A slice of seashore to call your own
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a 34000ha sliver of coastal wilderness between the mouth of the Breede River in the east and Arniston in the west. It also extends 5km out to sea – one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa.
There are certain sections you can access as a day visitor, but for the true De Hoop experience, you absolutely have to hike the Whale Trail. Only 12 hikers per day are allowed on the trail – it feels as if you and your group are the only people for hundreds of kilometres around, surrounded by fynbos and crashing waves.
Lace up your boots and let’s go!
DAY 1 15,5 KM Potberg to Cupidoskraal
Dark shadows block out the early morning sun. We look up to see a squadron of massive birds gliding above our heads, each one’s wingspan over 2m.
At the Whale Trail briefing last night, tourism liaison officer Mulisa Nekhavhambe highlighted the fact that Potberg in De Hoop is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape vultures in the country, and the only active colony in the Western Cape. We were hopeful of spotting a few vultures, but we hadn’t expected to see them this close!
More are perched on the high points of the rocky ridge. They seem quite unperturbed, almost curious about our presence. Another 20 or so swoop over the kloof – a “special” that is quite rare to see.
