South Africa remains one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in the world, and with wall-to-wall sunshine, endless sightseeing adventures, fabulous safari destinations, and more vineyards than you could visit in a year, it is no surprise that more than 16 million international tourists visit here each year.

The beauty of travelling in South Africa is that you can holiday exactly as you wish. You can take a city break in the cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town, a self-drive tour up the West Coast, a safari in Kruger National Park, a trekking tour in the Drakensberg Mountains, a cycling holiday along the Garden Route, a beach break in Kwa-Zulu Natal, or combine all of the above. Everything is possible in South Africa, and your Pounds, Euros, and Dollars will go a lot further here than they will in other African countries.

While many international travellers tend to stick to ‘tried and tested’ routes when visiting South Africa, there are some real treasures waiting for those who are willing to go off the beaten path. One such place is De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site in the Overberg region, which is a three hour drive from Cape Town.

De Hoop is one of the largest natural areas in South Africa, covering some 34,000 hectares inland and 5km out to sea in a marine reserve. A haven for those who love the outdoors, it homes the Whale Trial, a 5-day hiking trail that will take you along the coast and into the mountains, endless water and land-based activities, and it is one a few places in the world where you can watch southern right whales directly from the sand dunes.

De Hoop Nature Reserve offers a choice of accommodations to suit every budget and taste. There are suites available with half-board, quaint self-catering cottages for families and groups, Melkkamer Manor Houses for those who are looking for a remote retreat, and cosy campsite rondawels where you can indulge in a spot of ‘glamping’.

Between now and 15^th December 2019, De Hoop are offering complimentary activities to guests who stay 3-nights or more in a suite, cottage, or manor house, which include Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, Boat Based Whale Viewing, and Zip Lining Experiences, and so there has never been a better time to go!

If you are heading to South Africa this winter, hop on over to De Hoop, with whales on your doorstep, sunshine all-but guaranteed, and free activities, it really is the perfect winter holiday destination.