De Hoop Nature Reserve
Earlier this year I visited beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. An information booklet can be bought at reception which details the activities, history, geography and wildlife found in the reserve. The Interpretive Marine Walk is a guided tour during low tide to discover the life of sea creatures in the intertidal zone and is highly recommended (see images below).
De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to more than 260 bird species as well as mammals such as the bontebok, Cape Zebra, smaller predators and various bat species. The De Hoop Vlei is a Ramsar site of international importance where aquatic birds and other organisms breed and feed without disturbance. The De Hoop Marine Reserve is also one of the world's most important calving grounds for the Southern Right Whale.
There is a wide range of eco-tourist activities available from bird-watching, game-viewing and hiking to photography and mountain-biking.
Interpretive Marine Walk - guide gives insights into the lives of star fish and sea urchins
Sea urchins sheltering from the sun by putting shells onto themselves
Low Tide reveals a whole new world
Muscle Power!
Fynbos - unique vegetation synonymous with the southern tip of Africa
There are several accommodation options - we stayed in Opstal Vlei Cottages which are self-catering.
Sunset over the Vlei