Trails: Exploring The Home of the Whale Trail by MTB

There are plenty of routes to explore, on MTB or gravel bikes.

The Routes

On the Bike

More recently, the reserve has become a favourite with mountain bikers, who come here to get lost in the beauty of endless back roads and fynbos singletrack. De Hoop Nature Reserve boast no less than five unique MTB trails, most of them recently established by Overberg MTB Events, allowing those of the pedal-power persuasion to ride for days… here’s where to start.

De Hoop Vlei MTB – Route 1 (12km/19km): Crank off from De Hoop Opstal and follow the route up a limestone and rocky, but very scenic, jeep track with views of the Vlei to your right. As you get closer to the cliff and the historic De Mond House, you will find yourself surrounded by herds of bontebok and eland as you navigate the fynbos.

There are two options – follow along the circular route back (12km) or extend the ride to Melk Kamer, which will see you top out at 19km in total. This route is typically used for the De Hoop Vlei Sunset Scramble and has the most amazing sundowner scenery, game and bird life viewing.

Tierhoek MTB – Route 2 (10km): This quickie route starts from Opstal and follows the road to Tierhoek on the northern side of the Vlei. The ride is mostly along open and flattish jeep tracks, ideal for the recreational rider to warm up the legs or for non-technical riders and beginners.

You can follow the trails or gravel roads to the bottom of the vlei, at De Mond too.

Koppie Alleen MTB – Route 3 (18km): Once again, you saddle up from ‘Die Opstal’, following the same direction as Route #2, but instead crossing to the eastern side of the Nature Reserve. You may once again find herds of eland grazing on the serene landscape as you negotiate the jeep track. The trail eventually links onto a paved road to Koppie Alleen.

There is an option to return from here, or otherwise simply retrace your route along the same trail. It is best to follow the signs all the way to Koppie Alleen, especially at sunrise or sunset. Riders will cross the Dronkvlei Dash Stava section, which is a beautiful stretch just before you link up with the paved road to Koppie Alleen, with breathtaking views over the dunes and some of the most sought-after sections of De Hoop.

Fat Bike Riding – Route 4 (45km): This route flows in the same direction as Route #3, but forks left on a sandy jeep track which takes you to a circular loop to the sea and back to the jeep track. You can either turn left again up a tricky and challenging climb to return to Koppie Alleen (well worth it) or continue along the same road to the starting point. Please note, this is not a ride for beginners and an intermediate to strong level of fitness is required.

Riding across the vlaktes is easy, but the climbing – though not unduly long – can be arduous due to the Limestone bedrock the trails are cut into.

De Hoop Vlei Experience – Route 5 (55km): Hands up if you want a technical challenge along an exciting route suited to stronger riders! Purpose-built and completed for Overberg MTB Events, this route introduces a brand-spanking new track to the north of the Vlei, going all the way to Buchu Bush Camp, without ever touching the main tar road.

Once you reach the top of ‘Flat Rock’ singletrack, you may start feeling the burn, but it will soon fade away as you bliss out on the best views of De Hoop. To the south, an expansive view of the entire Vlei unfolds, backdropped by towering sand dunes rolling toward the deep blue sea. Gaze eastwards and you may see the breathtaking sunrise over Potberg, or revel in the westerly aspect, where the historic Melk Kamer languishes upon the flood plains stretching towards Arniston and Struisbaai.

This makes for an extraordinary and diverse route – and when the Vlei reaches full capacity – it will surely provide riders (and trail runners or walkers) with an experience reminiscent of an outing on the picturesque Croatian coast. The infamous ‘Dennis the Menace’ singletrack climb up to Buchu Bush Camp is no ordinary challenge, with proper technical surfaces. Expect rocky and steep switchbacks, but once you have mastered the route, you’ll be back for more – www.overbergmtbevents.co.za.

The De Hoop Collection provided guided cycling tours too.

Off the Bike

The reserve is a hikers’ paradise, with the Klipspringer and Coastal Trails explore the rich and diverse fynbos floral kingdom, brimming with botanical and wildlife. There are at least 40 endemic plants only found at De Hoop, and the renowned Whale Trail offers a chance to spot both southern right whales or dolphins along the coast.

There are large, clear rock pools for swimming and snorkelling, adjoining the marine reserve which is an aquatic wonderworld brimming with everything from Gilchrist’s flat-worm to the afore-mentioned whales (the dunes at Koppie Alleen is a perfect place to spot these behemoths). You can also book a guided Eco Boat Trip to explore the De Hoop Vlei, or join a qualified guide for an interpretive marine walk along the coastal rock pools and sandy beaches.

In addition, you’ll revel in an abundance of bird species and plains game encounters at De Hoop. Look out for Cape mountain zebra, rhebok, eland, baboon, bontebok, mountain tortoises, ostriches, yellow mongoose and even leopard or caracal if you’re very lucky!

The summer months are the best time for riding, though September and October are the best months for whale viewing if you’d like to combine the two.

Best time of year

From January through May and August through December the temperatures are warm with very little precipitation. During September and October, the vegetations brims with wildflowers.

Getting there doesn’t require a 4×4 or even high ground clearance, but the latter is always handy on gravel roads.

Follow the R319 from Bredasdorp in the direction of Swellendam, but turn right after 6km at the sign to De Hoop/Malagas/Infanta. Follow the gravel road for a further 33km to the reserve entrance; the reserve office is about 12km into the reserve.

And Staying

De Mond Villa – newly refurbished and restored, the luxury Villa boasts stunning décor and views to die for across the water. There are five en-suite bedrooms overlooking the RAMSAR protected estuary with its spectacular birdlife. A sparkling pool, extensive outdoor braai area, patio and all the mod-cons await you for an unparalleled getaway.