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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
The De Hoop Trail
Few places in the world can offer the breath taking diversity
and stunning natural beauty of De Hoop, the Jewel of the Cape.
Nature lovers can experience this pristine environment up close by
walking the De Hoop Trail, a stimulating exploration of both the De
Hoop Vlei and the magnificent De Hoop Coastal Reserve.
This fully catered luxury trail runs over three nights, with two
full days spent walking, at your own pace, with a well- informed,
interpretive guide. The trail is fully catered with fine cuisine
that is quite unexpected on a walking trip and accommodation is
luxuri-ous.
The De Hoop Reserve
De Hoop represents a treasure-chest of natural and cultural
assets. The diversity of 1 500 plant species is amongst the highest
in the Cape Floristic Region, with a large per-centage of rare,
threatened and endemic species. The discerning visitor is
privileged to walk amongst pristine fynbos vegetation and view the
flowering plants at close quarters. The invertebrate animal wealth
is equally diverse. A safe refuge is provided for rare mammals such
as the Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra, smaller predators and
various bat species, the latter in a large breeding cave. These
limestone cave systems are unique and preserved in a pristine
condition.
The De Hoop Marine Reserve -the second largest marine reserve in
Southern Africa after the St.Lucia estuary - is one of the world’s
most important calving grounds for the southern right whale and an
important nursery area for depleted angling fish species.
From a cultural-historical perspective, visitors experience a
bygone era. De Hoop houses undisturbed archaeological sites. The
historical homesteads at De Hoop, Melk-kamer and Potberg are
well-preserved architectural examples and many of the previ-ous
landowners maintain life-long sentimental ties with the
reserve.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve has a diversity of values for people,
from practical to aesthetic, from watershed protection to spiritual
inspiration. It is a magnificent outdoor classroom, offering
diverse and fascinating walking opportunities for visitors.
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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
The Trail Area:
The De Hoop Vlei is 19km long and is a highly productive
ecosystem; a Ramsar site of international ecological importance
where aquatic birds and other organisms breed and feed undisturbed.
Many of the 260 bird species which occur at De Hoop can be seen
here. In times of flood, the vlei supports up to 30 000 birds (97
water bird species), including threatened and near-threatened
species such as Lesser- and Greater Fla-mingo, White Pelican,
Chestnut-banded Plover and Caspian Tern. It is the only locality in
South Africa where Greater Flamingo has bred successfully in the
past. (1960 and 1963)
The vlei boasts several pairs of African fish eagles. Their
high-pitched call, the voice of Africa, contributes to the wild
charm of the area. The area is a safe shelter for twelve waterfowl
species during the dry summer months. As many as 13 species of
migrant waders including curlew sandpipers, ruffs, little stints,
whiskered and white winged terns visit the vlei in summer, when the
water level drops and the mud flats are exposed.
There is always great excitement amongst guests when the
socially reticent Cape Clawless otter - of which there are many
around the vlei - makes its appearance to patient visitors. While
you wait, baboons, eland and wildebeest may well wander up to greet
you. With no hunting allowed in the reserve, the animals have
settled into an easy and trusted relationship with their human
visitors. (I don’t think we should refer to hunting at all.)
Accommodation
Situated on the western bank of the De Hoop vlei is a coveted
(consider rewording) private area known as the Melkkamer (The Milk
Room or Milking House) originally the centre of the farm, ‘The
Hope’. This is where you will be housed for the duration of the
trail.
The authentically restored Melkkamer homestead was built in 1907
and restored in 2010. It is the epitome of stylish elegance, with
tall chimneys, spacious wrap around verandas, high pressed ceilings
and stylishly appointed bathrooms in which you will be happy to
relax after your day’s walk. Four stylish and spacious en suite
rooms oc-casionally make the visitor hard pressed to up and leave
for the day’s exploration. When required the restored Foreman’s or
Vlei cottage will accommodate additional guests. Electricity is in
the form of a generator for lighting purposes - kerosene lanterns
are also provided.
The De Hoop Trail
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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
Catering:
The trail provides wholesome and elegant meals, freshly prepared
by our resident Chef.
Trail must-knows
A maximum of twelve people aged 12 and older may participate.
Younger children will be accommodated by prior arrangement if the
entire trail is booked by a single group.
A reasonable level of fitness is required as the walk can be
long and sometimes un-even, especially on the coastal rocks.
