De Hoop Reserve

De Hoop nature reserve extends Three nautical miles seaward to protect a key breeding ground for southern right whale. 100 or more whales arrive each year to give birth during August and September in the sheltered waters.

Excellent hiking and mountain biking trails make a great combination with frequent sightings of mother and calf pairs a little offshore, basking and breaching. Koppie Alleen has very good views from the high dunes.

De Hoop is a place of great natural diversity with wetlands, limestone hills, sand dunes and mountains supporting a wealth of Cape floral vegetation, abundance of waterbirds around the vlei and a breeding colony of rare Cape vulture.

Notable mammals include Cape mountain zebra and bontebok along with eland, yellow mongoose, caracal and occasional sightings of leopard. Over 250 species of fish are found in the rich protected waters.