De Hoop Collection

The De Hoop Collection, with its richly varied fynbos floral kingdom, lies in the little-known and untouched De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Southern coast east of Arniston and Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. Head inland from the National Road and find this stunning coastal reserve with its indigenous wildlife of bontebok, zebra, eland, red hartebeest and ostrich.  

Perhaps best known as one of South Africa’s premier land-based whale watching destinations (bewtween July and November), De Hoop also boasts pristine duens, turquoise rock pools and miles of deserted beach where you may walk for hours without seeing another soul.  

Within this remote setting you have a choice of small cottages or, manor house rooms. If travelling with larger numbers, the stunning De Mond Villa or the recently opened De Hoop Villa are perfect bases for exploring the Nature Reserve. 

The activities are equally varied. Explore endless miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding or even a marine foraging walk. Or simply soak up the peace on one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful beaches.  

Time from Cape Town: 3 hours 

Other Luxury Options in the De Hoop Nature Reserve

Today, there are several exceptional ways to experience De Hoop. 

Morukuru Family have been two stunning lodges. Morukuru Ocean Lodge is a wonderful exclusive use Villa with four exquisitely furnished suites. Whilst nearby Morukuru Beach Lodge is perfect for couples or smaller family parties.

Also in a stunning location overlooking the Indian Ocean is Lekkerwater Beach Lodge. The lodge is positioned right beside a six kilometre stretch of private beach. It also has a fascinating history as the area’s extraordinary beauty and blissful seclusion led ex-President FW de Klerk to choose the location for his ‘Camp David’ for the early peace talks between De Klerk and the ANC.

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge

This one is close to our hearts and to our home in the Cederberg Mountains. It is only about 220 km from Cape Town on a good tarred road. But once you are over the Piekenierskloof Pass you descend into an orange-scented valley and it feels like a different world!

The Cederberg remains one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Dramatic sandstone formations, ancient San rock art, extraordinary spring flowers and some of the clearest night skies in the country make it a rewarding destination in every season.  

You leave the Mediterranean climate of the Cape and enter a rugged African wilderness. Cederberg Ridge is a luxurious lodge offering superb food, setting and adventure. The lodge overlooks the panorama of the Cederberg Mountains with its unique raw, rugged beauty. It offers the authentic ambience of a modern African farmhouse with much use of wood, natural materials and earthy tones. But the striking steel windows bring a contemporary touch.

Various excursions are on offer, both on and off the farm. From walking trails to mountain biking, from guided rock art trips to sunset boating, and from farm tours to flower-viewing. At the lodge, you can relax around the pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or enjoy story-telling and star-gazing at the fire-pit in the evening.

See our The Ultimate Cederberg escape for a full itinerary including transfers from Cape Town. 

Time from Cape Town: 2½ hours 

Tintswalo Atlantic

Tintswalo Atlantic still lies (just) within the city limits of Cape Town but if you weren’t staying here, you wouldn’t even know this little peace of heaven existed. It lies hidden away in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve below the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Cape Peninsula. This exquisite, luxurious beach lodge is tucked away right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean giving glorious views across Hout Bay. Indeed, once you are ensconced in your beachside suite, you would hardly know you were so close to a city. Only the twinkly lights across the bay at night time would give you any clue.

Time from Cape Town: 30-40 minutes

Bartholomeus Klip

Another option that won’t wear out the rubber on your tyres, is Bartholomeus Klip, which lies between the Cape Winelands and the picturesque village of Tulbagh in the northern Winelands. This beautifully restored Victorian country homestead is set in its own private nature reserve with walking, nature drives, canoeing and mountain biking on offer. Or you can just park out by its tranquil farm dam with a ripping read in hand.

The surrounding wetlands and renosterveld make this a paradise for birdwatchers, whilst spring transforms the reserve into a tapestry of colourful wildflowers. Exceptional food has long been one of Bartholomeus Klip’s hallmarks, making it just as much a destination for food lovers as for nature enthusiasts. Bartholomeus Klip is a winning smorgasbord of excellent cuisine, charming accommodation and utter tranquillity.   

