This reserve, located some 15 kilometres north of Arniston, encompasses a 50-kilometre stretch of coastline, weathered limestone cliffs and spectacular sand dunes, some of which tower as high as 90 metres. De Hoop’s main attraction is a 14-kilometre wetland that is home to 12 of South Africa’s 16 waterfowl species.

Thousands of red-knobbed coot, yellow-billed duck and Cape shoveller, as well as Egyptian geese, can be seen here, although populations do fluctuate with the water level of the marshland. The bird watching is best between the mounts of September and April, when migrant flocks of Palaearctic waders arrive. Of the 13 species that have been recorded, visitors may expect to see ringed plover, wood and curlew sandpiper, greenshank, and little stint.

For visitors who enjoy cycling, a mountain-bike trail traverses the Potberg section of the reserve, which contains a breeding colony of the rare Cape vultures. However, to avoid disturbing the birds the sites are not accessible.