About 120 whales return to De Hoop waters every year to mate and calve. The high dunes offer the best view point.
Swimming and snorkelling in large, clear rock pools
De Hoop is famous for its variety of resident and migratory birdlife.
More than 260 species have been recorded on the reserve like the only remaining breeding colony of the rare Cape vulture in the Western Cape.
There are various walks and hikes to fit all ages. Through De Hoop reserve traverses the famous Whale Trail. Hikers list it as one of the best hikes in the country.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop is a very unique jewel of a rare beauty!
It comprises 34 000 ha with an adjacent marine reserve extending 5km out to sea, which is the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature and one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Its rich diversity wildlife is spectacular. This Reserve is as well one a "Cape Floral Region Protected Areas" World Heritage Site, and attracts all year long many nature lovers.
The 86 protected land mammals, 250 protected species of fish, 260 protected species of birds and the Western Cape's last breeding colony of the rare Cape vulture attracts many nature lovers.
The reserve has a total of 86 mammal species. These include the rare bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, eland, grey rhebok, baboon, yellow mongoose and caracal. Leopards, although rare, are also found in the reserve
Bring your own or rent a mountain bike in the reserve, there are various trails in the reserve or take a ride around the surounding area.
Part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve also contains one of the largest areas of the rare lowland fynbos (proteas).
Witsand
Situated at the mouth of the Breede River, Witsand offers 4km of white sandy beaches, surrounded by magnificent species of Cape Fynbos within this Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.
Witsand is known as THE whale nursery of Southern Africa due to the record number of Southern Right Whales that migrate to San Sebastian Bay annually between June and November.
It is the best land-based vantage point from which to view these 58 ton gentle giants of the sea.
It is also an important breeding ground for rare birds and home to the Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Kite surfing in Witsand is rated as the top uncrowned kite surfing destinations in South Africa.
Infanta
Infanta is situated the other side of the mouth of the Breede River, opposite Witsand as it enters the bay. It is a little fishing hamlet, with hills swathed in fynbos and an undisturbed beach front which becomes a nature lover’s escape.
St Sebastian Bay is the largest gathering of right whale cow-calf pairs in the world. About 85 whales and 40 calves are coming to the bay every year.
The rocky shoreline is great for fishing.
Malgas pont
Malgas, boasts the only remaining pont in South Africa.
The pont was built in 1914 and it works with two men using the strength of their legs and chain straps to pull the pont over the river. Today the pont is still the only crossing over the Breede River between Swellendam and the sea. Taking a trip on this pontoon leaves one with a feeling of nostalgia and also in awe of this incredible river. The Pont operates daily between 6hand 18h.
Bontebok National Park
Sheltered by the Langeberg Mountains and bordered to the south by the Breede River, the Bontebok National Park provides a refuge for not only bontebok, but also for other species such as the Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest and grey rhebok. The park is situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest, but richest of the world's six floral kingdoms.
The park is host to more than 470 plant species, among them, erica, gladiolus and protea.
Abundant bird life includes the secretary bird, fish eagle and francolin.