The coastline along the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape’s Overberg region near Cape Agulhas is arguably the most spectacular in the country. There are the whales – if you plan your visit for September through November, there are always dozens of whales in the bay of this World Heritage site, clearly visible from the dunes. But equally as exciting, and all year-round, there are also beach treasures in the rock pools that are astonishing … spiny starfish and brightly coloured sea urchins, sea cucumbers and limpets, giant periwinkles and octopuses. A guided marine walk – around an hour or half or so – will, trust us, be a highlight of your De Hoop Collection visit.

The area is also absolute paradise for birders – experienced and beginner, with more than 260 species of birds … there’s a chirping this and a feathered that every which way you look. The eco boat cruise on the vlei is massively rewarding for waterbird enthusiasts, as is the vulture outing … a hike in the Potberg Mountains, where you climb to a viewing platform and watch the swooping of the endangered Cape Vultures – close on 200 roost and nest there.

For the energetic, there’s mountain biking, with some challenging and a few easier trails, more relaxing are the nature drives – with a large and varied collection of animals … from the Cape mountain zebra to the rare bontebok, loads of eland and pretty grey rhebok, baboons and caracals and so much more. You can also book for the De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales – a memorable walking experience where you cover a few steps less than 40km over four days.

Some of us just fancy relaxing – a book by the pool, a lovely lunch, maybe a stroll to see the fascinating Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition housed at De Hoop – and there’s that, too.

The De Hoop Collection revolves around the Opstal area, where there’s a pool with views over the vlei, a tennis court, and The Fig Tree restaurant – dishing up magnificent breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Nothing average here … think leek and courgette soup with the most delicious homemade bread, roasted beets with chevin cheese and onion marmalade, herb-crusted rack of lamb with a minted pea spring roll, melt-in-your-mouth apple crumble with Chantilly cream. And alongside … something special from the wine cellar, located in a converted silo.

In and around the Opstal area there are also a dozen Cape Dutch-style suites – all beautifully furnished with king-size beds with mosquito nets, luxurious en-suite bathrooms, and views over the fynbos and the wildlife … there’s always an ostrich or two and a couple of antelope hovering nearby.

There are three-bedroom houses with spacious bedrooms, separate sitting and dining rooms and a fully equipped kitchen, which are available as catered or self-catered, and for families and groups, the newer, gorgeously decorated De Mond Villa is a fabulous option. Five en-suite bedrooms overlooking the vlei, with incredible views, a private outside area with a barbecue and swimming pool, spectacular bird life, and sightings of various wildlife. And this is a proper spoil-yourself getaway, there’s a private chef to whip you up gourmet breakfasts or lunches and dinners on the coals. The Villa is off the grid, thanks to solar and gas facilities. For those who simply can’t do without (or who have teenagers in their party!) there’s Wi-Fi, too.

Do-it-yourselfers can opt for the self-catering cottages or one of the five thatched, two-bedroom rondavals that have shared showers, loos and braai facilities. There’s a small campsite, each with a braai area and picnic bench, and shared power points, taps, bins, basic kitchen facilities and an ablution block.

The De Hoop Collection really is a destination that’s hard to beat … particularly for nature lovers. So many options … unspoiled beaches, rock pools simply teeming with marine life, rare fynbos, diverse wildlife, accommodation for every pocket and activities for couples, hikers, families, groups of friends. We’d highly recommend at least a three-night stay, five or so nights even better to fit in all there is to do.

De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes, one of SA’s leading non-profit marketing collective of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments. There’s a loyalty programme that’s worth investigating if you’re regular travellers – it offers great discounts and value-adds.

All the deets

Nightly rates range from R1995 for rondavals, R3600 for four-sleeper cottages, from R5950 for the three-bedroom houses. There are self-catering or fully catered options.

The De Mond Villa option is R4250 a person, with a minimum of five guests, and a minimum two-night stay. Included are activities – guided marine walk, nature drive, guided MTB, guided bird and vlei walk, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, cake and snacks).

Cape Country Routes loyalty programme (individuals/couples R200 per annum, families R500 per annum).

Details: The De Hoop Collection dehoopcollection.com. Cape Country Routes capecountryroutes.com