accommodation

De Hoop Collection

De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa

About De Hoop Collection

Set on the coast near the southern-most tip of Africa lies De Hoop Nature Reserve. It's a World Heritage Site encompassing 36 000 hectares of nature reserve and fynbos, including the protected marine reserve along 70 km of pristine coastline. This charming homestead has a wide variety of accommodation, from comfortable self-catering cottages and houses, to fully catered luxury suites. The Cloete Suites in the Opstal area are new additions and either have views of the grasslands or of the old, majestic fig trees in the courtyard.. Beautifully decorated, each suite sleeps two people. Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Activities are diverse and you can choose between various day walks, mountain biking along the many gravel roads, guided tours and scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkelling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day. There is also the new three day De Hoop Trail. De Hoop is the breeding ground for 40% of the Southern Right Whale population. Dolphins, seals and other sea creatures abound. Spot 86 mammals, including Cape Mountain Zebra, bontebok, eland, grey rhebuck, ostrich and caracal. A birder’s and botanist’s paradise. Midweek and extended stay specials | Weddings and conferences | Children welcome | Various Honeymoon packages available | Yoga retreats Additonal information: The stunning coastline, Koppie Alleen, is situated approximately 13km from the accommodation. Those who are fit as fiddles are likely to enjoy a strenuous cycle, alternatively, a drive in your vehicle will take you 25 minutes. The Fig Tree Restaurant is quite the place to be and therefore packed, especially in high season. Please ensure that you book a table for dinner to secure your spot prior to arrival or on check in at Reception. Activities are weather and tide dependent and best booked by yourself a day in advance or once you arrive. Bookings can also be made well in advance, but do bear in mind that the weather and tide will have the last say. Cape Nature does not allow driving around on the reserve after sunset. De Hoop does have permission though for driving between cottages and the restaurant once the sun has set. Most guests opt to walk to the restaurant at night and what a lovely walk it is! The cottages located the furthest from the restaurant are less than a 10 minute walk away. Just remember to carry a torch with you - torches are provided in the suites only and not in self-catering units. The nearest petrol pump is a 15-20 minute drive away and is only open Monday to Friday, so it’s best to fill up before arrival in the last town you pass: Bredasdorp, Riviersonderend or Swellendam. If you are self-catering, please ensure that you bring all your supplies. The curio shop sells wood, firelighters and meat, but is really a gift shop more than a food/supplies shop. Each unit is serviced daily. The gate is open from 07h00 – 18h00, except on Fridays when the gate is open until 19h00.
Perfect For
Beach / Coastal Birding Cycling Flora Hiking Leisure Nature Relaxation Star Gazing Wildlife Wine
Accept Credit Cards
Baby Sitting
Bar
Barbeque Facilities
Children Friendly
Children Play Area
Conference Centre
Credit Card Facilities
Exhibition Area
Guided Tours
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service
Licensed
Malaria Free
Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck
Parking
Pool
Restaurant
Vegetarian
Baby Sitting
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
On Site
Bird Watching
Boules
Cycling
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Natural History Tours
Tennis Court
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Whale Watching
Off Site
Beach
Bird Watching
Boat Cruises
Boating
Canoeing
Child Friendly Activities
Cycling
Fishing
Game Drives
Hiking
Marine Adventures
Mountain Biking
River Cruises
Shark Cage Diving
Tennis Court
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Wine Tasting
De Hoop Collection - Nature & Marine Reserve
Whale Coast Cetacean Project video

Accommodation Options

Opstal Manor House

The Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home which has been restored to its former glory. the House is next to the Fig Tree Suite in the courtyard, close to the restaurant. Rooms are booked individually and include dinner and breakfast. There are no cooking facilities. The old kitchen is a feature of the house and has a fridge and coffee-and-tea-making facilities. There are 2 large suites and 1 small room. The small room is suitable for children only and is en-suite with a shower and toilet. The 2 large suites are also en-suite with bath and shower. The house also has a shared lounge with a lovely fireplace. Each rooms sleeps 2 pax. Serviced daily.

Opstal Cloete Suites

The Cloete Suites are next to the courtyard, within close proximity to the Fig Tree Restaurant. Two of the suites (1 & 2) have a view of the grasslands where bontebok, eland and mountain zebra amongst others can be seen grazing, while Cloete Suites 3 & 4 have a spectacular view of the old majestic fig trees in the courtyard. Each suite is beautifully decorated and has a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Cloete Suite 1 has a lovely fireplace for those chilly winter nights. All 4 suites have air-conditioners, bar fridges,mosquito nets and coffee & tea trays. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate.

Cloete Suites 1 & 2 have a communal entrance for those wishing to share but have their own space. And Cloete Suites 3 & 4 also has a communal entrance. All suites can be accessed privately too, for those that prefer not the use the communal entrance. Each suite sleeps 2 pax. Serviced daily.

Opstal Cloete Cottage

The air-conditioned Opstal Cloete Cottage is a suite situated between the Fig Tree and Cloete Suites. It is a lovely private suite and is only a short walk from the Fig Tree Restaurant. This suite sleeps 2 people and has one bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower & bath. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Serviced daily.

