The Opstal: Information from the owner

De Mond Villa

The De Mond Villa is at the mouth of the De Hoop Vlei, giving it specatular views of the Ramsar Site with its prolific birdlife. The unit has 5 en-suite bedrooms with 3 inside the house and 2 with outside access. There is a living room and dining area. The villa is off-the-grid and powered by a combination of gas and solar. There is wifi available and a private outside area with bbq and swimming pool.

Melkkamer Manor House

Melkkamer Manor House is a majestic, old sand stone manor house overlooking the vlei. It has been beautifully restored to its former grandeur. This beautiful building has 4 en-suite bedrooms (bath and shower), a gorgeous large fully equipped kitchen (can seat up to 20 people) with open fire place, dining room and living room. There is wifi availabile and it also has an outside bbq area. The house has no electricity, is equipped with gas appliances and powered by a generator at pre-determined times.

Opstal Cloete Cottage

The air-conditioned Opstal Cloete Cottage is a suite situated between the Fig Tree and Cloete Suites. It is a lovely private suite and is only a short walk from the Fig Tree Restaurant. This suite sleeps 2 people and has one bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower & bath. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Serviced daily.

Opstal Cloete Suites

The Cloete Suites are next to the courtyard, within close proximity to the Fig Tree Restaurant. Two of the suites (1 & 2) have a view of the grasslands where bontebok, eland and mountain zebra amongst others can be seen grazing, while Cloete Suites 3 & 4 have a spectacular view of the old majestic fig trees in the courtyard. Each suite is beautifully decorated and has a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Cloete Suite 1 has a lovely fireplace for those chilly winter nights. All 4 suites have air-conditioners, bar fridges,mosquito nets and coffee & tea trays. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate.

Cloete Suites 1 & 2 have a communal entrance for those wishing to share but have their own space. And Cloete Suites 3 & 4 also has a communal entrance. All suites can be accessed privately too, for those that prefer not the use the communal entrance. Each suite sleeps 2 pax. Serviced daily.

Opstal Dassie Suite

The Dassie Suite has a fabulous view of the vlei. This Suite is perfectly positioned to view the birdlife and majestic sunsets from your veranda. The suite is air-conditioned, sleeps 2 guests and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. There is a sitting area and cosy fireplace for winter. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is easy accessible. The suite is also close to the infinity swimming pool. Serviced daily.

Opstal Figtree Suite

The air-conditioned Figtree Suite is set in the courtyard with its magnificent Wild Fig Trees. It is between the Cloete Cottage and the Opstal Manor House. It has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower and sleeps 2 guests. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is only a short walk away. Serviced daily.

Opstal Manor House

The Opstal Manor House is a beautiful original home which has been restored to its former glory. the House is next to the Fig Tree Suite in the courtyard, close to the restaurant. Rooms are booked individually and include dinner and breakfast. There are no cooking facilities. The old kitchen is a feature of the house and has a fridge and coffee-and-tea-making facilities. There are 2 large suites and 1 small room. The small room is suitable for children only and is en-suite with a shower and toilet. The 2 large suites are also en-suite with bath and shower. The house also has a shared lounge with a lovely fireplace. Each rooms sleeps 2 pax. Serviced daily.

Opstal Otter Suites

The 3 Otter Suites are positioned close to the serene De Hoop Vlei. Otter Suite 1 has a view of the vlei from inside the unit. Each suite sleeps 2 guests and has air-conditioning. They have en-suite bathrooms with bath only and outside showers. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is a comfortable walk away. Serviced daily.

Opstal Stable Suite

The Opstal Stable Suite is smaller in size compared to the other suites. It is air-conditioned and sleeps 2 guests. The room has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and it is only a short walk to the restaurant. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. The suite is set in the courtyard next to the Vlei Suite. Serviced daily.

Opstal Vlei Suite

The Opstal Vlei Suite is air-conditioned and has a fantastic view of the vlei. The Luxury bedroom, sleeps 2 people and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Dinner and breakfast is included in the rate and the restaurant is only a short walk away. The bed has a mosquito net and there is a bar fridge and coffee & tea tray available. This suite is next to the Stable Suite. Serviced daily.

Guided Bird Walk

A wonderful walking experience with a qualified field guide focused on the identification and behaviour of the prolific birdlife found in De Hoop Nature Reserve. Length of walk dependent on fitness levels of participants. Summer and Winter times.

Guided Eco Vlei Boat Cruise

Explore the Vlei and enjoy bird, game, otter and even porcupine sightings with our eco cruise experience. Cruises are held twice daily in the morning and afternoon. Morning Cruises include tea, coffee as well as pastries and croissants with jam and cheese. Guests opting for the evening cruise can enjoy house wines, local beers, juices and savoury snacks. Please note that this excludes spirits and speciality wines.

Guided Mountain Bike Trail

Get the chance to cycle among herds of eland, bontebok and other game species with a qualified field guide who will share his knowledge of less obvious natural and historical aspects of De Hoop.

Guided Nature Drive

Experience the Pristine Fynbos and Wildlife on the reserve from an open safari vehicle. A qualified field guide will interpret rare and endangered species including Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra. The drive will encompass some of the beautiful scenic areas of the wetland and there will be opportunity for viewing and identifying some of the Birdlife occurring in the reserve. Rate includes sundowners with snacks, soft drinks, local beers & house wines. Maximum 8 guests.

Guided Vulture Experience

Adventure out to the cliffs of Potberg Mountain to view endangered Cape Vultures – the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of these amazing birds. Depart from the Opstal Area in the morning(times vary according to seasons) with your guide for a scenic drive through endangered fynbos. Once at Potberg, guests will hike (+-1 hour) up to the Vulture Deck to watch the vultures swoop and soar above. Rate includes your packed picnic presented in a backpack for you to carry. Suited to Guests aged 12 and over. Minimum of 2 guests, maximum of 10. Prior arrangement & booking essential. Day visitors welcome. (Approx. 3 hours)

Interpretive Marine Walk

A walking trail exploring coastal rock pools and sandy beaches while a qualified guide points out interesting marine life forms. Also a great way to experience the Southern Right Whales in the bay between June and December. Depart an hour before low tide from the meeting tree. Times of daily low tide should be confirmed with reception.

Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour Exhibition

The ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition highlights the Southern Cape coastline’s archaeological heritage and rich marine environment and showcases the unique archaeological discoveries that have been made at the archaeological sites – Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River occupied by early Homo sapiens between 120 000 and 50 000 years ago.

The exhibition offers visitors and learners to the De Hoop Nature Reserve the opportunity to enhance their cultural experiences of South Africa. The ‘We Are All One’ message features strongly throughout the exhibition, pointing to the clear genetic evidence that all Homo sapiens, people like us, have their origins in Africa.

Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour Exhibition

The ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition highlights the Southern Cape coastline’s archaeological heritage and rich marine environment and showcases the unique archaeological discoveries that have been made at the archaeological sites – Blombos Cave, Klipdrift Shelter and Klasies River occupied by early Homo sapiens between 120 000 and 50 000 years ago.

The exhibition offers visitors and learners to the De Hoop Nature Reserve the opportunity to enhance their cultural experiences of South Africa. The ‘We Are All One’ message features strongly throughout the exhibition, pointing to the clear genetic evidence that all Homo sapiens, people like us, have their origins in Africa.