Guests are welcome to hire mountain bikes for the day and explore the mountain bike routes by themselves.

We have 2 self-guided hiking trails at the Opstal. The shorter route is a 2.6km hike starting at the Boat House and following a circular route with elevated views of the De Hoop Vlei before moving inland. The second route is an extension of the first and is a 13km hike, also circular - perfect for guests looking for a longer stretch to explore.

A wonderful walking experience with a qualified field guide focused on the identification and behaviour of the prolific birdlife found in De Hoop Nature Reserve. Length of walk dependent on fitness levels of participants. Summer and Winter times.

Get the chance to cycle among herds of eland, bontebok and other game species with a qualified field guide who will share his knowledge of less obvious natural and historical aspects of De Hoop.

A walking trail exploring coastal rock pools and sandy beaches while a qualified guide points out interesting marine life forms. Also a great way to experience the Southern Right Whales in the bay between June and December. Depart an hour before low tide from the meeting tree. Times of daily low tide should be confirmed with reception.

Explore the Vlei and enjoy bird, game, otter and even porcupine sightings with our eco cruise experience. Cruises are held twice daily in the morning and afternoon. Morning Cruises include tea, coffee as well as pastries and croissants with jam and cheese. Guests opting for the evening cruise can enjoy house wines, local beers, juices and savoury snacks. Please note that this excludes spirits and speciality wines.

Adventure out to the cliffs of Potberg Mountain to view endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these amazing birds. Depart from the Opstal Area in the morning(times vary according to seasons) with your guide for a scenic drive through endangered fynbos. Once at Potberg, guests will hike (+-1 hour) up to the Vulture Deck to watch the vultures swoop and soar above. Rate includes your packed picnic presented in a backpack for you to carry. Suited to Guests aged 12 and over. Minimum of 2 guests, maximum of 10. Prior arrangement & booking essential. Day visitors welcome. (Approx. 3 hours)

Experience the Pristine Fynbos and Wildlife on the reserve from an open safari vehicle. A qualified field guide will interpret rare and endangered species including Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra. The drive will encompass some of the beautiful scenic areas of the wetland and there will be opportunity for viewing and identifying some of the Birdlife occurring in the reserve. Rate includes sundowners with snacks, soft drinks, local beers & house wines. Maximum 8 guests.

The ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition highlights the Southern Cape coastline’s archaeological heritage and rich marine environment and showcases the unique archaeological discoveries that have been made at the archaeological sites – Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River occupied by early Homo sapiens between 120 000 and 50 000 years ago.

The exhibition offers visitors and learners to the De Hoop Nature Reserve the opportunity to enhance their cultural experiences of South Africa. The ‘We Are All One’ message features strongly throughout the exhibition, pointing to the clear genetic evidence that all Homo sapiens, people like us, have their origins in Africa.