De Hoop Nature Reserve Engen MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Bredasdorp)

Western Cape - Overberg & Southern Cape

De Hoop Nature Reserve

CLOSEST TOWN > Bredasdorp

TRAIL DESTINATION > De Hoop Nature Reserve

DISTANCE > Various from 12km

GRADING > Intermediate

OVERVIEW

The overnight trail starts from the Potberg Environmental Centre and follows a 12km ride along a dirt track. All your equipment, including bedding and food, will be transported to the Cupidoskraal camp, where you will be based for the duration of your stay.

On your bike

Five other routes await exploration once you reach your base, but it is doubtful whether you would be able to do more than one of these routes in a day. Rides generally cross the hard dunes down to the sea, with some of these sandy climbs rated as fairly strenuous.

If all else fails, go the portage route as the views from the top of the dunes are certainly worthwhile.

Off the bike

The five-day Whale Trail and other day hikes are renowned throughout SA, while snorkelling here is extremely rewarding.

CONTACT:

Website: www.capenature.org.za

Tel: +27 861 227 362 8873

GPS: 34°03’20.8”S 20°28’23.9”E

Weather: {weather Bredasdorp, South Africa}

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Intermediate

DURATION:

From 90 minutes to overnight

CONFIGURATION :

Various – from 12km

START POINT:

Potberg Environmental Centre

TERRAIN:

Dirt track, sand dunes

MAP:

From any Cape Nature office or website

CELL RECEPTION:

Intermittent

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Day visitor entrance fee
or reserve rate

FACILITIES:

Self- catering cottage at Cupidoskraal, no kiosk

BEWARE OF:

Unpredictable weather, plus sand, rocky terrain and steep ascents

HOW TO GET THERE

De Hoop is accessible from Swellendam or Bredasdorp along either the Wydgelee (Ouplaas) or Bredasdorp-
Malgas roads.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Whale calving season from August to November.