6THINGS TO DO
Accommodation and activities in the western section of the reserve are managed by the De Hoop Collection. Guests who stay in the reserve can book guided tours at the reception office. Day visitors can call ahead to find out when tours will take place and join in if there’s space. 028 542 1253; dehoopcollection.com
1 Go out on the water Birdwatching is best from a boat. The boat departs every day at 9 am, 11 am and 3 pm and the tour takes about two hours. Two guides will accompany you. The rate includes tea, coffee and pastries in the morning, or a beer or a glass of wine with a selection of snacks in the afternoon. Bring your binoculars, your camera, a sun hat and a warm jacket. R350 per adult; R125 per child; free for children under 6.
2 Hike along the shore There are two marked circular routes next to the vlei. Both routes start at the reception office. The red loop is 3 km long and the blue loop is 14 km. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for scenic views over the water. Guided hikes depart at 7 am in summer and 8 am in winter and take about two hours. Guided hike R150 per adult; R75 per child; free for children under 6.
3 Explore the coast Watch whales from the dunes at Koppie Alleen, or walk along the coast to Vaalkrans or Die Mond. If you want to learn more about the marine protected area, go with a guide. The tour departs an hour before low tide from the reception office. R200 per adult; R100 per child; free for children under 6.
4 Ride your mountain bike The reserve has four mountain-bike trails: Route 1 is a rocky loop of 12 km along the vlei; Route 2 winds through fynbos for 13 km; Route 3 is 28 km and goes from the vlei to the dunes – it’s the most scenic with the most game; Route 4 is a sandy, 30 km loop near the dunes. Ride your own bike or hire one for R350 per adult; R200 per child. Guided tours depart at 9 am and 4 pm and take 2 – 3 hours. Guided tour R295 per adult; R150 per child (bicycle hire included).
5 See Cape vultures Arrange for a guide to take you to a Cape vulture breeding site on the Potberg side of the reserve. It’s a steep, hour-long climb to the viewpoint, from where you can watch the vultures soar above the cliffs. Your guide will transport you to the site and back and you’ll get a picnic backpack to take along. Tours depart at 9 am in summer and 10 am in winter. R550 per adult; R225 per child (12 years or older).
6 Hike the Whale Trail This 54 km, five-day slackpacking trail is in the eastern section of the reserve. You stay in the mountains at Potberg and Cupidoskraal, and on the coast at Noetsie, Hamerkop and Vaalkrans. The trail ends at Koppie Alleen. (Note that the trail is closed for renovations until June 2019.) R2 900 per person; no children younger than 8. Contact: 082 496 3445; capenature.co.za