Opstal Stable Suite

The Opstal Stable Suite is smaller in size compared to the other suites. It is air-conditioned and sleeps 2 guests. The room has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and it is only a short walk to the restaurant. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. The suite is set in the courtyard next to the Vlei Suite. Serviced daily.

Opstal Dassie Suite

The Dassie Suite has a fabulous view of the vlei. This Suite is perfectly positioned to view the birdlife and majestic sunsets from your veranda. The suite is air-conditioned, sleeps 2 guests and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. There is a sitting area and cosy fireplace for winter. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is easy accessible. The suite is also close to the infinity swimming pool. Serviced daily.

Opstal Figtree Suite

The air-conditioned Figtree Suite is set in the courtyard with its magnificent Wild Fig Trees. It is between the Cloete Cottage and the Opstal Manor House. It has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower and sleeps 2 guests. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is only a short walk away. Serviced daily.

Opstal Otter Suites

The 3 Otter Suites are positioned close to the serene De Hoop Vlei. Otter Suite 1 has a view of the vlei from inside the unit. Each suite sleeps 2 guests and has air-conditioning. They have en-suite bathrooms with bath only and outside showers. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is a comfortable walk away. Serviced daily.

Opstal Vlei Suite

The Opstal Vlei Suite is air-conditioned and has a fantastic view of the vlei. The Luxury bedroom, sleeps 2 people and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is only a short walk away. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. This suite is next to the Stable Suite. Serviced daily.

De Hoop Villa

The De Hoop Villa is conveniently located at the Opstal, the hub of the reserve. The villa has 3 en-suite bedrooms, an open plan lounge and dining area with fireplace and inviting outdoor spaces. A private swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub and boma area adds to the exclusive experience.

All meals and guided activities are included.

De Mond Villa

The De Mond Villa is at the mouth of the De Hoop Vlei, giving it specatular views of the Ramsar Site with its prolific birdlife. The unit has 5 en-suite bedrooms with 3 inside the house and 2 with outside access. There is a living room and dining area. The villa is off-the-grid and powered by a combination of gas and solar. There is wifi available and a private outside area with bbq and swimming pool.

All meals and guided activities are included.

Melkkamer Manor House

Melkkamer Manor House is a majestic, old sand stone manor house overlooking the vlei. It has been beautifully restored to its former grandeur. This beautiful building has 4 en-suite bedrooms (bath and shower), a gorgeous large fully equipped kitchen (can seat up to 20 people) with open fire place, dining room and living room. There is wifi availabile and it also has an outside bbq area. The house has no electricity, is equipped with gas appliances and powered by a generator at pre-determined times.

All meals and guided activities are included.

Melkkamer Foremans Cottage

The Melkkamer Foremans Cottage is one of 3 houses on the opposite side of the De Hoop Vlei. The cottage is charming and tucked away amongst the milkwood trees. It is a short walk from the vlei and the Melkkamer Manor House. It has three bedrooms, open plan sitting room with dining room and fully equipped kitchen and braai/bbq area. The kitchen is fully equipped with coffee & tea tray. There is 1 bathroom with bath only and the house has an outside Shower. There is no electricity and all the appliances are powered by gas. There is a gas fridge, stove, oven, heater and geyser. The house is connected to a generator which is switched on at pre-determined times as discussed with the guests. Travelling to Melkkamer is either by a 10min boat ride across the vlei

There is a staff member that stays at Melkkamer and looks after the guests - from boat transfers across the vlei to overnight camera charging. Serviced daily.

Opstal Houses

The 3-bedroomed houses are set in amongst the Milkwood trees near the opstal area. They have spacious bedrooms (1 x King, 2 x Twin), separate sitting room with fireplace, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen with coffee & tea tray. Bathrooms are equipped with both shower and a bath, with a separate toilet. These houses are well appointed and perfect for families or groups of friends. The rates are for accommodation only but meals can be added. Each house has an outside braai/bbq area with table. Serviced daily.

Vlei Cottages

These beautiful thatched 2 bedroomed cottages have a living area and dining area with well-equipped kitchen with coffee & tea tray and cosy fireplace. Each cottage has a bathroom with a shower. The bedrooms are 1 x four poster King and 1 x twin. There is a braai/bbq area outsde with a picnic bench. These houses have partial views of the vlei. The rates are for accommodation only but meals can be added. Serviced daily.

Equipped Cottages

There are six cosy 4-sleeper cottages and one 6-sleeper cottage. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with coffee & tea tray, bathroom with shower, seating and dining area and outside braai/bbq area with picnic bench. The rates are for accommodation only but meals can be added. Serviced daily.

De Hoop Village

Ideal for a family and friends getaway, the cottages are well appointed and provide guests with a home-from-home setting. Each cottage has 3 bedrooms - 1 x king, 1 x bunk beds, 1 x twin beds. There is a bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen with coffee & tea tray, lounge area and outside braai/bbq area with picnic bench. The rates are for accommodation only but meals can be added. The De Hoop Village is about a 5 min walk from the restaurant and other facilities. Serviced daily.