However the walking pace is leisurely and fo-cuses on being an
interpretive experience of the natural environment. The general
rules and regulations of Cape Nature and De Hoop Nature Reserve
will apply and indemnity documents will be completed before
participating. The trail incorporates birding, game viewing, the
fynbos and marine experiences.The trail begins on either a Friday
afternoon to a Monday morning or a Monday After-noon to a Thursday
morning. It is a three night, catered, luxury trail with two full
days spent walking with your guide.
The De Hoop Trail
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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Guests arrive and check-in at the reception of the main De Hoop
Opstal area at 14h00, where the group will be met by their personal
trail guide. Vehicles are left here in a designated parking area
and guests are transferred by boat/open vehicle (weather
permitting) across the vlei to the Melkkamer Manor house. Guests
arrive at the Manor house mid-afternoon and after settling in and
having time to do a personal ‘reccie’ (exploration) of their home
for the next few days, are treated to sundown drinks and canapés,
where they get more information about the next two day’s activities
and about the Melkkamer area and history. The rest of the afternoon
is spent at leisure.After a sumptuous evening meal, served either
around the fire under the giant Milk-wood tree, under the stars, or
in the stately dining room, guests will have the oppor-tunity to
sit around the fire and socialise or partake in an informal guided
interpretive star gazing activity.
Day 2
The morning begins with an early wake-up call before sunrise
with a cup of coffee, tea, rusks or freshly squeezed orange juice.
Fruit and cereals will be served before the mornings’ walk along
the vlei shore. The De Hoop guide will share his/her knowledge of
local customs and history, the myriad creatures seen on the walk
and the biodiver-sity of the area. Brunch is served al fresco, at a
meeting point en route. Usually, the afternoon activity is a short
walk departing after the heat of the day and returning before
sunset for drinks, dinner and an evening of shared stories,
laughter and games or a good book.
The De Hoop Trail
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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
Day 3
The third day begins with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh juice
at a later hour than day two. A light breakfast is served and then
guests are driven in an open vehicle to observe game as they head
for the magnificent beach at Koppie Alleen. Here the group walks
along the undeveloped and pristine coast and will experience the
protected marine life in the rock pools beside the signature white
sand dunes. Dol-phin and Whale sightings are an oceanic highlight
in season, while multi-coloured sea anemones and starfish delight
in the shallower pools.
There is time for some tanning and a swim on hot days, when the
tide is in.
Individual picnic lunch packs will be provided for the day’s
coastal adventure. Guests are driven back to the Melkkamer Manor
accommodation after lunch, where tradi-tional high tea is served in
the afternoon, with the rest of the afternoon spent at leisure -
either relaxing or taking a shorter stroll along the edge of the
vlei for more bird watch-ing - before the evening’s culinary
experience.
Day 4
On the fourth morning, we offer guest the choice of relaxation
around the Manor area or early game viewing and bird watching on
the vlei before breakfast. At ap-proximately 10h30, guests will be
transferred by boat or vehicle back to reception for check out and
departure.
The De Hoop Trail
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De Hoop Collectionwww.dehoopcollection.co.za
What to bring:
• Neutral coloured clothing according to season including light,
comfortable walking gear. • A sun hat • Rain jacket • Swimming
towel or sarong • A tracksuit or warm jacket is recommended in
summer and winter months. • Comfortable walking shoes preferably
with thick soles and ankle support. • Sandals with rubber soles are
useful on the coast.
The trail provides all bedding, linen and towels.
Optional:
Camera Reference books Binoculars Sunscreen lotion Insect
repellent Walking sticks A good flash light ( torch)NO CELL PHONES,
VIDEO GAMES OR RADIOS/CD/MP3 PLAYERS
Rates:
R 4900.00 pp sharing, all inclusive (please note min 4 pax)De
Hoop Collection Terms and booking conditions apply. Rates include
accommodation, internal reserve transfers, all scheduled meals,
hot/cold teas, bottled water, coffees and juices. Rate excludes
cool drinks and alcoholic beverages. A bar is provided with soft
drinks, beers and local wines (Excluded from the rate).
Arrangements are to be made on reservation for any special dietary
requirements (e.g. vegetarians). We will be happy to accommodate
you.
Reservations:
[email protected]
Call 0861 De HoopMobile: +27 (0) 86 133 4667Landline: +27 (0)21
422 4522
The De Hoop Trail
