De Hoop Nature Reserve | The De Hoop Nature Reserve Area in the Western Cape | Game Reserves & Game Lodges Western Cape

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Western Cape, South Africa

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DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

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Western Cape » Game and Nature Reserves » De Hoop
De Hoop Nature Reserve: Whale watching in a marine protected area The entire length of the De Hoop coast is a marine protected area, one of the largest in Africa. Fishing is not permitted in this area and visitors may not disturb or remove marine organisms. The marine protected area extends three nautical miles out to sea and at De Hoop you are likely to see the finest examples of inter-tidal ecosystems in the Western Cape. Snorkeling in large, clear rock pools is one of the best ways to appreciate the inter-tidal world at De Hoop.

» Accomodation Adjoining the De Hoop Nature Reserve:
Buchu Bushcamp:
Perched 140m above the De Hoop Nature Reserve, walking trails within the immediate vicinity of the Buchu Bushcamp afford one spectacular views over the De Hoop vlei and coastline ...
» Accomodation Close to De Hoop Nature Reserve:
Tides River Lodge:
Tides River Lodge lies on the banks of the Breede River near the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Privately owned, this peaceful heaven is a birdwatcher’s and fisherman’s dream. The lodge offers self catering packages and ...
De Hoop Nature Reserve: The area encompasses the breeding grounds of the southern right whale. It is estimated that about 120 individual whales return to the waters of De Hoop every year to calve and mate. The sight of these massive mammals leaping out of the water or simply wallowing in the azure waters is surely one of the highlights of a visit to De Hoop. The high dunes at Koppie Alleen are an excellent vantage point for whale watchers while the lodge at Lekkerwater provides an ideal venue for appreciating the antics of these gentle giants. Whale season is between June and November every year with peak viewing months between August and September.

Only three hours from Cape Town lies a special nature reserve situated in the Overberg region, near the southern tip of Africa. De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and during the winter and early summer months, whale watchers.

The adjacent De Hoop Marine Protected Area, which extends three nautical miles (5 km) out to sea, is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa and provides a sanctuary for a vast and fascinating array of marine life. De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated east of Bredasdorp, approximately 260 km from Cape Town. The reserve may be approached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The last 50 km of either route is along gravel roads.

A typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the region; summers are warm and winters mild. The annual rainfall is about 380 mm and August is usually the wettest month. Sea mists also occur. The most frequent summer winds are east, west and southeast, while westerly and southwesterly winds prevail in winter.

De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom - the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos is the dominant vegetation group and is largely confined to nutrient-poor soils in the winter rainfall areas of the Western Cape. It is adapted to fire and drought and is defined by four growth forms: proteas, ericas. restios and geophytes. De Hoop is important for the conservation of lowland fynbos for it has the largest conserved area for this rare vegetation type. The Bredasdorp / Agulhas and Infanta area has an estimated 1500 plant species of the approximately 9 000 species found in the Cape Floristic Region. Of these 1 500 species: 108 species are rare or threatened, 34 species only occur on De Hoop Nature Reserve and nowhere else, 14 species were recently discovered and are still undescribed.

Wildlife: De Hoop's many terrestrial habitats support a diversity of animal groups. The marine environment is likewise home to a variety of life forms. The reserve has 86 mammal species. Most notable are the rare bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, as well as eland, grey rhebuck, baboon, yellow mongoose, caracal and the occasional leopard. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals occur in the waters off the coast and southern right whales calve and mate in the sheltered bays of De Hoop each year between May and December. At least 250 species of fish occur in the marine protected area.

De Hoop is famous for its variety of resident and migratory bird species and more than 260 species have been recorded on the reserve. The De Hoop Vlei attracts large numbers of water birds. The only remaining breeding colony of the rare Cape vulture in the Western Cape occurs at Potberg.

There are ten campsites at De Hoop and each site can accommodate six people in tents or caravans. Three picnic sites near the office complex. The nearest shop and fuel supply is at Ouplaas (Wydgeleë) 15 km from De Hoop. Firewood may be purchased at the office during office hours or from the gate after hours.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: +27 (0)28 425 - 5020
E-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za

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