About Vlei and Veldt Trail
Start: the restaurant at Die Opstal
Finish: Die Opstal
Duration: the shorter loop (red) is 6 km and very doable; the longer route (blue) just over 10 km
Fitness: relatively fit; the shorter loop is not difficult, but some experience of hiking is necessary to complete the longer loop; there is no scrambling or climbing involved
Cost: Entrance into the reserve
Our tip: stay overnight in the reserve - you won't be sorry; pick up a pamphlet for the hike
Best: when the whales are in the bay
The Vlei & Veldt Trail is a self-guided day trail with a shorter route option. The route lies in De Hoop Nature Reserve that protects a diversity of 1500 plant species, many of them rare endemic species.
The circular route is a day walk, most of it on a constructed foot path. Whilst it is a self-guided route, you can opt for a registered guide if it suits you. Contact De Hoop ahead of time to arrange.
The Red walking trail leaves the restaurant at Die Opstal and heads down alongside the vlei to the sea, returning after 3 km.
The Blue walking trail incorporates the Red trail but continues after the split, adding 5 km along the edge of the vlei before it turns inland, by way of a 4x4 track, in amongst pristine fynbos and then back to the restaurant.
The fynbos is in near perfect condition whilst some of the milkwood trees on the walk are as old as 1000 years. The vlei is beautiful. Although suitable neither for swimming or drinking, it is a Ramsar site and home to 30 000 birds, including a number of specials.
En route the trail provides eight viewing places over the vlei where corresponding information on a pamphlet is provided.
The trail is Green Flag accredited.
Note: Don't confuse this trail with De Hoop's luxury three-day hiking trail, or the Whale Trail, both of which also take place in De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Need to Know
WhereDe Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Overberg, Western Cape
WhenBooking is essential.
How muchPrices on request.
Telephone+27 (0)28 542-1114
OvernightStay nearby in De Hoop, in Western Cape
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Find Vlei and Veldt Trail in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
De Hoop Village
The De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation. From affordable self-catering chalets and cottages to five-star fully catered lodges...
De Mond Villa
De Mond Villa is a holiday home in De Hoop located on the edge of Ramsar Vlei. It has five en-suite bedrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen, ...
Opstal Suites
Opstal Suites offer luxury accommodation in De Hoop Reserve that includes dinner and breakfast in The Fig Tree Restaurant. There are 12 suites in...
Opstal Vlei Cottages
The thatched Opstal Vlei Cottages are two-bedroomed cottages with fireplaces overlooking the wetland. There are three lovely cottages each with t...
Opstal Camp Rondawels
These five campsite rondawels are thatched cottages with two beds, outdoor shared showers and toilets. Perfect for guests looking for simple and ...
Opstal Houses
The Opstal Houses are three spacious houses set among the milkwoods and close to the vlei. These houses are well appointed and perfect for famili...
Opstal Equipped Cottages
Opstal Equipped Cottages are all fully equipped for self-catering stays in De Hoop Nature Reserve. They have well appointed kitchens, bedrooms an...
Opstal Manor House
Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home which has been restored to its former glory. Accommodation includes dinner and breakfast which i...
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Accommodation convenient to Vlei and Veldt Trail
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Overberg Accommodation / De Hoop Accommodation
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