The Whale Trail (De Hoop)

De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the largest and most spectacular natural areas managed by CapeNature, a 34,000 hectare World Heritage Site about three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg. Its neighbouring marine protected area extends 5km out to sea and is one of the largest in Africa, making De Hoop a favourite for hikers, cyclists, birders and, above all, land-based whale watchers.

Between June and November southern right whales gather to calve in the sheltered bay, often within easy view of the shore, while eland, bontebok and Cape mountain zebra roam the fynbos plains and the De Hoop vlei draws great numbers of water birds. White dune fields, limestone cliffs and rock pools complete one of the Cape's finest coastal wilderness landscapes.

The reserve is home to the celebrated Whale Trail, a five-day guided slackpacking route along the cliffs and beaches with whale watching the whole way. It is one of South Africa's signature multi-day trails and books up far in advance.