Local Expert
René & Andrew
Rene is a registered guide in Cape Town and the surrounding areas i.e. West Coast, Winelands, Overberg, Route 62 & Garden Route.I have lived in Cape Town all my life and know all the secrets of this…
Rene is a registered guide in Cape Town and the surrounding areas i.e. West Coast, Winelands, Overberg, Route 62 & Garden Route.I have lived in Cape Town all my life and know all the secrets of this vibrant city. Andrew has travel the world & has now settled in South Africa. We specialise in custom made tours, audio tours and aternative tourism. We speak English and Afrikaans and a good few words and phrases in a few of the 11 official languages that there are in South Africa. We are interested in Culture, History, Wildlife, Music... and are keen photographers. Come and join us in the city known as the Gateway to Africa! Contact us on apr@axxess.co.za
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De Hoop Nature Reserve
During our travels in the Overberg region of the Western Cape we stumbled on yet another of the Capes secrets. A hideout not only for nature lovers but also those majestic Southern Right Whales and a host of other animals. The reserve includes a part of the Indian ocean that stretches out for approximately 5 km.
Situated along the southern coastline between Bredasdorp, Arniston and Cape Infanta, the reserve stretches over 34 000 hectors with some amazing dunes, unspoilt coastline and dramatic cliffs. It is a very popular spot for hikers, birdwatcher, whale watcher.
We visited the reserve the day after some heavy rains and the potholes were as big as baths but the best part was that the animals were twice as active. As soon as we entered the gates we encountered a large herd Eland, the largest but slowest antelope in the world. One of their amazing attributes is that they are able to jump over a fence 3 metres high -and from a standing start!
We then made our way along the muddy tracks towards the coastline where we walked for about 5 minutes to finally make our way along a rope and wooden walkway that overlooked the unspoiled coastline, cliffs and over 30 southern right whales frolicking in the waters very close to shore. It was was so amazing as they could be seen so clearly with the naked eye.
The flora that can be found in this reserve is similar to all the other reserves in the Western Cape with its Fynbos (meaning fine bush). There is also a large variety of Proteas, Ericas, Restios all of which have adapted to the environment.
It was a great place to visit and we would love to give you some more information however the Management of this reserve was not very friendly or helpful. We tried for many weeks to book an appointment to ask them to explain about the mysteries and wonders of this lovely place without any success or even a reply.
We will endeavour to bring you more reviews of this fantastic reserve as and when the management become more willing And accommodating.