Amongst the mysteries associated with this region, is the legendary \'Cape of Storms\' which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas. Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. For example, archaeological middens remind contemporary man of a successful hunter-gathering culture that was in harmony with its natural environment; and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps.

De Hoop is a rich and diverse landscape of fynbos, wetland, sand dunes, and marine reserve, located along the coastline south of Swellendam. The De Hoop Vlei provides sanctuary to many species of aquatic birds and is temporary home to scores of migratory birds.