De Hoop Campsite Rondawels

The landscape is the thing that stays with you here. The huge dunes look almost like a film set, and the whole reserve feels wonderfully peaceful. We saw Cape mountain zebras, bontebok, eland, ostriches and baboons in their natural habitat. It isn't a game reserve, but we still had some great wildlife encounters. The views at sunset over the (insert river name) were stunning, and it was a lovely place to unwind and reconnect with nature. We booked at the last minute and ended up in the Campsite Rondavels. Calling them campsite rooms really undersells them. They're more like luxury bungalows, the sort of place that wouldn't look out of place at a 5-star Maldivian resort. The outdoor shower and toilet can be chilly when the temperature drops, though. The rooms were comfortable, and the setting was incredibly tranquil. A few practical details could have been handled better. Reception is about a 20-25 minute drive from the dunes, and the route isn't especially clear. A more thorough introduction to the property and its facilities at check-in would have saved us time and confusion. We also weren't very impressed by dinner at the restaurant. The short menu, with two starters and two mains, wasn't itself a problem, but the food felt basic and needed more care and attention to detail. Even so, the scenery, wildlife and quiet made our stay unforgettable. We'd recommend De Hoop to anyone wanting a peaceful, unusual nature escape.

We stayed in a rondawels hut, simple but full of atmosphere, with a great view. Having an evening shower outside under the starry sky was a dream.

The campsite is basic, but the bathrooms were clean and always had toilet paper and soap. There's also a great restaurant and swimming pool.

The campsites are tucked away from one another, and the ablutions are very well kept. Sites 3 and 10 have more room for bigger vehicles. The restaurant is only a short walk away and is 5 star. There are great walks around the place, and sundowners by the pool are a must. The staff were really friendly and the service was top draw. We'll be back.