Vlei and Veldt Trail

About Vlei and Veldt Trail

Start: the restaurant at Die Opstal
Finish: Die Opstal
Duration: the shorter loop (red) is 6 km and very doable; the longer route (blue) just over 10 km
Fitness: relatively fit; the shorter loop is not difficult, but some experience of hiking is necessary to complete the longer loop; there is no scrambling or climbing involved
Cost: Entrance into the reserve
Our tip: stay overnight in the reserve - you won't be sorry; pick up a pamphlet for the hike
Best: when the whales are in the bay

The Vlei & Veldt Trail is a self-guided day trail with a shorter route option. The route lies in De Hoop Nature Reserve that protects a diversity of 1500 plant species, many of them rare endemic species.

The circular route is a day walk, most of it on a constructed foot path. Whilst it is a self-guided route, you can opt for a registered guide if it suits you. Contact De Hoop ahead of time to arrange.

The Red walking trail leaves the restaurant at Die Opstal and heads down alongside the vlei to the sea, returning after 3 km.

The Blue walking trail incorporates the Red trail but continues after the split, adding 5 km along the edge of the vlei before it turns inland, by way of a 4x4 track, in amongst pristine fynbos and then back to the restaurant.

The fynbos is in near perfect condition whilst some of the milkwood trees on the walk are as old as 1000 years. The vlei is beautiful. Although suitable neither for swimming or drinking, it is a Ramsar site and home to 30 000 birds, including a number of specials.

En route the trail provides eight viewing places over the vlei where corresponding information on a pamphlet is provided.

The trail is Green Flag accredited.

Note: Don't confuse this trail with De Hoop's luxury three-day hiking trail, or the Whale Trail, both of which also take place in De Hoop Nature Reserve.