GETAWAY AT A GLANCE

GETTING THERE: De Hoop is about 260km from Cape Town. Get there via Bredasdorp or Swellendam, the last 57km of both routes is on gravel.

RATES: De Mond Villa is R3,500 pppn (min five guests or R17,500 pn; minimum 2-night stay) includes full catering and guided activities. Excludes the eco-boat cruise and vulture experience.

VLEI TO WALES: De Mond Villa will be one of the accommodations on the new Vlei to Whales slackpacking trail. The routes are being finalised but the three-night hike, taking in parts of the Whale Trail route and more, will be fully catered and guided. R12,900 per person (minimum four people) includes all meals; house wines, beers and spirits; and several guided activities.

CONTACT: Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za or visit dehoopcollection.com

WORTH A DETOUR: If you’re heading to or from Cape Town, make a day of it and detour to the riverside village of Stanford, 124km from De Hoop. Founded in 1857, the village is known for its Cape Victorian- and Edwardian-style architecture and its charming assortment of antique stores, restaurants and coffee shops. For birding of a different kind, book a lazy meander down the Klein River with Lady Stanford River Cruises (see capecountryroutes.com). These go from the village to the Hermanus Estuary and back. Not only can you learn all about the birdlife here, but they will also drop anchor and let you jump off the boat right into the tea-coloured water. They also offer canoe rentals.