The family friendly De Hoop Nature Reserve is ideal if you are embarking on a self-drive holiday along the Garden Route or simply looking for a relaxing nature filled break. Situated three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near Cape Agulhas – the Southern tip of Africa. The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 340 square kilometres (130 square miles) in area and extends three nautical miles out to sea from the coastline of the nature reserve, it is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature.

Explore this beautiful nature reserve and discover a wealth of marine, bird, animal and rare plant species while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. De Hoop Nature Reserve offers a full outdoor experience with the sea, sand dunes, fynbos and surrounding mountains.

Visitors can eat, sleep and play at De Hoop, day visitors are welcome and there is a restaurant that opens daily. There is also a variety of accommodation types to choose from including affordable self-catering cottages perfect for families to fully catered luxury suites ideal for a romantic getaway.

There are a variety of activities at De Hoop Nature Reserve for families and nature lovers alike. Spot some roaming wildlife such as the Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and eland or experience excellent bird watching opportunities with over 260 species of birds to keep an eye out for. Explore the diverse landscapes on guided and self-guided hikes, hiking one of the most scenic hiking trails in South Africa or for a more relaxing holiday laze on the beach or venture out snorkelling exploring many of the turquoise rock pools. In the evening watch the sunset with a drink in hand on an afternoon boat cruise on the De Hoop wetlands. For some pampering treat yourself to a spa treatment at De Hoop Spa. After a full day of activities return to your De Hoop accommodation and get a fire going to roast some marshmallows over smouldering coals while gazing at the star studded night sky. Other activities include the Whale Trail, day hikes, mountain biking and swimming.

De Hoop also offers some of the best land based whale-watching in South Africa. Sit on the sand dunes and watch the Southern Right Whales come close to shore and be in awe of the beautiful creatures. From May to November almost 500-600 whales will find a home at De Hoop.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is a must add to your travel itinerary! If you would like more information or sample itineraries showing how this destination can be incorporated into a package you are welcome to Contact us, we are happy to assist you.

At the southern tip of Africa, where two of the world's greatest oceans converge, a total experience of land, sea and the rainbow culture of the Western Cape offer you the most exciting whale watching venues in the world! South Africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, whether from land, boat or plane you can expect spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins.

Every year, southern right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June. The country’s coastal waters teem with the giant animals, mating, calving and rearing their young, the peak calving season is July and August. The animals, often mere meters from the shore, provide unsurpassed whale watching opportunities between June and November offering spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics. Humpbacks migrate through the region between May and December each year, while Bryde's whales are found slightly further offshore all year round.

Good land based whale spotting can be done along the entire Cape Whale Route, this 900-kilometre-long stretch of whale watching coastline starts along the south of Cape Town and extends to Durban. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park and the Transkei.

Another good spot to experience whale watching is in the 34 000 hectares De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg (just three hours from Cape Town), this is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature. This beautiful reserve is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, bird or whale watching. The neighbouring marine reserve is a World Heritage Site that extends 5km out to sea and is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. It conserves a vast and fascinating variety of marine life. There is hike along one of the best trails in South Africa in De Hoop, the 5 Day G!ano Coastline Hiking Trail that offers coastal and mountain walking with spectacular views and of course plenty of whale watching opportunities.

If you are looking for close encounter boat-based whale watching you can choose from many options. These boat-based whale watching trips are regulated in South Africa and it is important to choose a reputable and licensed whale watching operator. Whale watching charters are available in most coastal areas, if you are visiting these areas, here are some great boat-based whale watching activities:

- Simon’s Town: Simon's Town Boat Company operating in the western half of False Bay which is one of the finest boat based whale watching sites in South Africa.

- Hermanus: Southern Right Charters, with 20 years’ experience they offer an 'experience to be treasured'.

- Gansbaai: Dyer Island Cruises a 5 Star,custom-built whale watching vessel & Ivanhoe Sea Safaris one the leading boat-based whale watching companies in South Africa.

- Knysna: Ocean Odyssey offering unforgettable marine adventures.

- Plettenberg Bay: Ocean Blue Adventures where you can experience the best the bay has to offer.

- St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal: Advantage Tours where you can get as close as 50 meters from these gentle ocean giants, the humpback whales. The curious humpback whale can be seen between May to December, moving up along the coast from Hermanus to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another option for amazing whale-watching if you are visiting Hermanus is a whale watching and photographic flight with African Wings who provide flights that will enable you to look at these marine giants from above. This amazing experience can be booked for 30, 45 or 60 minutes and will leave you in awe!

With so many whale watching activities on offer, you have no shortage of choice of amazing experiences to choose from! Please contact us if you would like some more information on a whale watching experience or some sample packages showing how this experience can be incorporated into a package.