Campsite Rondawels

The 5 Campsite Rondawels are thatched units that sleeps 2 guests in either King or Twin beds. The rondawels are basic with shared ablutions and no kitchen facilities. Each rondawel has a bar fridge, coffee & tea tray, cutlery, crockery and glassware for 2 guests and an outside braai/bbq area with picnic bench. The shared ablutions are 2 outside showers and 2 toilets. The guests are welcome to make use of the adjacent campsite ablution block and basic kitchen area. The rate includes accommodation only but meals can be added. Serviced daily.

Melkkamer Vlei Cottage

The Melkkamer Vlei Cottage is one of 3 houses on the opposite side of the De Hoop Vlei. The lovely old stone cottage overlooks the stunning De Hoop vlei. It has four beautifully appointed bedrooms with 2 separate bathrooms. There is a sitting room, dining area with fully equipped kitchen with coffee & tea tray and a cosy fireplace. Paraffin lamplight and firelight add to the romance of the location, where there is no electricity. The house has gas geysers, fridge, oven, stove and heater. There is an outside braai/bbq area and the kitchen is fully equipped. The bathrooms have showers only. The unit sleeps 8 guests. Travelling to Melkkamer is a 10min boat ride across the vlei.

There is a staff member that stays at Melkkamer and looks after the guests - from boat transfers across the vlei to overnight camera charging. Serviced daily.

Dining & Cuisine

The Fig Tree Restaurant

Situated in the main Opstal area, De Hoop Collection’s Fig Tree Restaurant offers day and overnight visitors a welcoming and comfortable setting in which to enjoy local culinary creations. The building that used to be a shed that was used by the farmer and later by the maintenance team of De Hoop Collection, has been renovated to a beautiful space with stunning views of the De Hoop Vlei. The silo behind ‘The Shed’ was cleverly transformed into ‘William’s Wine Cellar’, a round shaped space that is home to more than 3000 wines where you are invited to select a cultivar of your choice.

The Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily, from 08h00-21h00, and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, teas, coffees and cakes and is licensed. Ask about our local wine selection, craft beers and ciders.

Standard Room Amenities
Bath Towels
Bath
Bed Linen
Cooking Equipment
Fireplace
Fridge
Fridge/Freezer
Hairdryer
Hand Towels
Laundry Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Microwave
Private Lounge / Sitting Area
Shower
Table
Tea / Coffee
Wardrobe
Portfolio Journeys Logo, used to part of the Portfolio Places Division
At a Glance
  • Check In: 14:00
  • Check Out: 10:00
  • Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
Portfolio Expert Review
"Having spent time here many years ago, it is inspiring how De Hoop Collection have created such a sophisticated, adventure and nature filled tourism offering, at great value. The buildings and cottages have been beautifully and meticulously restored and decorated with Overberg farm house furniture. In many ways, two days was just too short to really appreciate the beauty and wonder of De Hoop. I’d recommend at least 4 nights. The excursions William and his team have created are world class – from the Marine excursion, to bird-watching, night adventures, boat cruises, kids mini-chefs, star-gazing and fireside stories. You can also hire bikes or simply enjoy the fynbos veld on foot, including awesome walks around the vlei. The natural beauty, animal and birdlife is quite extraordinary – and all within a few hours of Cape Town."
— Ian, CEO. Entrepreneur. Father. Action-man
Verified Visit
From the Archives
We've proudly represented De Hoop Collection since 2007. Here is a nostalgic look at their entry from our 2017 Printed Guide Book.
RETREAT - DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
"Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop Nature Reserve, located in a naturally beautiful setting on the coast near the tip of Africa. The reserve is a World Heritage Site encompassing 34 000 hectares of nature reserve and fynbos, including the protected marine reserve along 75km of pristine coastline. De Hoop Collection offers a selection of accommodation in various cottages, houses, manor houses and suites. Enjoy a number of guided activities daily. Dine onsite at the Fig Tree Restaurant. If you're planning a wedding, De Hoop's specialist team will arrange as intimate or grand an occasion as you desire. Each year, the coastline at De Hoop welcomes hundreds of southern right whales, and these remarkable creatures can be viewed in season during late winter and early spring. Dolphins, seals and other sea creatures also abound in this slice of heaven. Spot 86 mammals, including Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, eland, grey rhebuck, ostrich and caracal. De Hoop is also a birder and botanist's paradise, with more than 260 bird species and an estimated 1500 plant species recorded in the Bredasdorp/ Agulhas and Infanta area. Enjoy a wonderful choice of tours, including guided bird walks, interpretive marine walks, eco boat cruises and stargazing. Mountain biking along gravel roads, scenic game drives, lazing on the beach, snorkelling in turquoise rock pools and picnics – there are countless ways to pass a rewarding day. While you're at De Hoop it's worth taking a drive to L'Agulhas, the famed southernmost point of the African continent. Weddings and conferences | Children welcome"
Vintage Portfolio Collection • 2017 Edition

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