Hoy’s Koppie

Tour Overview

In the mid-19th century the early inhabitants of Hermanuspietersfontein called it “Klip Kop” – an isolated hill rising some 75 metres above sea-level on the otherwise flat plain on which their village lay.

Today Klipkop are better known as Hoy’s Koppie. Named after Sir William Hoy, who was one of the most charismatic figures in Hermanus history. Scottish-born and head of the Cape and South African Railways in the 1920s , Sir William Hoy fell in love with Hermanus and visited the village repeatedly over the years where he stayed at the famous Marine Hotel. One of his greatest pleasures was to climb Klip Kop with his fishing friend Danie Woensdregt, looking out over Walker Bay and so they planned the next day’s fishing expedition. On his death, his wife, Lady Gertrude Hoy informed Woensdregt that her husband had expressed a wish to be buried at the top of the Koppie. Woensdregt made arrangements, including the construction of the first formal path on the Koppie. Later, Lady Gertrude was buried alongside her husband. And so “Klip Kop” became “Hoy’s Koppie” and both graves remain preserved at the top of the koppie.

2-3 Hour
Age 12+
Hermanus

What to expect

Tour commences with the history and origin of the Koppie from a geographical point of view and how the original name KlipKop changed to today’s better-known name – “Hoy’s Koppie”. The tour advents from the entrance at the Eastern Side following the first turn off to the circular route (which is also wheel chair friendly) We learn about the medicinal plants we find along the way, what ailments it was used for by the First People, how it was prepared and applied. We visit the cave at the foot of the Koppie, originally inhibited 50 000-70 000 years ago by the Aboriginal First People. Information about the 2 important excavations done there, and more is shared. . Following that we meander further along on the circular route, because of it’s position – different types of vegetation are found on different sides of the koppie. After completing the circular route, which is a comfortable and easy walking trial, we then take the steps up to the top of the Koppie where Sir William Hoy and he’s wife were buried. On top of the koppie a warm cup of medicinal tea is on offer – a tea derived from a plant likely found a long our tour. We finish the tour by descending the steps again back down to the parking area. The total duration of the tour is 2-3 hrs and for those who feel the steps are too steep are more than welcome to join only for the circular route. Please specify this request in the booking form so additional arrangements can be done -not to miss out on the tea sample !

9:00am to 10:30 am

Hoy’s Koppie Tour

We meet at the parking area on the Eastern side of the koppie.

Duration of the tour is 2-3 hrs
Free Tea Sample
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