Morukuru Beach Lodge

Morukuru Beach Lodge has an elevated location overlooking the Indian Ocean, inside the De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape region. De Hoop is a superb reserve which comprises of ocean and land, and has a lovely mix of landscapes and habitats, including coastal fynbos and beautiful dune fields. About three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it’s a great place to include in a self-driving itinerary.

Accommodation & facilities
There are five luxurious suites at Morukuru Beach Lodge, all with ensuite bathrooms. Four rooms have ocean views while the fifth has an outlook across the beautiful sand dunes. The lodge and the rooms have all been designed to allow the best possible views, with huge windows facing the ocean and the dunes. The style is contemporary with coastal colour schemes to give a relaxing feel. As well as expansive open plan living spaces, the lodge has a roof terrace with spectacular views of the reserve and the ocean. There is a bar, dining room, and lounge inside, and a large outside seating space with a fireplace, and a sheltered pool. The lodge has solar powered electrics and underfloor heating and hot water heated by burning wood pellets.

Activities & wildlife
There is a variety of activities on offer in De Hoop, especially land-based whale watching, which is some of the very best anywhere in Africa. The beaches are beautiful and have numerous fascinating rock pools to explore. Snorkelling in the marine reserve is good, and the lodge has mountain bikes, sand boards and snorkelling kit to lend to guests.  There are some lovely walks here, and good populations of wildlife on the reserve including bontebok, eland, ostrich, Cape mountain zebra, and caracal. The birdwatching is excellent too, and marine life including whales, dolphins, seals and sharks can readily be seen.