WildNet Africa - Your Link With Africa's Wildlife


Operation Phoenix - a vet at work in the wilderness.

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DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE


Postal address: PRIVATE BAG X16, BREDASDORP, 7280, SOUTH AFRICA

Tel (International): +27-28-5421114 or 5241126

Tel (South Africa): 028-5421114 or 5241126

Fax (International): +27-28-5421317 or 5421679

Fax (South Africa): 028-5421317 or 5421679

e-Mail:

Web Home Page:


Our situation/ areas of operation:

WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Our type of wildlife enterprise:

GAME/NATURE RESERVE

Our wildlife products and/or services:

GAME VIEWING, TRAILS The De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the most important in the Western Cape province, and together with the marine reserve covers more than 60 000 ha. The reserve is made up of many different types of terrain, including extensive sand and calcrete flats, more than 40 km of beaches and rocky coastline, sand-dunes, calcareous ridges, the Potberg hills and De hoop vlei. The reserve protects one of the largest remaining areas of coastal fynbos (heath) in the Western Cape. About 85 per cent of this habitat has already disappeared under the plough and De Hoop thus plays an important part in the protection of what remains. It is estimated, for example, that ore than 1 500 plant species occur in the area, 71 of which are rare or endangered and 50 of which are known to grow only within the reserve. The marine reserve protects a rich diversity of organisms, ranging from the southern right whales, which visit between June and December, to molluscs, seaweeds and even the lowly sandhopper. A total of 70 mammal species have been recorded here, including 13 marine mammals, eland, Cape mountain zebra, Cape clawless otter and rock dassie, as well as the largest known single population of bontebok. However, De Hoop is probably best known for its bird population and to date the checklist records more than 250 species, many of which - such as the endanger Cape griffon - breed within the reserve. Waterbirds are particularly well represented. The average annual rainfall is 380 mm and this occurs throughout the year, although there is a distinct peak in August. Strong winds blow all year round. Location: South-western area of the province; east of Bredasdorp. Access: From Bredasdorp follow the R319 north-eastwards I the direction of Swellendam for 9 km, then turn right onto a gravel road at the De Hoop signpost; continue for 34 km before turning right again, the entrance lies 7 km further on. Internal roads are well-maintained gravel. Permits are required and are available at the gate; a season ticket can also be purchased if you intend to be a regular visitor. Accommodation: 10 4-bed, partly-equipped cottages (R60 to 80 per unit, per night); visitors supply own bedding, kitchen utensils and food; 7 campsites with communal ablution facilities. Other facilities: Game-viewing roads; walking trails; cycling is permitted; guided trails and environmental education centre (Potberg and Koppie Alleen) for organised groups; picnic sites with fireplaces. The nearest shop and fuel supplies are at Wydgelee which is 15 km away. Open: Throughout the year. Opening time: 07h00 to 18h00.