Reviews of The Opstal

"We self catered in one of the Vlei Cottages. There are lots of accommodation options (mostly without S/C facilities).
We loved having our own space and braii area, rather than eating at the restaurant. The cottage was well equipped and comfortable.Charmingly old fashioned.
You do need to be organised and take all your food with you ( there is nothing to buy on site except firewood)
We tried most of the guided activities, including going to see the endangered Cape Vulture colony, and also the interpretative marine walk . Both of which were excellent.
It's a remote, wild area of fynbos, wildlife, vast sand dunes, beautiful beaches and the brackish Vlei, all of which makes for great birding." See all these reviews: 8n in South Africa; 5n in Mozambique

"This is a very remote location; about 50km drive on a dirt road from a main road.

The night sky was amazing and we saw whales in the ocean. The cottages themselves are a bit run down but clean and the food options for dinner limited to one restaurant with no children's menu and one price that was relatively expensive (c. R2000 for 3 adults plus 2 children).

It is important to plan a visit to de Hoop better than we did and bring provisions." See all these reviews: 12n in South Africa

"Well worth visiting, especially the dunes. Abundance of wildlife was a surprise. Lots of Bontebok and ostriches, including young.

Activities were slightly hampered by the tide and weather.

Driving instructions were a bit confusing. We were also fortunate to arrive before the entrance gate shut for the night." See all these reviews: 15n in South Africa

"After a 35 km drive along gravel roads with amazing scenery, we arrived at De Hoop Opstal. This nature reserve is huge and has baboons, zebras, bonteboks and much else. The lake trip is well worth doing as is the early morning bird walk. Unfortunately the skies were not clear enough for guided star spotting. Depending on where you stay, it can be a little walk to the restaurant and shop.

It is another 7 kms to the coast which has fabulous beaches and when the tide is right, you can swim in rock pools. A really peaceful and interesting place to stay." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa

"A wonderful, peaceful place set in a pristine environment. It is well worth the long drive over unmade roads to get there. Our room was not luxurious but had a fantastic view over the lagoon- one morning we had a flypast by a flock of flamingos. Both the early morning bird walk and the boat trip were wonderful, with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Breakfast and dinner were very good, and walking back to the cottage under the stars with a few animals and birds around a magical experience." See all these reviews: 7n in South Africa

"Beautifully restored buildings, interesting coast line and birdlife all combined to give us a very enjoyable stay.

The staff were very helpful and charming and our guide on the birding walk very knowledgeable and likable.

The restaurant was very congested but we understand another one is under construction." See all these reviews: 21n in South Africa

"A lovely self catering cottage in a superb site in the park. Couldn't be bettered for scenery and game." See all these reviews: 9n in South Africa

"Well off the beaten track, but what a stunning location! The setting, amidst a varied habitat, provided the ideal environment for a wide variety of birds and animals, which we discovered on self-guided trails. A short drive away we found the stunning coast and dunes. Our accommodation was comfortable, and the food excellent. This was where we were introduced to the delights of Larroche gin!" See all these reviews: 21n in South Africa

"The potential is excellent, but unfortunately we were not told that De Hoop is still undergoing reconstruction. Throughout our stay the room next to ours was being completely remodelled by a construction crew: a wall being partly demolished to insert windows and a door, another open entrance being bricked up. So constant banging and crashing and sawing and workmen's chatter during the day - which was also adjacent to the pool area and spa.

Of course we spent most of the day out in the reserve, so we put up with it rather than requesting a move - and our room (the Dassie Suite) was lovely with a fine view over the lagoon.

The food is of a high standard, although the service struggles a bit to keep up with the numbers. and on our last night the restaurant was overbooked and despite being on half board our table had been given to someone else.

We enjoyed the walks by the lagoon (but a clear map would have been helpful) and did see whales! Eland, bontebok, zebra and ostrich wander freely around the homestead complex; a bit special." See all these reviews: 13n in South Africa

"An unexpected delight! We didn’t know quite what to expect of this place but we loved it – perhaps because we had the best room there (Vlei Suite). The room was lovely; although there was no air con or fan the sheer thickness of the walls kept it pleasantly cool. There had been some previous adverse feedback which made us concerned but we trusted Chris’s advice. Some others had commented on poor reception staff and the variable quality of other staff, opinions with which we concur. (see below)

Staff were generally pleasant and helpful, with two exceptions. Firstly the receptionist who insisted we had to eat at 9pm as dinner was served in two sittings; as we discovered it is actually FROM 7 to 9 not AT 7 or 9. Secondly the waitress who told us we could sit anywhere but, when we chose a table, told us we couldn’t sit there as it was a table for four. When we pointed out that they didn’t have any tables for two she seemed totally confused! She then insisted on presenting our bill before we were ready, ignoring the fact that another staff member was in the process of fixing drinks! The bill was then presented again before we had asked for it even though we hadn’t finished and had just ordered coffee. TIA (This Is Africa)! The manager then took care of us, and we spent some time with him over coffee talking about the history of the place and the plans for future development which was really interesting.

While our room was close to the main building some are quite a distance away (800m plus) and, whilst they have self-catering facilities it seemed as if most people wanted to eat in the restaurant which was quite a walk in the dark so a torch is a necessity.

The reserve is lovely with a variety of habitats, ranging from beaches and dunes to fynbos. The wildlife seems very calm; we have never seen so many eland – and so close to the roads; they didn’t seem bothered at all.

We took an afternoon boat trip which was good value and entertaining with good bird sightings and even a Cape Cobra sunning itself on a rock – as long as it stays on its rock we have no objection!" See all these reviews: 17n in South Africa