“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” – Tiny Buddha
A fresh Harvest Platter bursting with vibrant colours. A luscious Rosé wine. A group of vivacious women, some meeting for the first time. This was one of many memorable experiences I had while travelling through the glorious Overberg region from Cape Town to the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. My first De Hoop encounter was in 2019 and it was love at first sight. This scenic and biodiverse nature lover’s paradise instantly captured my heart. Read the full story here >> https://bit.ly/3uoRpdI
This recent trip reminded me why I enjoy travelling so much. Collecting meaningful moments, connecting with people, and trying new experiences is what it is all about. Together with a group of phenomenal women, I was fortunate to collect many happy moments while chatting, eating, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company.
We were all so different yet bonded over a shared love and passion for travel. We cruised along in exceptional comfort and style in the spacious, modern Ford Tourneo which had no trouble accommodating seven women including luggage!
I’m sharing several of my top trip highlights, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the read. Perhaps it will spark your wanderlust and inspire you to plan your own Overberg adventure. If you happen to be sipping on a glass of fine Cape wine, cheers to you!
GABRIËLSKLOOF – A FEAST FOR ALL SENSES
Our first stop along the N2 highway took us to Gabriëlskloof, a beautiful wine estate in the Botrivier area of the Overberg. Simply take a right turn when the long line of cypress trees come into view.
Gabriëlskloof produces fine wines of exceptional quality and farms in a sustainable and biodynamic manner. They also grow, extract, blend and bottle their own Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a blend of first-press oils from five different varieties on the farm. Wine tastings can be enjoyed in a serene setting, either outdoors on the shaded terrace or in their spacious and comfortable Tasting Room.
The Restaurant at Gabriëlskloof, owned and run by Frans and Mariaan Groenewald, create what can best be described as soul food. It’s hearty, honest, locally sourced, fresh, wholesome, and so delicious!
Treated to a visual culinary feast, platters of delectable abundance made their way to our table. Gorgeous cheese and charcuterie platters served with freshly baked bread, butter, preserves, and figs followed by towering bowls of crispy calamari, along with a healthy Mediterranean grain salad containing goats’ cheese, greens, and marinated veggies. This was accompanied by generous glugs of Gabriëlskloof Rosebud 2020, a crisp, dry Rosé wine.
I love their well-stocked in-house deli that offers a range of charcuterie, pastries, extra virgin olive oils, olives as well as a variety of curated, quality produce from the farm and surrounding area. Don’t forget to purchase your favourite wines before you leave.
Tel: 028 284 9865
Email: info@gabrielskloof.co.za
Web: https://gabrielskloof.co.za/
DELIGHTFUL DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
I’m happiest when surrounded by nature, and De Hoop Nature Reserve offers nature enthusiasts a treasure trove of fauna and flora, both on land and sea. To say I was excited to be back here would be an understatement!
There is something for everyone to enjoy at De Hoop. Here you’ll find sea, sand dunes, the De Hoop Vlei which is a Ramsar site of international importance, 260 bird species, a floral abundance of rare fynbos plants found only in the Cape Floral region, a variety of rare antelope and a hike up the Potberg Mountains to view the endangered Cape Vultures.
As one of the world’s best land-based Southern Right whale-watching areas during the winter months (June to November), this marine protected area is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important nurseries for this endangered mammal. I have yet to witness this in person, but you can bet it’s on the itinerary for my next visit!
A Warm De Hoop Collection Welcome
Check-in was an absolute breeze. The friendly, professional De Hoop Collection team greet each person like a long-lost friend, even if you have never met. Despite the masks, I recognised a few faces and they too remembered mine. Warm country hospitality and exceptional service are what you can always expect from each staff member, many of whom have worked at De Hoop for years. After a refreshing welcome drink and briefing, we made ourselves comfortable in our sumptuous suites situated in the Opstal area. De Hoop offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets.
Cloete Suite #4 provided a luxurious and relaxing haven during my stay, with a lovely view of the large ancient fig trees in the courtyard. Beautifully decorated with a large four-poster bed and luxe linen, the spacious suite also contains a seating area and en-suite bathroom with a free-standing clawfoot bath and separate shower. The Charlotte Rhys bathroom amenities add a heavenly touch.
Swimming in the gorgeous pool overlooking the Vlei is simply a must. If you find that too taxing, lie back and relax on your pool lounger while sipping a cool cocktail or glass of bubbly and revel in the spectacular views.
Get Social Around the Fire!
If you are a foodie like me, prepare to be wowed by Head Chef Marcia Tyobeka and her team. Food is something that De Hoop does exceptionally well. Creating tantalising, delectable cuisine from locally sourced seasonal produce, much from their own herb and vegetable garden, it doesn’t get any tastier and fresher! Packed with vibrant rainbow colours and interesting flavour combinations, you are guaranteed a delicious meal every time.
We joined our generous host and De Hoop Collection owner, William Stephens, for a traditional potjiekos dinner under the stars in the Vlei Boma. Bubbles flowed as we watched the setting sun over the Vlei, followed by a full moon rising, whilst chatting and feasting on tasty potjiekos and dessert around the glowing fire.
In South Africa, a potjiekos literally translated “small-pot food”, is a dish prepared outdoors. Cooked in a round, cast iron, three-legged cauldron, the potjie is heated using wood or charcoal. Traditionally, one uses meat such as beef, lamb, venison or chicken, vegetables like carrots, cauliflower or pumpkin, starches like rice or potatoes, all slow-cooked with Dutch-Malay spices. [Source: Wikipedia]
Dining at the popular The Fig Tree Restaurant is a must and is open to day visitors. The setting couldn’t be more beautiful, with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the vlei and a spacious indoor dining area with a cosy fireplace and comfy couches that invite you to linger a while.
flavours, colours and freshness!
