Travellers can now experience the world-renowned De Hoop Nature Reserve on foot with a unique five-day/four-night itinerary of guided and unguided walking, exploring the reserve’s marine, plants and wildlife.

The ‘De Hoop Camino Luxury Coastal Walking Trail’ provides off-the-grid accommodation at two premier properties within the reserve – Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and De Hoop Collection.

Situated three hours from Cape Town, the World Heritage Nature Reserve – ideal for hikers, walkers, cyclists and families – offers a unique outdoor experience comprising the sea, deserted beaches, a Ramsar-listed vlei, wide-open spaces, coastal fynbos, diverse animal and rich bird life – including the endangered Cape Vulture, and whale watching.

What the trail entails

• Days 1 and 2 – Guided and unguided marine and nature walks around Lekkerwater Beach Lodge. Day 1 contains an optional 6km walk from the lodge’s parking area, along the road and through the fynbos. Day 2 offers guided marine and nature walks, or guests can opt for a self-guided walk.
• Day 3 – A full-day self-guided six- to nine-hour-long coastal walk from Lekkerwater Beach Lodge to the end of the Whale Trail at Koppie Alleen at De Hoop Collection. Guests will walk a 15km section of the iconic Whale Trail. At the end of the trail, guests will be transferred to De Hoop Collection’s De Mond Villa (the accommodation spot for the next two nights). The rest of the day will be spent at leisure along the shores of the De Hoop Vlei, followed by a potjiekos dinner around the camp fire under the stars.
• Day 4 – Exploring the western sector of the De Hoop Reserve, after an early-morning breakfast, guests will go on a 5km guided walk around the De Hoop Vlei, followed by brunch at Melkkamer – an old homestead that was built at the turn of the last century. After brunch, a boat transfer will take guests across the vlei where the walk will continue for a further 7-8km through a combination of cliff routes, along the edge of the vlei and through some open areas where there are wildlife sightings. Dinner will be served around the campfire at De Mond Villa.
• Day 5 – After breakfast, guests will be transferred to Tierhoek to start the morning’s guided trail, a 4km route up Flatrock, which boasts panoramic views over the De Hoop Vlei. Guests’ return transfer is by vehicle from the main entrance gate of the De Hoop Reserve to the Lekkerwater car park, enroute for a guided walk to the Potberg Vulture Colony – the only remaining active Cape Vulture Colony in the Western Cape.

The length of the day walks at both Lekkerwater and the De Hoop Collection will depend on the levels of fitness, which could push the total distance walked over the five days up to 45km-50km. The walking trail requires a minimum of four guests.