Digging De Hoop 2026: A Day with a Difference in a World Heritage Site

Are you a conservation enthusiast keen on unlocking the secrets of early human history? Join us for Digging De Hoop 2026, a truly unique event happening on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the stunning De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve. This special day offers an extraordinary blend of hands-on archaeology, insightful lectures from leading scientists, and the breathtaking beauty of one of South Africa's ecological gems.

Discover De Hoop: Where Nature Meets Ancient History

The De Hoop Collection, a premier member of Cape Country Routes, is nestled in the heart of the Western Cape's De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve. This incredible location is renowned as one of the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa, boasting a 19 km Ramsar-listed vlei (a wetland of international importance). It's a paradise of rare indigenous plants, diverse animal and bird life, and spectacular coastal fynbos.

This exquisite setting also hosts the "Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour" exhibition. Opened in January 2024, this permanent display showcases the rich archaeological heritage of the Southern Cape coastline.

The "Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour" Exhibition

This groundbreaking exhibition features some of the most significant findings made by SapienCE scientists. Their work, led by luminaries like Professor Christopher Henshilwood, Professor Sarah Wurz, and Dr Karen Van Niekerk, has redefined our understanding of early human behaviour. Through their discoveries, visitors can explore pivotal moments in human evolution, right here in the cradle of humanity.

Meet the Experts: Your Guides Through Time

For Digging De Hoop 2026, a distinguished team of archaeologists from the University of Bergen SFF Centre for Early Sapiens (SapienCE) and the Archeolodzy.org Foundation will be on hand. These are the brilliant minds leading the charge:

D Marzena Cendrowska: A postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bergen SFF Centre for Early Sapiens (SapienCE).
Dr Asia Alsgaard: Also a SEAS Programme (Shaping European Research Leaders for Marine Sustainability) post-doctoral fellow at the University of Bergen SFF Centre for Early Sapiens (SapienCE).
r. Antoine Muller: A post-doctoral fellow at the University of Bergen and Vice-Chair of the Archeolodzy.org Foundation in Poland.
Dr Maciej Ehlert: Joining from the Archeolodzy.org Foundation, bringing further expertise in experimental archaeology.
Kurt Wogau: An expert on the semi-arid Klein Karoo landscape.
Alexandra Pearson: Assisting with the "Bare Bones" workshop.

A Day of Discovery: The Itinerary – Saturday, March 7, 2026

Get ready to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with these captivating, hands-on activities and insightful lectures:

10h00-17h00: Fire Experiments (Boma)
Learn how ancient humans used heat to prepare materials like ochre, ostrich eggshell, and stone for tool production. Join Dr Marzena Cendrowska and Dr Maciej Ehlert.
10h00-17h00: Bare Bones (Boma)
Ever wondered how archaeologists identify animals from their bones? Dr Asia Alsgaard and Alexandra Pearson will guide you through this fascinating process.
10h00-17h00: Stone Tools (Boma)
Try your hand at making stone tools the prehistoric way. Dr Maciej Ehlert and Dr Antoine Muller will demonstrate ancient techniques.
10h00-17h00: Making Tools & Ornaments (Boma)
Discover how prehistoric tools and ornaments were crafted. Dr Marzena Cendrowska will show you how to recognise different types of use-wear under a microscope.
10h00-17h00: Exploring the Klein Karoo (Location TBD)
Join Kurt Wogau to understand how the semi-arid Klein Karoo landscape shaped past human mobility and survival.
12h00-13h00: Guided Exhibition Tour (Exhibition)
Take a guided tour of the "Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour" – "Mother Africa – Welcome Home" exhibition. Meet various scientists and have your questions answered!
14h30-15h00: Lecture: “Food for the Braai: Life along the coast during the Later Stone Age” (Origins Room)
Dr Asia Alsgaard discusses how inhabitants of Klipdrift Cave adapted their diet, from shellfish to tortoises, to changing sea levels between 11,000 and 17,000 years ago.
17h00: Keynote Lecture by Prof. Christopher Henshilwood (Origins Room)
Don't miss a special lecture by the esteemed Professor Christopher Henshilwood, a pioneer in palaeoscience (the study of ancient life).
18h00: Boma Dinner (Vlei Deck)
Enjoy a delightful Boma Dinner overlooking the vlei (R325 for non-inclusive guests).

Beyond the Dig: Explore De Hoop's Natural Wonders

In addition to the archaeological marvels, guests can still enjoy all the familiar De Hoop activities throughout the day (pre-booking required for some):

Biking & Tennis: Explore the reserve on two wheels or enjoy a game.
Eco-Boat Cruises: Glide across the magnificent vlei, a birdwatcher's paradise.
Coastal Fynbos Walks: Discover the unique flora of the Western Cape.
Guided Marine Walks: At Koppie Alleen, witness vibrant rock pools teeming with anemones, mussels, and colourful starfish.
Wildlife Encounters: Get up close with herds of bontebok, eland, and other diverse wildlife.
Vulture Hikes: Explore the Potberg Mountains, home to a colony of nearly 200 endangered Cape Vultures.

Digging De Hoop 2026: Weekend Package & Booking Information

Make a weekend of it! The Digging De Hoop 2026 Weekend Package runs from Friday, March 6 to Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Accommodation: Guests can book and pay for their stay at De Hoop Collection.
Boma Dinner (Saturday Night): Non-inclusive guests are welcome to join for R325 per person.
Booking is essential! Terms and conditions apply.

To secure your reservation for this unforgettable experience, please email Samantha at res@dehoopcollection.co.za.

About De Hoop Collection

The De Hoop Collection, a proud member of Cape Country Routes, opened in 2007 as the first private/public partnership in South African hospitality. Just three hours from Cape Town, it's an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups. It offers a range of affordable accommodation, from campsite rondawels to self-catering houses, including exclusive villas like Melkkamer Manor House. Overlooking the vlei is The Fig Tree Restaurant and the Silo Wine Cellar. De Hoop is a World Heritage site, offering world-class whale-watching and a haven for bird enthusiasts with over 260 species.

About Cape Country Routes (CCR) South Africa

Cape Country Routes (CCR) South Africa is a leading non-profit marketing collective of over 20 owner-operated accommodation and activity establishments. Carefully selected for their character and charm, they offer the best options across the Western and Eastern Cape. Consider their Loyalty Program for discounts and value-adds. Sign up via https://loyalty.capecountryroutes.com/