Time from Cape Town: 1½ hours

Sanbona Game Reserve

There are other game lodges closer to Cape Town, but this one is the real McCoy. Thanks to its vast size, over 62,000 hectares, and dramatic landscapes, Sanbona offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in the Western Cape. Situated along the scenic Route 62, the reserve combines rugged mountains, sweeping plains, indigenous flora and fascinating San rock art with excellent wildlife viewing. As a Big Five, malaria-free reserve, Sanbona is ideal for families and first-time safari-goers who want a genuine safari experience without travelling to Kruger. 

There’s a choice of three lodges, Sanbona Gondwana Lodge and Sanbona Tilney Manor Lodge. But for a true sense of wilderness, we recommend Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, a luxurious tented camp set in a remote rocky kloof.

Time from Cape Town: 3-4 hours

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Paternoster may no longer be quite the secret it once was, but it still retains the laid-back charm of an authentic West Coast fishing village. Whitewashed cottages, colourful fishing boats, spectacular sunsets and outstanding seafood make it one of the Cape’s most relaxing coastal escapes. This is the place to utterly relax either at the beginning, or the end, of a Cape holiday.  

There’s not a myriad of things ‘to do’ so you will feel no guilt for not doing them. A lonely walk along the 7 km of sandy beach. Nearby, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve offers superb coastal walks and dazzling displays of spring flowers, whilst food lovers can explore the village’s excellent restaurants and galleries. A bracing swim in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or a quiet seafood lunch at a local restaurant – that’s about all that’s on offer here. What a hardship! Strandloper is a small luxury retreat with just 14 rooms. 

Time from Cape Town: 2 hours

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

I know, I know – another lodge in the Cederberg Mountains! What can I say; I am biased and proud of it!

Continue a little further on from Cederberg Ridge and over the Pakhuis Pass to where the Cederberg starts to meet the Karoo. Here you have endless views of the folded mountains that stretch into the distance. Nestled into this tranquil setting is a 5 star retreat with supremely comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine, plains game and a really top notch spa. Glorious tranquillity is guaranteed.

A member of Relais & Châteaux, Bushmans Kloof is renowned not only for its exceptional hospitality and cuisine, but also for its commitment to conservation. The reserve protects one of the world’s largest collections of ancient San rock art, with over 130 recorded sites that provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants. 

Mountain biking, walking trails, guided rock art walks and sunset nature drives all ensure that humdrum everyday life is left firmly at home. A South African natural heritage site, Bushmans Kloof Reserve offers Africa’s largest open air art gallery with more than 130 pristine Bushmen rock art sites.

Time from Cape Town: 3 hours

Ready to Escape?

The best escapes don’t always require the longest journeys. Sometimes all it takes is a few hours on the road before Cape Town feels like a distant memory. Our travel specialists know these lodges personally and can help you choose the one that best matches your style of travel.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure or adding a few restorative nights before or after a safari, we will recommend the places that truly fit your interests.  

Get in touch with Cedarberg Africa and we will help you plan the perfect off-the-beaten-track getaways near Cape Town. 

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“7 Off-the-Beaten-Track Escapes near Cape Town (All Within 4 Hours)” is written by Kate of Cedarberg Africa

Kate co-founded Cedarberg Africa in 1995 with her sister Ginny and has lived in South Africa for more than 30 years. During that time she has travelled extensively across Southern Africa, always seeking out places that combine exceptional scenery with a genuine sense of discovery. From pioneering self-drive routes through the Cederberg in the 1990s to uncovering some of the Western Cape’s best-kept secrets, she brings decades of first-hand knowledge to every itinerary she designs. When she’s not helping travellers find their own favourite hidden corners of Africa, you’ll usually find her hiking in the mountains or cycling along the Cape coast. 

Cedarberg Africa is a travel and safari company specializing in tailor-made itineraries in Southern Africa. As we have special rates with all the hotels and game lodges, booking through us will cost no more than booking direct. And sometimes less. So our expertise and knowledge comes at no extra cost to you!

Remember that we can tailor-make any holiday for you, so if some of these ideas sound great, but you’re not too sure of others, then contact us and we will plan the perfect getaway for you.