De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve is a breathtaking coastal sanctuary located about three hours from Cape Town, close to Cape Agulhas. Covering 340 km², it is one of the largest protected areas managed by Cape Nature and forms part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

The reserve is known for its Mediterranean climate, with warm summers, mild winters, and most of its rainfall arriving in August. Its landscapes showcase rare lowland fynbos, making it an important conservation area within the world-famous Cape Floral Kingdom.

De Hoop offers incredible wildlife viewing. The reserve is home to 86 mammal species, including bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons, and the occasional leopard. Along the coast, visitors can spot dolphins, seals, and—most famously—southern right whales, which use the bays as key breeding grounds. The adjoining marine protected area shelters over 250 fish species.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with around 260 species, including the last breeding colony of the endangered Cape vulture.
With its pristine beaches, dune systems, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity, De Hoop is one of South Africa’s most scenic and peaceful nature escapes.