Garden Route, part 2, De Hoop Nature Reserve (20 - 22 December)

After some three hour drive to the east we noticed an unobtrusive sign for the Hoop Nature Reserve. As we turned right onto the dirt road we were quite confused as this road lead through quite an abandoned area. We were glad to see a working farm and asked them for the directions. The farmer seemed to be very pleased to see some people here. And our directions were correct!
About half an hour later we arrived at the reserve gate. It was such a huge difference between the surroundings so far!

Shortly after driving through the gate we got this unexpected view over the reserve. The dunes on the horizon were so white we would guess it's snow if the temperatures weren't in the thirties!

We came here without high expectations and we were blown away by the most tranquil natural setting and superb cottage.
 

The wildlife is free to roam amongst the cottages, francolins, baboons and Maarten's favorite three stripped mouse.. Herds of eland, bontebok, duiker, zebra, grysbok... were grazing around, the animals wander past the windows, an exceptional view.

De reserve is renowned for whale sightings but in December we were too late.
We drove to Koppie Alleen, to the beach is only 15 minutes drive.

We couldn't be so close to the sea without exploring the tide pools, right?

The gorgeous white sand dunes, green shrubs and the intense blue sea, nothing less than spectacular.

We were sorry we could only spent two nights here.
But we hope to come back soon!