Whales

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. 

Sprout visits De Hoop Nature Reserve
Sprout visits De Hoop
Sprout visits De Hoop
Sprout visits De Hoop
 Interpretive Marine Walk - guide gives insights into the lives of star fish and sea urchins

 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

Sea urchins sheltering from the sun by putting shells onto themselves

Low Tide reveals a whole new world

Low Tide reveals a whole new world

Muscle Power!

Muscle Power!

Sprout visits De Hoop Nature Reserve
Fynbos - unique vegetation synonymous with the southern tip of Africa

Fynbos - unique vegetation synonymous with the southern tip of Africa

Sprout visits De Hoop Nature Reserve
There are several accommodation options - we stayed in Opstal Vlei Cottages which are self-catering.

There are several accommodation options - we stayed in Opstal Vlei Cottages which are self-catering.

Sunset over the Vlei

Sunset over the Vlei