The De Hoop Nature Reserve
Located about an hour's drive from Swellendam, along well-maintained gravel roads, the De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to 86 species of mammals including Cape mountain zebras, baboons, ostriches, eland, duiker, and the rare bontebok.
Occasionally, leopard are sighted, but this is an extremely rare event. Over 250 species of birds have also been recorded, including the rare Cape vulture.
The Reserve forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and the attractive, bushy fynbos can be seen along the attractive 11 km circular drive.
Alternatively, there are several walking trails, which offer the opportunity to appreciate the diverse nature of the Reserve, and include coastal and mountain trails. The beach is absolutely spectacular.
Whale Watching
The entire length of the De Hoop coastline is a marine protected area, and is one of the largest in South Africa, extending almost 3 km out to sea.
It is also one of the best spots along the Western Cape for whale watching during the season.
The high dunes at Koppie Alleen are an excellent vantage point to spot these majestic creatures.
It is estimated that about 120 Southern right whales return to the waters here to calve and mate every year.
Other Attractions around Swellendam
The nearby Bontebok National Park is home to the rare bontebok and other smaller antelope, and also a birdwatchers paradise with nearly 200 species.
The park is situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom (Fynbos), the smallest, but richest of the world's 6 floral kingdoms.
The region has a temperate climate with an average rainfall of about 500mm per annum, occurring mainly during early summer and winter.
The magnificent Langeberg mountains with their high peaks (up to 1500m), their fynbos covered slopes and their lower gullies where cold mountain streams feed indigenous forests offer excellent walking and hiking trails, and the Breede River is a wonderful location for a guided bass fishing or birding tour.
There are beautiful views to enjoy, pools to swim in and waterfalls to admire. All trails are in the Marloth Nature Reserve.
