Situated in the heart of the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve in the Western Cape is arguably one of South Africa’s most perfect destinations for a weekend getaway: the De Hoop Collection.
This premier member of Cape Country Routes offers a range of accommodation, a unique outdoor experience like no other – sea, beaches, a 19km Ramsar-listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, diverse animal- and birdlife, one of the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa – and, since January 2024, the Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition that showcases the rich archaeological heritage of the Southern Cape coastline.
The exhibition features some of the findings made by SapienCE scientists Professor Christopher Henshilwood, Dr Karen van Niekerk, Professor Sarah Wurz and their research teams at sites in the reserve.
As De Hoop Collection is hosting these scientists in February and March 2025 for their annual diggings at De Hoop, it is offering guests an opportunity to meet the teams, participate in presentations given by exceptional postdoctoral students at the end of their 2025 excavations at Klipdrift, and to enjoy a visit to the outstanding exhibition with its amazing ‘weekend with a difference’ package.
The Digging De Hoop (the past in Africa is the past of us all) Weekend at De Hoop Collection will take place from 14 to 16 March 2025.
A weekend to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary:
- You’ll get to meet Professor Chris Henshilwood and Dr Karen van Niekerk, whose life’s work of documenting human origins, archaeological research and discoveries is featured in the spectacular exhibition.
- You’ll get to meet some international scientists specialising in archaeology, psychology and climatology – focusing on excavating and analysing the finds from the archaeological sites at the Klipdrift Complex: Klipdrift Shelter and Klipdrift Cave.
- Presentations by postdoctoral researchers: Asia Alsgaard, a marine fish, mammal and statistics specialist (archaeologist); Marzena Cendrowska, a usewear and residue (on stone tools) specialist and experimental archaeology; Antoine Muller, a stone tool specialist who does 3D scanning of artefacts; Maciej Ehlert, an expert at making stone tools; and Samuel Pereira and Katrina Kerr, both geochemists.
- On the Friday evening, an introduction presentation given by Dalfrenzo Laing on the exhibition.
- Available-throughout-the-day activities that include several hands-on archaeological activities and the usual De Hoop activities of biking, tennis and (pre-booking required) eco-boat cruises on the vlei, walks through the coastal fynbos, guided marine walks at Koppie Alleen (where rock pools teem with anemones, mussels and colourful starfish) and up-close encounters with herds of bontebok, antelope and other diverse wildlife.
The Digging De Hoop Weekend Package
Date: Friday, 14 March to Sunday, 16 March 2025
Price: Guests will receive a 15% discount
Package includes:
- Accommodation – a choice of accommodation for a minimum of two nights, in either a suite OR a cottage, on a DBB basis.
- An introductory presentation on Friday evening on the Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition (after which guests can book a complimentary visit to the exhibition and hands-on archaeological activities).
- A Boma Dinner on the Saturday night (R295 for non-inclusive bookings) to meet the scientists.
Terms and conditions apply. Booking is essential – make your reservation by emailing Samantha: res@dehoopcollection.co.za.