Things to do near
De Hoop
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
in
Arniston (28 km from De Hoop) Picturesque Arniston Beach is typified by soft undulating sand dunes in stark contrast with dark jagged cliffs. This pretty area in the Overberg is a sought after destination for artists and photographers, and the entire fishing village is one of the country’s National Monuments.
Local fishermen still live in the lime-washed and thatched cottages and go out to sea in traditional boats similar to what their forefathers used in the 19th Century. Dating back even further are the remains of ancient fish traps set by Khoisan strandlopers.
Popular Attractions
in
Arniston (31.2 km from De Hoop) Arniston, Waenhuiskrans or Kassiesbaai? In reality all three names apply to this multi-faceted gem of a Southern Overberg coastal town. Arniston is a true mixture of, not only name, but many other things too.
The name Arniston commemorates an 1815 shipwreck; the Waenhuiskrans (wagon-house cliff) is so named after a massive limestone cave close by; and historic Kassiesbaai, a national heritage site, is one of the last remaining unspoiled fishing villages in the country.
Arniston is also known as Waenhuiskrans because of the magnificent limestone cave. You can get to this cave across the dunes to the west of Roman Beach. According to local lore, the cave is so big that wagons with a full span of oxen could turn around inside it. Waenhuiskrans can only be accessed at low tide.
Shops
in
Bredasdorp (39.1 km from De Hoop) The 'warm art of Africa' lives in Bredasdorp! Visit the colourful Kapula Candles shop in Bredasdorp - the only Kapula store in South Africa. Entrepeneur Ilse Appelgryn started making candles at her home in Bredasdorp with the skill, equipment and inspiration left to her by her Aunt Jo. She called her company Kapula Candles, short for her expression "I'm making a couple o' candles!" Today the cottage industry has grown to a large scale industry, employing many local people and exporting many handpainted products. Definitely worth a visit.
Shops
in
Bredasdorp (40.8 km from De Hoop) Situated in the heart of Bredasdorp, EnviroWines Wine Shop offers exceptional wines produced through environmentally friendly practices and certified by independent environmental auditors.
The EnviroWines concept aims to give recognition and publicity to wineries that make a special effort in using sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Adhering to strict criteria, these wine estates receive the EnviroWines certification seal.
Along with fabulous wines, visitors will be able to purchase accessories for the wine lover and find some great gift ideas.
28 Long Street, Bredasdorp
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
+27 (0) 28 424 2158.
Galleries and Museums
in
Bredasdorp (41.1 km from De Hoop) This treasure chest of a museum specialises in shipwrecks along the South African coastline and contains showpieces specific to the Overberg.
Three sections make up the museaum – one of which is the Shipwreck Museum. Housed in the old former Independent Church, you will find an amazing assortment of cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, ships' bells, buoys and other life-saving equipment.
The Old Parsonage, a typical Strandveldhuis (Overberg home), is furnished with articles collected along the coasts. Here too, for safekeeping, is a collection of newspaper cuttings and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks.
The Old Coach House exhibits Cape carts, a scotch-cart, two horse-drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. The buildings alone are beautifully restored examples of old Cape architecture - well worth a visit!
Need to know? Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:45, Saturday from 09:00 to 14:45 and Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30.
Hiking Trail
in
Arniston (42.8 km from De Hoop) The De Mond to Arniston Trail follows the De Mond Nature Reserve coastline to Waenhuiskrans Cave. Historical landmarks along the way include stonewall fish traps and middens that were constructed by the Khoisan. Also of interest is the relic of an old shipping beacon.
Duration: 4 hours
Nature Reserves
in
Bontebok National Park (43.2 km from De Hoop) Lying 6km south of Swellendam in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, Bontebok National Park is a species-specific SA National Park. Established in 1931 to preserve the rare bontebok, it is the smallest of SAN Parks' 20 reserves and is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hiking Trail
in
Arniston (43.5 km from De Hoop) The Sterna Trail starts near the De Mond Nature Reserve office and meanders to an atmospheric suspension bridge over the Heuningnes River. From here it leads through coastal forest and fynbos to the estuary and beach. This circular trail is named after the rare Damara tern, Sterna balaenarum.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 7 km
Golf Courses
in
Swellendam (48.6 km from De Hoop) 9 hole, par 72 at the foot of the Langeberg mountains with views of farms and the Hermitage Valley.
Popular Attractions
in
Swellendam (48.8 km from De Hoop) Diagonally opposite the 1838 Cape Dutch-style Oefeningshuis is the 'Moederkerk' – Swellendam's Dutch Reformed Church. Built in 1910, this giant wedding cake of a building displays a wonderfully eclectic fusion of architectural styles.
Cape Dutch gables, Gothic windows, Renaissance entrances, and a Baroque spire combine into an attractive fairytale-like building. Great for happy holiday snaps!
Galleries and Museums
in
Swellendam (48.8 km from De Hoop) Kunstehuijs Fine Art Gallery specializes in original art by prominent South African artists.
The owner, Grady Zeeman, is well known for her emotional and humanitarian paintings and has participated in numerous exhibitions in USA, UK, Italy, France and China. Art is shipped worldwide.
Golf Courses
in
Swellendam (48.9 km from De Hoop) Practice your swing and tee off on De Kloof's golf driving range and putting green. De Kloof Luxury Hotel and Estate provides its own private short golf driving range and putting green for guests. The facility, clubs and balls are supplied at no extra cost.
Hiking Trail
in
Infanta (50.8 km from De Hoop) Starting at the Infanta slipway, the Infanta to Moddergat route offers an interesting hike along the beach and riverside. Walk past Kontiki and then along the riverbank until you reach the slipway at Moddergat.
Beaches
in
Witsand (50.9 km from De Hoop) Witsand Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the Overberg. Lying at the mouth of the Breede River, it offers excellent prospects for boating and walking.
During winter and spring, Witsand is one of the best places on the South African coastline to for whale watching. Facilities include ample parking, benches with views and a restaurant. Lifeguards are on duty from 1 December until 31 January.
Hiking Trail
in
Swellendam (51.1 km from De Hoop) The circular Swellendam Hiking Trail traverses the Langeberg Mountains, starting at the forestry station 3 km outside the town of Swellendam. The route offers incredible views, passing through mountain fynbos, rugged gorges and past impressive crags. Only fit and seasoned hikers should tackle the 6-day route. Shorter options are possible.
Duration: 4 – 6 days
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 81 km