Klipspringer is the short walk at Potberg, and it is the one to do if you want the northern end of De Hoop without committing five days to the Whale Trail. It is 6 km, about two hours, circular, starting and finishing at the Potberg Eco Venue.
What it offers is height and birds. The route opens out over the Breede River valley, and it passes the Cape vulture colony at Potberg, which is the only remaining breeding colony of these birds in the Western Cape. That is the reason most people walk it.
Buy a permit at the reserve office or book it in advance through CapeNature. Allow about two hours for the walk, and treat it as a proper outing rather than a quick ramble. CapeNature asks visitors not to hike alone here and to carry enough food and water, which is sound advice in a reserve this size.
