pool, it’s a really brilliant option for those looking to really get away from it all. It’s fully catered, so all you need do is sit, G&T in hand, and look out over the glorious Ramsar vlei, where besides the spectacular bird life, you could spot wild bush pigs, otters, rock dassies and herds of eland … there’s even been sightings of leopard tracks.
You’ll have an exclusive guide, and most guided activities are included in the rate … think guided bird walks, marine walks, mountain bike trails, and a nature drive experience in an open safari vehicle. Not included (but well worth the extra expense) are the eco boat cruise and the vulture experience.
Another add on you may be interested in is the new De Hoop Slack-packing Trail … a fully guided and catered three-to-five-night hike for groups of up to 10, which will take in parts of the iconic whale trail and other spectacular highlights of De Hoop.
Whale watching
Time your trip for end May to early November, when, every year, some 40 per cent of the world’s Southern Right Whales come to these shores to breed. Females and their calves swim in the clear waters, while males put on spectacular displays. Up to 600 of these endangered mammals come each season … so close to the shore that you can sit relax on the sand dunes, watching them calve, blow, breach and belly flop.
The Vulture Experience
The cliffs of the Potberg Mountain is home to the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of endangered Cape Vultures. Guests take a scenic drive through the fynbos, then hike for around an hour up to the Vulture Deck to watch the vultures swoop and soar above. There’s a picnic lunch included.
Eco boat cruise
Gorgeous, relaxing two-to-three-hour cruises where you can explore the Vlei and enjoy bird, game, otter and even porcupine sightings. The morning cruises include tea and coffee as well as pastries and croissants with jam and
cheese, while the evening ones see you sipping house wines and beers and savoury snacks. Perfect sundowner evening!
Guided MTB trail
Keen mountain bikers get the chance to cycle among herds of eland, bontebok and other game with a qualified field guide, who, during the two-hour ride, shares his knowledge of less obvious natural and historical aspects
of De Hoop.
De Mond Villa is fully catered and guided at R3 500 a person per night, with a minimum of five guests per night. Details: De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes. Reservations 021-422-4522 or [email protected],
www.dehoopcollection.com. Facebook @DeHoopCollection,
Instagram @dehoopreserve
Complied by: KYM ARGO