The Vulture Experience
Hubby and I experienced this unique guided vulture adventure during our 2019 stay >> https://bit.ly/3uoRpdI Memories of struggling to hike up the Potberg Mountain (+/- 1-hour steep walk) came back to haunt me. This time around, I easily managed to reach the Vulture viewing deck. Clearly, my fitness levels have improved! The scenic drive to Potberg takes you past rolling farmlands and endangered fynbos. You may even spot South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane, along the way.
As the Western Cape’s last surviving colony of the endangered Cape Vultures, viewing them swooping and soaring from the relative safety of the mountain cliffs is an experience you do not want to miss. While they were flying quite far away from us, it was still an incredible sight to see.
Dillon Visagie, our trusty and passionate guide, provided us with a wealth of knowledge about vultures, as well as the local fauna and flora. Tucking into a tasty picnic lunch, we admired the breathtaking landscapes and bluesy ocean views in the distance.
This activity is suited for guests aged 12 and over. Prior arrangement and bookings are essential with a minimum of 2 guests, maximum of 10. Day visitors are welcome. The total duration of this experience is approximately 3 hours. Read more about this special experience here.
Mountain Biking Through the Reserve
There are many ways to experience the abundant pristine fynbos and wildlife at De Hoop. Feel free to walk or cycle through the predator-free reserve while encountering ostrich, eland, Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and sometimes baboons, along with a host of birdlife and other creatures. While I enjoy walking, I am instantly transported back to my childhood days when hopping on a bicycle.
Opting to cycle to the beach instead of walking or driving in the safari vehicle, we set off early that morning for the roughly 17km ride to the beach at Koppie Alleen. While the well-maintained gravel road is mostly flat terrain, prepare to cycle your legs and heart out! Taking in the beautiful scenery, we pedalled for about 13km before ditching the bikes and hitching a ride with Lizo Msululu, our marine walk guide.
Take Me to the Beach!
If you have followed me on social media or read my travel articles, you’ll know that the beach is my ultimate happy place. I’m a thalassophile in every sense of the word and I was so happy to explore the pristine coastline and rock pools at Koppie Alleen.
I marvelled at the sight of the mighty ocean as we walked across the sheer white sand dunes down to the shoreline. The views are simply spectacular and stretch for miles in either direction. I knew that this place would be special, and was absolutely blown away by its raw, rugged, and wild beauty.
There is so much marine life to be found in just one rock pool! From sea urchins, starfish, seagrasses, shells and an octopus that was not keen on being disturbed, the shimmering blue and green shades of the sea and sky heightened all my senses.
Swept along by Lizo’s enthusiasm for the ocean and its wondrous life forms, we walked past interesting rock formations and a stroll on the beach before enjoying a sumptuous picnic lunch overlooking the sea.
With over 70km of virtually untouched coastline, you may find that you and your small group are the only people around for miles. Perfect for social distancing while you laze on the beach or snorkel in the turquoise waters. I highly recommend booking a spot for the Interpretive Marine Walk (about 2 hours). Departure is an hour before low tide and bookings can be made at Reception.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 4224522
Email: info@dehoopcollection.co.za
Web: https://www.dehoopcollection.com/
Click the link for more detailed information about the De Hoop Collection >> https://bit.ly/2ShFAr0
NOT TO BE MISSED! The 2021 Wine, Whales & Music Weekend takes place from 23 – 25 July 2021 and promises to be a fun-filled three-day event. Read here for full details >> https://bit.ly/3wn30dA
CRUISE THE KLEIN RIVER
Our Overberg adventure ended in spectacular fashion with a leisurely cruise aboard the Lady Stanford. The weather wasn’t exactly ideal, but we made the most of it while sipping on bubbly as we sailed down the Klein River.
The culinary feast that was prepared for us was utterly delicious! This experience highlighted once again that the Overberg region is a real foodie destination.
Departing from Stanford Village towards the Hermanus Estuary and back, the stunning scenery had us spellbound. The breathtaking mountain backdrop makes for a ridiculously beautiful setting, with more than 250 bird species in the greater area. 120 bird species can be spotted around the river and village. You may be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of an otter.
Accommodating up to 26 passengers, Lady Stanford River Cruises offers a spacious eco-friendly riverboat with two comfortable levels, providing perfect photo opportunities to capture this memorable experience.
Tel: 087 725 2258
Email: bookings@ladystanford.co.za
Web: https://xplorio.com/stanford/lady-stanford-river-cruises/
Disclosure: I was invited by De Hoop Collection and Lady Stanford, both members of Cape Country Routes as part of a media tour. Thank you to Ford South Africa for sponsoring the super cool Ford Tourneo. Big thanks too to William Stephens and everyone we met along the way for your wonderful hospitality and generosity. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise.
All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to throughout our stay and at each establishment we visited.
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xoxo
Until the next adventure!
What a wonderful review of the Overberg region.
It sounds like the perfect place for a family bubble to celebrate some upcoming June birthdays.
Thank you, Pat. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. The Overberg offers an abundance of beautiful places, spaces, great food, wine, pristine nature and more. The De Hoop Collection within the De Hoop Nature Reserve has a wide variety of accommodation and is perfect for family getaways and celebrations!