Discover the wonders of De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve: win a family getaway
Image: Supplied
Nestled in the picturesque Overberg region of the Western Cape, the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is a sanctuary of natural beauty that beckons adventurers and families alike. With its pristine beaches, coastal fynbos, and diverse wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences and relaxation. For those looking to sense the magic of this stunning locale, the Weekend Argus has announced an exciting competition: Subscribe and stand a chance to win a two-night getaway for a family of four, valued at R8,000, at the De Hoop Collection.
The De Hoop Collection promises comfort and sustainability with a variety of accommodation options, including self-catering cottages, luxury suites, and even campsite rondawels set amidst breathtaking scenery. The Fig Tree Restaurant, situated in a charmingly repurposed grain silo, showcases an impressive wine cellar and a menu that reflects the abundant local produce.
For the active-minded, De Hoop is a haven of activities. Whether it's biking on scenic trails, indulging in a game of tennis or boules, or embarking on an eco-boat cruise on the serene vlei, there's something to engage every member of the family. Guided marine walks along the beach and bird-watching excursions present unique opportunities to learn about the rich ecosystems that thrive within the reserve. Nature drives allow visitors to marvel at herds of bontebok, rare Cape vultures soaring overhead, and the stunning landscapes, that have made De Hoop a renowned nature lover's paradise.
One of the biggest draws, particularly during this season, is the phenomenal land-based whale watching. Southern right and humpback whales frequent the south coast, with a staggering 40% of the world's southern right whales migrating here to breed. Families can witness these majestic creatures as they blow, breach, and perform spectacular bellyflops just off the coast. The elevated dunes at Koppie Alleen offer prime vantage points for viewing this annual marine spectacle.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The De Hoop experience also includes enriching cultural insights, such as the recently launched De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales, and the fascinating 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour' exhibition. This showcase highlights the Southern Cape coastline's archaeological heritage and reveals the unique discoveries made within the reserve.
Interested adventurers can subscribe to the Weekend Argus by simply sending the SMS 'DeHoop' to 33258. The winner will be notified via email, providing a seamless and convenient entry into this extraordinary world.
The prize comprises two midweek nights' accommodation for a family of four in a self-catering cottage, allowing families to build beautiful memories in the heart of nature. The getaway can be used between 1 May and 31 August 2026, providing ample time to enjoy the splendour of De Hoop. Note that terms and conditions apply, including that the prize is not redeemable for cash or other rewards.
With its unrivalled charm, De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is an ideal setting for a family retreat, brimming with adventure and natural wonder. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this enchanting escape!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Grandmother to one of the boys stranded in Portugal relieved he's finally coming home
CAPE TOWN - The grandmother of one of the boys stuck in Portugal after a botched football tour has described the family's ordeal after 34 young footballers and four coaches were left stranded in Europe for a week. The squad of three junior teams and coaches flew to Spain earlier in July for a football tour arranged by BT Football Academy. The players and coaches were left stranded after the academy failed to book return flights, despite participants having paid R50,000 each for the trip. Mary-Anne van der Heever, grandmother to Michael Duminy, said her family has experienced a range of emotions since she found out her grandson was stranded in Europe. "We were angry, then it went to excitement, anguish, not knowing what is happening, where they are and not getting answers." Van der Heever said the family quickly realised they needed to reach out. "We reached out from low to very high. We did not get the answers that we wanted, but eventually... I will only mention one name… Tracey Lange." Van der Heever thanked the Tracey Lange Cares initiative for spearheading a fundraising campaign, which brought the group back to Cape Town safely. Duminy will be part of the last batch of 14 players who are set to arrive in Cape Town on Thursday.


Eyewitness News
9 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Families of last group of junior footballers stranded in Portugal anticipating their return
CAPE TOWN - The families of the last group of junior footballers who were stranded in Europe are counting down the hours to see the children. The last group from the BT Football Academy will touch down on home soil at around 2pm on Thursday afternoon. ALSO READ: - Teen duo relieved to be back home in CT after football tour group left stranded in Portugal - Families ready to welcome home some of the BT Football Academy players who were stranded in Portugal The team and their coaches were stranded for a week after their return tickets were never booked. But South Africans rallied to bring them home with donations to feed and house them while abroad. With the last group of teen footballers arriving home in just a few hours, some parents are gearing up to take legal action against BT Football Academy. One of the parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said academy owner Brandon Timmy reached out to him, asking for R29,000 to help get the kids back. 'I'm just waiting for the other kids to come back. Then, when they're done coming back then I'm going to the police station.' He added that on the day the team left Cape Town, Timmy wouldn't allow parents to see the plane tickets. The emotional father also expressed his frustration about online comments directed at them. 'What makes me cross is people on social media saying, 'parents, what did they do?' It pains me every day. We did a lot for our kids, guys. They must know that parents did a lot.' It's still unclear whether the owners of BT Football Academy will be meeting with the parents to explain why their children and the coaches ended up stranded in Portugal.

IOL News
21 hours ago
- IOL News
Mackenzie slams BT Academy owner as stranded kids are all set to return home
Several parents were forced to scramble for funds to bring their children back, as safety concerns mounted. The team was scheduled to return to South Africa on July 16, but chaos erupted when it was discovered that they had no tickets to get home. A group of young players from the Kraaifontein-based academy in Cape Town had travelled to Spain to participate in the Donostia Cup International Tournament. Each child's trip reportedly cost close to R50,000 to cover all the costs. Western Cape MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Ricardo Mackenzie says the remaining BT Football Academy players stranded overseas are expected to arrive back in South Africa by Thursday afternoon. Mackenzie, speaking amid nationwide outrage over the situation, confirmed that the provincial government has begun reviewing the legal standing and operational compliance of the academy. He also revealed that he has been in direct contact with the owner of BT Academy, Brandon Timmy, and believes Timmy has not been honest throughout the ordeal. 'The kids should be back home by 3pm tomorrow. We are now going through all the documentation and communication,' Mackenzie told eNCA. 'I myself have been speaking to the owner since Monday morning and I have since gone through to have a consultation with the premier because he has not given us truthful information since then. 'Every hour he says that he is waiting for a loan, and by the time I left for Portugal nothing was done by him. 'He keeps on giving people the runaround, and I spoke to the coaches on the ground who gave me firsthand information that helped inform my decision to go there.' Popular local media personality Tracey Lange, through her initiative Tracey Lange Cares, has played a key role in rallying community support and raising funds to assist in bringing the remaining players home. Mackenzie acknowledged that Lange's intervention has been critical. 'Even on Tuesday he told me he had paid for the accommodation, but even that was not true because it was paid for by the Tracey Lange people,' Mackenzie added. The MEC further revealed this was not the first time such a situation had occurred with the BT Academy. A similar incident reportedly took place during a previous trip to Dubai, raising further concerns about the academy's operations. 'Speaking to the coaches, they informed me that this is not the first time this has happened — they were once stuck in Dubai with the very same company. We will be sure to take action and ensure accountability, but right now it's just about ensuring that the kids get home safe.' Mackenzie said this incident has exposed significant gaps in oversight and that the government will tighten regulations around such tours moving forward, particularly when they involve minors traveling abroad. 'This was not a sanctioned tour by anybody. 'Going forward as a country we need to decide how we deal with these things. What is the country's policy on dealing with unsanctioned tours? We want kids to gain international experience, but they cannot go overseas without formal federation commitment.' In other reports, South African Football Association (Safa) Cape Town president, Bennet Bailey was quoted saying a full investigation will be launched against BET Academy, which is said to be not registered with Safa.