“Whoopee! The whales have returned! This is always a time for celebration when the whales return to the beautiful coastline at De Hoop, and we could not be happier to welcome them,” says William Stephens, owner of De Hoop Collection at De Hoop Nature Reserve.
De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and Marine Protected area in the Overberg region, home of the famed Whale Trail and arguably the best land-based whale-watching spot in the world, is where, every year from June to November some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to breed.
Last year was a great year for whale sightings according to the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit. The results of its aerial survey from Hermanus to Witsand revealed a total of 568 cow/calf pairs of southern right whales, totalling 1 136, marking a historic high in observed cow/calf pairs along the South African coastline. Jean Tresfon, well known marine conservation photographer, who undertook the official aerial survey with the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit’s Dr Els Vermeulen, said that the highest concentration of whales – 236 mothers with calves, was at Koppie Alleen.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that this year’s whale sighting numbers will be as impressive as last year’s”, says Stephens.“Whale time is definitely a favourite time at De Hoop Collection – watching the magnificent whales breach, fluke and spyhop (a vertical half-rise out of the water to view the surroundings) down at Koppie Alleen dunes is a bucket list experience. Combine this with cosy meals at our Fig Tree Restaurant, open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a number of immersive guided activities and you’re well on your way to creating some magical winter memories”.
A premier member of Cape Country Routes, The De Hoop Collection situated in the heart of the magnificent reserve and just three hours from Cape Town, offers a range of affordable accommodation from campsite rondawels, self-catering cottages and houses, romantic suites, an old stone Manor house and the stunning De Mond Villa.
It is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. This is where you get to experience a unique outdoor experience like no other – the sea, pristine beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, diverse animal and bird life…and the whales of course! There’s also the new Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition that highlights the Southern Cape coastline’s archaeological heritage and diverse marine environment plus the fabulous De Hoop Collection’s Winter Special – 40% off on either the De Hoop Village Cottages or the Suites (DBB), valid from 1 May to 31 July 2024 (excluding event weekends) that adds to the magic.
Book now and experience the magic that is De Hoop!
