Opstal Manor House

Whale Viewing • Game drives • Luxury accommodation • Malaria free

The De Hoop Reserve is situated just three hours’ drive from Cape Town on the world renowned Garden and Whale Routes - an ideal stop over en route from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay. It is in the Overberg region near the southern tip of Africa and can be approached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop - sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains.

Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, red hartebeest, baboons and ostrich. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks, the multi-day Whale Trail, mountain biking along the many gravel roads, horse riding or scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day.

The Overberg area is characterised by quaint towns, a blossoming wine industry and delicious local dishes. The 36 000 hectares of De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and by over 70 kilometres of pristine coastline. A 19 km vlei (wetland) stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.

Every year, some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to these shores to breed. Females and their calves swim in the clear waters, while males put on spectacular displays. These endangered mammals ensure that the De Hoop Reserve in South Africa is one of the world's best land based whale-watching areas. As a marine reserve and World Heritage Site, De Hoop guarantees a safe nursery for these pods of visiting cetaceans. They come so close to the shore that visitors can relax on the un-spoilt sand dunes, watching in awe as these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly-flop.

The Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home which has been restored to its former glory.

Facilities:
The Opstal Manor House (previously the Ou Huis) accommodates 6 people in 3 en suite bedrooms
The Fig Tree Restaurant serves three meals a day as well as teas and coffees and snacks throughout the day. Picnic baskets are available for day visitors and overnight guests.
The Opstal area is a central base from which to explore the reserve. There are a few walking trails that leave from the Opstal area, please enquire at reception.
There is a newly surfaced tennis court at the Opstal area – bring your rackets. The Opstal has a swimming pool and there is also a boules courtyard – there is a boules set but if you have one, do bring it.

[ Contact us to plan your safari ]