Morukuru Beach Lodge

Halfway between Cape Town and Knysna lies the Overberg region, home to the pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve. The innovative off-the-grid eco-design luxury five-bedroomed villa is perfectly situated situated at “Koppie Alleen” within the heart of this 36 000-ha Reserve. Allowing exclusive encounters of Southern Africa’s wilderness while maintaining five-star luxury and a fine ecological balance with the lightest footprint possible.Fifty-one kilometres of white dune fields and sandy beaches are lapped by the Indian Ocean. Home to Africa’s Southern Right whale nursery and offering rare sightings from mid July-November during calving season. A 19 km wetland stretches across the reserve, on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance, established by UNESCO.

The accomplished team,  delight in tailoring your seaside wilderness adventure to your liking while on vacation. A Chef that prepares delicious gastronomy and a dedicated hospitality team to attend to your needs. Experience guided marine walks, mountain-biking as well as sandboarding, alternatively relax at the pool, along with endless, uninterrupted views while on holiday.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is 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. Rare or endangered 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 dassies and the occasional rooikat (caracal) and 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, 50 reptile species and towering limestone cliffs.

The five bedroomed luxury villa rental has a rooftop terrace with a bar and sunken lounge area, a temperature controlled pool and hot tub, as well as a sheltered courtyard terrace and outdoor sunken lounge with fire pit.

Accommodation:

All 5 suites are equally spacious (90 m² each), fitted with King size beds (can be converted to twin) with en-suite bathrooms featuring a walk-in rain shower and separate bath with locally produced Rain amenities, as well as a separate toilet as well as double vanity units, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer. All suites have an oversized (2 x 1,1 m) bay window/daybed, underfloor heating, a television, fireplace and ceiling fan, electronic safe. Morning coffee/tea service in the room and a guest pantry with coffee, tea, waters and soft drinks.

Four suites, each comfortably accommodating up to two adults. A private balcony with outdoor seating to soak up the exquisite panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, fynbos vegetation and the white dunes. Two of these can accommodate up to two children under sixteen years old, sharing.

The fifth suite is ideal for 2 guests, it has a large private deck, with an outdoor bathtub and sun loungers with partial views of the Indian Ocean below as well as generous views of the rich fynbos and dunes. 

• ACCESS BY ROAD The De Hoop Reserve is situated just over three 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 6pm. Gate closes at 7pm 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. 

• CHILD POLICY: Children of all ages are welcome at Morukuru Beach Lodge. The 2 Ocean View Family Suites can each accommodate 2 adults and 2 children under 16 sharing. Children can join on activities as well. On request a “Kids Dinner” can be arranged at 18:00 hrs. There is a babysitting service available at an additional cost (subject to availability).

• ACCESS BY ROAD The De Hoop Reserve is situated just over three 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 6pm. Gate closes at 7pm 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.

• CHILD POLICY: Children of all ages are welcome at Morukuru Beach Lodge. The 2 Ocean View Family Suites can each accommodate 2 adults and 2 children under 16 sharing. Children can join on activities as well. On request a “Kids Dinner” can be arranged at 18:00 hrs. There is a babysitting service available at an additional cost (subject to availability).

An off-the-grid eco-design luxury five-bedroom villa in the Overberg region, home to the pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Cape Town International Airport->233 km

Price on Request

INCLUDED:

During your stay you can choose to enjoy any of the following complimentary activities, completely tailored to your requirements:

• Guided marine walks (1-3 hours), allowing you an insight into 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.
• Mountain biking (1-3 hours), offering you an overview of the diversity of the area around Morukuru Beach Lodge. Different routes are possible.
• Guided 4×4 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).
• Guided 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 (snorkels, masks, water shoes and wetsuits available)
• Mountain bikes, sand boards, ponchos, gumboots, beach umbrellas and beach towels available
• Laundry service
• All meals, drinks and snacks are included, with the exception of our selection of Premium Wines, which are optional and have to be paid locally.
• A picnic basket / backpack with a blanket is available for you to enjoy a private picnic lunch on the beach, in the dunes or in the fynbos.

NOT INCLUDED

Besides the included activities mentioned above, you can also select some other exciting optional activities at Morukuru Beach Lodge, however these are not included in the rate and need to be arranged prior to arrival.

• 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
• Helicopter flight, highly recommended during whale season (July to October). Subject to availability and weather dependant
• Tennis (at De Opstal, approximately 30 minutes from Morukuru Ocean House)