For the price paid a couple of bags of wood for the fire could have been included - it was in other places we stayed. If you want to eat in the restaurant quite understandably it has a daily menu with three starters, three mains and dessert - you just need to be prepared with other options if you don't fancy any of the three offerings. We didn't eat there so can't comment on quality or value for money really. The woodwork in one of the bedrooms in our house had also been recently painted - this meant that room was un-useable due to the smell of paint fumes. No problem for us as we only needed two rooms BUT we were not informed or offered alternatives so if we had needed all three rooms there would have been an issue.

Blue Crane Opstal House was a lovely self catering base for a couple of nights. The building itself was cold but electric blankets meant we were lovely and cozy at night. Well equipped kitchen with lovely dining and lounge area. Great sheltered little front patio with Adirondack chairs for just sitting and enjoying the wildlife wandering just outside the garden wall....made all the more exciting by two male baboons deciding to battle it out in the garden and around the house - certainly got our heart rates up !

Stayed in September 2024

We had a three bedroomed chalet for six people - but there was only one toilet, which was both a disappointment and inconvenient. Room for improvement in that respect.

Lovely situation, beautiful surroundings, free roaming animals, views from Koppie Alleen, friendly helpful staff.

Stayed in August 2024

De Hoop is such a special place and Opstal houses create a perfect environment from which to appreciate the natural magic that surrounds it. This is our 3rd visit to Opstal and the nature reserve and this time we bought about 10 friends who all agreed that it was the high point of our holiday to SA. On previous visits the rock pools have been one of my favourite features and I was disappointed in this trip to discover that a higher tide would make these inaccessible for our entire duration as they had been a highlight on previous trips but, hard to know who to complain to about the tides?!... the moon maybe?! However the weather was cooler than my previous visits which made walking and exploring much easier. We did several sunrise missions to the coast and it was simply stunning. Accommodation is no frills but very clean and totally in keeping with the simple wonder of its surroundings. In short De Hoop is stunning and Opstal houses create a perfectly balanced atmosphere from which to appreciate it. Bravo!

Stayed in January 2024

Beautiful surroundings (Eland, ostrich, bontebok, veld and stunning beaches).

Stayed in December 2023

Prices in restaurant are really very high

Wonderful location - very nice breakfast

Stayed in November 2023

A bit dated in decor - kitchen could do with updating. We had no power for 2 days which we appreciated wasn’t fault of De Hoop but there was limited communication and no additional help with candles etc.

Great location and decent sized property, very close to wildlife literally in doorstep. Restaurant staff were nice and enjoyed the meals

Stayed in September 2023

A little dated

Lovely location and good facilities

Stayed in April 2023

The only thing is the fact that you need to consider about an hours drive over gravel roads and you may feel a bid lost.

Really exceptionally friendly personell, they will do their utmost to fullfil any wish or request you may have. The cottages are in a very good shape and provide anything you need. The reserve itself is well managed and the guides e.g. biking tours etc. are great ambassadors of the reserve. Good to stay for 3-4 days or even a week as there are a lot of things to see.

Stayed in January 2023

The cottage is looking tired and could do with a revamp.

Comfortable cottage for a family of 6. Well equipped, serviced everyday even on Christmas Day. Peaceful and beautiful country surroundings. Good restaurant close by with strong WiFi during loadshedding.

Stayed in December 2022

The electric stove which meant we couldn't cook during load shedding. The restaurant was fully operational but we did not want a 3 course meal every night . Fortunately load shedding did not occur at dinner time .

Spacious Comfortable lounge and beds . The amazing scenery The easy walk to the restaurant and swimming pool but set away from everyone Good kitchen facilities

Stayed in December 2022

the game management on the reserve…looks overstocked

the location

Stayed in October 2022

nothing

The restaurant and staff were amazing, the amazing whale sightings and beautiful scenery down at the beach

Stayed in October 2022

all good - the exhibition was a major attraction

Stayed in May 2025

For the price we paid we do feel more effort can be done with the interior of the Giant King Fischer. Just because something is classified as ‘old’ or ‘antique’ doesn’t mean it has to be neglected. The interior of the Opstal house needs maintenance. The furniture is just old and not in good condition also the kitchen and bathroom. Also wouldn’t recommend a family of 6 to book this particular house as there is sadly only 1 toilet. Really feel an additional toilet with basin is essential. Being South Africa it can get very hot in summer so a fan in each room would have been nice since there is no aircon.

The reserve is magical! Absolutely love the location! The restaurant is also good and the food was delicious. The beds of the Giant King Fischer House was comfortable and the bed linen was new and clean.

Stayed in December 2024

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Stayed in April 2025

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Stayed in April 2025

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Stayed in February 2025

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Stayed in November 2024

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Stayed in February 2024

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Stayed in January 2024

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Stayed in July 2023

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Stayed in December 2022

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Stayed in January 2023

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Stayed in November 2022