De Hoop Collection manage accommodation and guided activities inside the spectacular De Hoop Nature Reserve. The Melkkamer Vlei Cottage is sold on a self-catering basis but a staff member will always be nearby to assist you or ferry you back to the Opstal Area.

The lovely old stone cottage overlooks the stunning De Hoop vlei. It has four beautifully appointed bedrooms with 2 separate bathrooms. There is a separate sitting room, dining area with fully equipped kitchen and a cosy fireplace. Melkkamer Vlei Cottage is set on a unique wetland location and ideal for families or small groups, especially keen birders. On arrival, guests cars are parked at the Opstal Area near reception and from here you will be assisted to the boat house for your transfer across the De Hoop Vlei - a 19km Ramsar Site. The boat ride takes approximately 10mins and the boat can transfer 10 guests at a time. We suggest checking in between 14h00 and 17h00 to ensure you are transferred and settled at Melkkamer before sunset. The Vlei Cottage is fully equipped for self-catering and has gas appliances including a fridge, heater, geyser, oven and stove. Candlelight and lanterns add to the romance and charm of this unique area that date from the 1800’s.

Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop Nature Reserve – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. And guided activities including mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, boat cruises and nature drives are offered at an extra charge. De Hoop Collection's footprint in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, is divided in two by the De Hoop Vlei. On the north side is the Opstal Area where most of the accommodation and facilities are. A short boat ride across the vlei, takes you to Melkkamer - a secluded homestead dating from the 1800's.