De Hoop Collection launches new mini ranger.
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
The De Hoop Collection, a premier Cape Country Routes member situated in the heart of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, has announced the launch of an exciting new De Hoop ‘Mini Ranger’ Programme to run during the winter school holidays.
“This immersive three-night family adventure winter getaway is designed for families to unwind, relax, reconnect and above all else, to have fun in the heart of nature”, says William Stephens, the owner of De Hoop Collection. The De Hoop ‘Mini Ranger’ Programme package combines a three-night, cosy-warm winter stay in a De Hoop Village unit - perfect for larger families, the units comfortably sleep up to six guests with two double bedrooms and one bunk bedroom, with the fun, action packed Mini Ranger programme.”
There are two select dates: Friday 3 July – Sunday 6 July and Thursday 16 July – Sunday 19 July 2026. The Mini Ranger programme is for kids aged 6 to 11, (children under 6 are welcome when accompanied by an adult). Based at the boma, the kids will dive into thrilling nature activities using a cool animal booklet and pen to log animal sightings and track their daily discoveries. Plus, each Mini Ranger who finishes the programme will be awarded an official De Hoop Mini Ranger cap and badge. To complete the outfit, Mini Ranger waistcoat vests will be available for purchase at the local Curio Shop.
De Hoop Collection has curated a flexible all-weather itinerary to ensure the adventure continues rain or shine - all-weather fun - rain won't stop the excitement thanks to indoor biscuit making, chocolate making and hands-on science experiments with weather stations, sun dials and compasses; wilderness safaris adventure rides - kids will explore the pristine reserve in style on a rugged Landcruiser or a fun tractor-and-trailer ride and there are flexible options for those joining for a shorter stay (Day Visitor Access) with individual activities open to outside children at R150 per activity. Aside from the Mini Ranger activities, De Hoop Collection has plenty other activities on offer that guests can book and pay for separately, including an eco-boat cruise, guided mountain bike trails, guided bird and Vlei walks, to name but a few!
De Hoop Mini Ranger Family Holiday Programme:
3 nights | includes accommodation and Mini Ranger activities plus special Ranger goodies
from R8 900* in a 6-sleeper De Hoop Village unit (excludes De Hoop CHC fee and CapeNature gate fee)
Select dates only: 3 - 6 July 2026 and 16 - 19 July 2026
Booking is essential: res@dehoopcollection.co.za | 021 422 4522
Ts&Cs apply.
De Hoop Mini Ranger Itineraries
Friday 3 July – Monday 6 July 2026
Friday 3 July: 14h00 - Families arrive & check in
19h00 Star Stories & Smores in the Boma & introduction
Saturday 4 July
10h00 Family Nature quest
15h00 Guided Tour of Origins Exhibition
19h00 Science Experiments & games in Origins Room
Sunday 5 July
09h00 Tracking & spoor moulding
15h00 Earth Age Geology Display
19h00 Scorpion Hunt
Monday 6 July :10h00 Checkout
Thursday 16 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
Thursday 16 July -14h00 Families arrive & check in
19h00 Star Stories & Smores in the Boma & introduction
Friday 17 July 2026
10h00 Family Nature quest
15h00 Guided Tour of Origins Exhibition
19h00 Science Experiments & games in Origins Room
Saturday 18 July 2026
09h00 Tracking & spoor moulding
19h00 Earth Age Geology Display
19h00 Scorpion Hunt
Sunday 19 July - 10h00 Checkout
The De Hoop Collection
Phone 021 422 4522 | email res@dehoopcollection.co.za | www.dehoopcollection.com
Social media handles:
Facebook: @DeHoopCollection | Instagram: @dehoopreserve | X: DeHoopReserve
The De Hoop Collection, a member of Cape Country Routes, opened in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in 2007 as the first private/public partnership in South African hospitality. Situated in the Reserve and just three hours from Cape Town along the renowned Garden and Whale Routes, it is an ideal destination for families, couples, groups, honeymoons, weddings, reunions and a convenient ‘stop-over’ between the Cape Winelands and Plettenberg Bay. The De Hoop Collection’s range of affordable accommodation, ranging from campsite rondawels to self-catering houses also includes the De Hoop Villa Collection comprising three exclusive villas: Melkkamer Manor House, Mond De Villa and the brand new De Hoop Villa. Overlooking the beautiful vlei with its spectacular birdlife is the staple of De Hoop’s dining scene, The Fig Tree Restaurant and the Silo Wine Cellar where an exceptional variety of wines can be enjoyed. De Hoop, a World Heritage site, offers world-class whale-watching and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with its more than 260 species of birds including the endangered Cape Vultures. A colony of almost 200 vultures roost and nest in the Potberg Mountains and exciting Vulture hikes and viewing opportunities are offered. Other activities include:
Eco boat cruises on the vlei
Nature drives, tennis and boules
Marine walks, hiking and mountain biking trails
De Hoop Trail – Vlei to Whales: a 38 km, 4-day guided and catered walking experience
Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour Exhibition: explores the archaeological and marine heritage of the Southern Cape; open to the public and managed by De Hoop Collection
De Hoop is a nature lover’s paradise of unparalleled peace and tranquillity and may well be one of the last of the Cape’s unspoiled gems
Cape Country Routes South Africa is a leading non-profit marketing collective of owner operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments - more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses - located on the scenic and historic routes in the Western and Eastern Cape. All carefully selected for their character, charm and romance they offer the best accommodation and activity options to suit every taste and budget.
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