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Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve |
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Written by Cape Chat
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Monday, 30 April 2007 |
Distance from Cape Town City Centre: 2 hrs
Op ‘n Koppie in De Hoop
 Here’s an unexpected getaway challenge – getting out of town! We got stuck in the Friday afternoon crawl out of CT over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Doesn’t anybody work on a Friday afternoon anymore? The De Hoop Nature Reserve has long been on our “gotta go” list, and getting there is so worth the tedious (and tiring) traffic hurdle. Fifty km’s outside Bredasdorp, on the Southern Cape coast between Arniston and Witsand, is the De Hoop Nature Reserve and adjacent marine reserve. This 36 000 hectare sanctuary is breath-taking in it’s diversity. From a large landlocked vlei, to plains covered with fynbos and riverine bush, limestone hills and sand dunes to the Potberg mountain range, the reserve is home to 1 500 plant species, 86 different types of mammal, including the occasional leopard and more than 250 bird species.
On the drive to our getaway spot, we saw Eland, (my 3yr old enthusiastically pointed out the ‘goat’) Zebra and Ostrich. We stayed at Koppie Alleen, one of De Hoop’s newest luxury accommodation options, which is to be launched soon. Think king-size beds, mosquito nets, crisp, fresh linen… The house if beautifully restored and fully equipped (from open braai to gas-fired Weber) with panoramic views from the stoep. Seeing three noble Eland walking the dunes in the early morning from that stoep will live in my memory for a long time. Whale watching (June to November) Dolphin spotting, snorkelling in the rock pools, hiking, bird watching, Game drives, Cycling and of course, relaxing are among the many activities available. We took a short stroll down to the beach to do some snorkelling in the pristine rock pools… The kids (and adults) absolutely loved it! Koppie Alleen is a very special getaway - you won’t want to leave and you’ll definitely promise yourself a return visit. To stay at De Hoop Nature Reserve, please contact (021) 659 3500 or visit www.capenature.co.za
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 September 2007 )
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