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DDe Hoop Vlei, which is part of De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp on the southern coast of Western Cape, is a Ramsar Convention-designated wetland of international importance. If you’re keen on birds, you’ll see plenty here – Cape shovellers abound, along with many other species.
There are many reasons to visit the De Hoop Nature Reserve – for a start, it’s adjacent to the nursery of those giants who visit South Africa’s coastline very year: the southern right whales. But De Hoop Vlei is probably the reserve’s most mysterious attraction – a saline body of water of great importance to birds, and something of an anomaly to scientists.
This Ramsar-designated wetland was once part of the Sout (Salt) River mouth. But millions of years of coastal silt deposition mean it is now a coastal lake about 16km long, flanked by high gorges and sand dunes, through which the river meanders to the sea.
The strange thing about this vlei (which means ‘wetland’ in Afrikaans) is that its levels of salinity rise and plummet. Its water levels also go up and down and during drought, it has been known to empty completely.
There must be some unknown outlet between the lake and the sea, although there is no link visible. Whatever the reason, birds adore the place. Greater flamingo have twice bred successfully here over the decades – the only place in South Africa, apart from the Kamfers Dam near Kimberley, that they have done so.
You’ll also find lesser flamingos here, along with yellow-billed duck, little bittern, Caspian tern and the chestnut-banded plover.
In fact, there are a total of 260 species of birds you could spot here. Sometimes you’ll see dozens of pelicans flecking the surface of the lagoons. At other times, there are literally thousands of Cape shovellers.
The birds feel so safe here that they will frequently use this as a refuge to moult in peace – a time when they are vulnerable.
When you can drag yourself away from the massive wetland, you’ll find plenty more to see at De Hoop, one of the finest coastal reserves in the country, as well as in nearby Bredasdorp.
De Hoop is home to more than 1 500 species of plants, has unspoilt dunes and if you look up, you may see one of the famous Cape vultures that nest nearby on the cliffs of Potberg (‘Pot Mountain’).
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Who to contact
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Phone: +27 (0)21 422 4522
Email: res@dehoopcollection.co.za
How to get here
De Hoop Vlei is within De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is about 260km (less than 3 hours’ drive) from Cape Town. Take the N2 eastwards and turn off at Caledon onto the R316 towards Bredasdorp and Napier. This is a scenic road, so you'll probably want to stop often for pictures. The last 50km after Bredasdorp is on a dirt road.
Best time to visit
The full flush of spring (late August to early November) is usually best for flowers and to see the migrant birds arriving. Don’t forget about the whales either – they use several small bays around De Hoop as nurseries in September and October.
Around the area
You’re close to the southernmost tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas (and the Agulhas National Park) – as well as Bredasdorp, which boasts a shipwreck museum. Napier is a pretty nearby town, as is the mission town of Elim – both are worth a visit.
Tours to do
There’s an excellent guided Shipwreck Hiking Trail nearby. Within the reserve, you could do the Whale Trail, and mountain bikers rave about the routes here.
Length of stay
De Hoop is one of South Africa’s natural gems. Stay 2 or 3 days at least.
Where to stay
The De Hoop Collection within the reserve offers good-value family accommodation as well as luxury lodgings.
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