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Morukuru Beach Lodge | De Hoop Nature Reserve | South Africa

Overberg District

Property Description

Morukuru Beach Lodge is situated at Koppie Alleen in one of Africa’s most beautiful coastal reserves, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, just south of Swellendam along the Garden Route in the Overberg region. The Overberg is characterized by quaint towns, a blossoming wine industry and delicious local dishes. The 36 000 hectares of the De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and over 50 kilometres of pristine coastline. A 19 km vlei (wetland) stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance, established by UNESCO. De Hoop Nature Reserve also offers towering white sand dunes lapped by the Indian Ocean, limestone cliffs, rock pools and coastal fynbos. Our sister property Morukuru Ocean House is located approximately 1 km further east along the beach.

ACCOMMODATION

Morukuru Beach Lodge consists of 4 Ocean View Suites and 1 Honeymoon Suite. All suites are equally spacious (90 m2 each) and comfortably furnished. The 4 Ocean View Suites offer views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding landscape, whereas the Honeymoon Suite offers a view of the Fynbos dune landscape and partial sea view, as well as a large private deck with outside bathtub and sun loungers. Each of the suites is located on the ground floor and features a large en-suite bathroom with walk in rain shower and separate bath, separate toilet as well as double vanity units. All suites have an oversized (2 x 1,1 m) bay window/daybed, a perfect place to lounge while watching the sea and the same bed doubles up as children’s bed. Intimate and sophisticated, Morukuru Beach Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxury.

ACCESS BY AIR

We offer our guests the possibility of getting to and from De Hoop Nature Reserve by private charter flight. The flight from Cape Town International Airport to De Hoop Nature Reserve takes 45 minutes. On arrival at the De Hoop airstrip, a vehicle will be waiting to take you through to Morukuru Beach Lodge, this transfer takes 25 minutes. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged, should this be required.

ACCESS BY ROAD

The De Hoop Reserve is situated just over 3 hour’s drive from Cape Town on the world renowned Garden and Whale Routes – an ideal stop en route from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay. It is in the Overberg region near the southern tip of Africa and can be reached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The Reserve gates open at 7AM and close at 6 PM. Gate closes at 7 PM on Fridays. Late or early arrivals need to be pre-booked and arranged with management. 2WD with higher ground clearance is recommended for the gravel roads to and inside De Hoop Nature Reserve.

WILDLIFE

De Hoop Nature Reserve is reckoned to be the ultimate place in South Africa to see southern right whales. July to end of September is best for whale- watching, but you stand a very good chance of a sighting from June to early November.

Some of the animal species in the reserve include whales, dolphins, sharks and seals as well as the Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra. Other animals you may see are Eland, the Cape clawless otter, baboons, rock hyraxes and the occasional rooikat (caracal) or even the elusive Cape leopard.

The reserve is particularly known for its bird population, many of which – such as the endangered African Black Oystercatcher – breed within the reserve. The flora and fauna are impressive too – the fynbos floral kingdom dominates with 1500 species of plants in the reserve alone – also 86 species of mammal, 260 or more different birds, 14 amphibians and 50 reptile species.

CLIMATE  –  A typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the region. Daytime temperatures range from 20-30°C in summer to 14-18°C in winter. The annual rainfall is about 380 mm and August is usually the wettest month. Sea mists also occur. The most frequent summer winds are east, west and southeast, while westerly and south-westerly winds prevail in winter.

MORUKURU FAMILY MEMBERS  –  Morukuru Beach Lodge is part of Morukuru Family. This collection of exclusive use houses in Madikwe Game Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve caters mainly for families and groups of friends travelling together. Children of all ages are welcome in all properties and children can also join on game drives in Madikwe Game Reserv

Amenities
FEATURES
  • 5 bedrooms en-suite (king or twin beds),
  • Dining room
  • Bar / lounge area (first floor)
  • Heated swimming pool and hot tub
  • Rooftop terrace (first floor)
  • Sheltered courtyard terrace
  • Outdoor sunken lounge with fire pit
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
  • Underfloor heating
  • Laundry service
  • Curio shop
  • Free use of outdoor equipment (like snorkels, masks, water shoes, wetsuits, mountain bikes, sand boards, ponchos, gumboots, beach umbrella, towels)
  • Free on-site parking
  • Oceanfront location

IN ROOM FACILITIES

  • King size beds (can be converted to twin)
  • Bathroom en-suite with walk-in rain shower and separate bath
  • Locally produced Rain amenities
  • Underfloor heating
  • Television
  • Fireplace
  • Ceiling fan
  • Comfortable seating area in the room
  • Daybed
  • Floor to ceiling glass doors leading to a private balcony or terrace and seating area outside
  • Large wardrobe
  • Free use of guest pantry with coffee, tea, waters and soft drinks
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi (limited bandwidth)
  • Electronic safe
  • Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • Morning coffee/tea service in the room

 

ACTIVITIES

Morukuru Beach Lodge offers a range of activities that guests can either do individually or as part of two guided activities daily, which are included and on shared basis with fellow guests. Most activities are weather and tide dependant and will be decided by the guide on daily basis. One guided activity in the morning and one guided activity in the afternoon is included.

  • (Guided) marine walks (1-3 hours), allowing you an insight in the amazing marine life in the rock pools in the immediate vicinity of Beach Lodge. Great for kids as well as parents! Low tide only.
  • (Guided) fynbos walks and hikes (1-3 hours), showing the incredible diversity and beauty of the fynbos vegetation De Hoop Nature Reserve.
  • (Guided) Mountain biking (1-3 hours), offering you an overview of the diversity of the area around Morukuru Beach Lodge. Different routes are possible.
  • Guided 4x4 fynbos nature drives, which allow you to explore areas of De Hoop Nature Reserve which are situated a little further from Beach Lodge. These nature drives also offer a good opportunity to see some of the local wildlife in the park.
  • Land based whale watching (July-October) from Beach Lodge and the surrounding sand dunes and beaches.
  • Sundowners on the sand dunes, overlooking the Indian Ocean with possibly a glimpse of a pod of dolphins, or whales (seasonal).
  • Sand boarding on the white sand dunes in the immediate vicinity of Beach Lodge.
  • Various beach games like volleyball, cricket and croquet
  • Snorkelling in the protected rock pools
  • Vulture Tour, which starts from De Opstal and requires a good physical condition as the walk is steep and uphill. Guests 12 year and over. Summer departure 9AM, winter departure 10AM
  • Relaxing boat trip of 2 hours on the De Hoop Vlei, perfect for birdwatching. Weather dependant. Departures at 9AM/11AM and 3PM
  • Helicopter flight, highly recommended during whale season (July to October). Subject to availability and weather dependant
  • Massage treatments at De Hoop Collection

 

Basic Details
Property Type : Lodge
Listing Type : Vacation Rental

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