5 days/4 nights of guided and unguided walking in the pristine environment of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, exploring the reserve’s rich marine, plant and wildlife. Staying in comfortable off-grid accommodation at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and the De Hoop Collection.

Experience the beauty of de hoop nature reserve on foot… A mix of beach walks, sea life, fynbos and wonder.

Follow the spectacular nature trails along the scenic footpaths, secluded beaches, secret coves and rugged fynbos covered coastline of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Your 5 days of walking will include Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and the De Hoop Collection with a coastal walk between the two properties. Uncover this unspoilt, untouched reserve filled with a treasure trove of fauna, flora, fynbos, pristine beaches and abundant sea life. The indulgence of wide-open spaces, peacefulness and gorgeous sea views will take you on an exciting journey. This is a walk for those seeking solace in nature … all to be enjoyed at your own pace.

Itinerary

Day 1 and 2

Guided and unguided marine and nature walk around Lekkerwater Beach lodge

Your first day on this walking trail starts with an optional 6km walk from the Lekkerwater parking area into the Lodge, along the road and through the fynbos. Here you will spend your first two glorious nights.  The De Hoop Nature Reserve extends along the southern coast of the Western Cape and Lekkerwater is situated approximately halfway along this spectacular reserve. This is an off grid coastal escape surrounded by the rich natural history of the region, from the endemic fynbos and inter-tidal ecosystems to the remarkable mammal and birdlife.  You may spot schools of surfing dolphins, countless bird sightings (including the endangered black oystercatcher) while enjoying marine life thriving amongst the gullies and rock pools. Between July and November, Southern Right whales migrate here from the Antarctica to calve and breed in the warmer waters close to shore – making this an exceptional whale watching experience.  On day two you have the whole day to enjoy the guided marine, and nature walks or take a self-guided walk or simply soak up the breathtaking views.  Here you’ll be staying in one of seven rooms, each with a deck overlooking a 5km stretch of pristine beach. This couldn’t be a better place to start.

Day 3

Full day self-guided Coastal Walk to the De hoop collection It’s time to hit the long trail! You’ll spend today embarking on a leisurely self-guided 6-to-9-hour coastal walk from Lekkerwater Beach Lodge to the end of the Whale Trail at Koppie Alleen.  Today you walk the most breathtaking section of day 4 and 5 of the remarkable Whale Trail enjoying 15km of endless Indian Ocean views, surrounding hills, gorges, caves and ravines. The landscape along the walk consists of a combination of beautiful sandy beaches, limestone karst rock platforms, blow holes, natural swimming pools, caves and rocky cliffs.  Inland from the coast, discover large areas of lowland coastal fynbos.  At the end of the trail you will be met by folks from the De Hoop Collection and transferred to the De Mond Villa to be reunited with your luggage that will have been transferred from Lekkerwater to De Mond by vehicle.  The rest of the day will be well earned at leisure enjoying the views and birding along the shores of the De Hoop Vlei.  Enjoy a delicious potjiekos dinner around the campfire and under the stars.

Day 4

Exploring the western sector of the de hoop reserve.

After an early morning breakfast, you will once again put on your hiking boots for the 5km guided walk around the Vlei, exploring the rich birdlife and fynbos, after which you will end up at Melkkamer for brunch.  This is a grand old Homestead that was built at the turn of the last century and is steeped in history. After brunch a boat transfer will take you across the vlei where the walk will continue for a further 7-8 kms through a combination of cliff routes, on the edge of the vlei and through some open areas where you may enjoy wildlife sightings.  Dinner will be enjoyed around the campfire at De Mond.

Day 5

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tierhoek to start the morning’s guided trail with a 4km route up the fynbos paradise of Flatrock, with its panoramic views over the De Hoop Vlei. Your return transfer is by vehicle from the main entrance gate to the De Hoop Reserve to the Lekkerwater car park. Enroute for a guided walk to the Potberg Vulture Colony – the only remaining active Cape Vulture Colony in the Western Cape. If De Mond is fully booked when you make your enquiry, alternative accommodation will be found either at Melkkamer or in the De Hoop Collection.

De hoop reserve is a beautiful Destination year-round

It’s gentle charms changing with the seasons. During summer (Nov-March) the days are perfect for coastal adventure. Use he fresh morning air to hike out into the fynbos, then cool off with a swim in the tidal pools during the heat of the day. In April-May and September-October the fynbos comes to life, and sunsets are all about lazy evenings enjoyed with a glass of fine South African wine in hand.  Winter, through to the start of summer (July – November) is when the Southern Right whales arrive, congregating offshore to calve, mate and generally cavort in the warm seas. This walk is without doubt a spectacular luxury walking adventure, no matter what time of the year you go on vacation.

Things You Need To Know

• De Hoop Nature Reserve is located little more than three hours’ drive from Cape Town.
• Departure days starting at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge: every Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (subject to lodge availability).
• Your luggage will be transported for you between your accommodations.
• On the day of departure you will be transported back to the Lekkerwater carpark to collect your vehicle.
• Should you wish to have a guide for the walk between Lekkerwater and De Hoop Collection – one could be booked in advance on a request basis at an additional cost.
• The walk between Lekkerwater and the end of the Whale Trail is around 15km. With stops and explorations, this section will take a good part of the day. The length of the day walks at both Lekkerwater and the De Hoop Collection will depend on the levels of fitness and enthusiasm which could push the total distance walked over the five days up to 45km-50km.
• This walk needs a minimum of four guests and small groups are highly recommended.
• To get the maximum enjoyment of this experience guests need to be reasonably fit, active and agile.

What to bring

• A sense of fun and adventure!
• A small backpack and water bottle, sunblock, swimming costume, sarong, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars
• and camera.
• Comfortable closed walking shoes, as well as reef shoes if you have a pair.
• A small first aid kit.

What to bring

• A sense of fun and adventure!
• A small backpack and water bottle, sunblock, swimming costume, sarong, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars
• and camera.
• Comfortable closed walking shoes, as well as reef shoes if you have a pair.
• A small first aid kit.

What is excluded:

Transfers by road to and from the De Hoop Nature Reserve; park entrance fees of R50 per person per night paid in cash to Cape Nature on arrival at the Reserve gate; fully comprehensive travel insurance; gratuities to the lodge staff and guides; premium drinks not on the “house” list.

Rates:

Please inquire for rates due to Lekkerwater rates.  They have local rates, international rates, seasonal rates, etc.  So, we do not have a set rate for the Camino.

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.