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Kindly Note: Access to the reserve is strictly between 07h00 and 16h00 daily.

De Mond Nature Reserve is situated 26 km south-east of Bredasdorp on the south-western Cape coast. The reserve lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River, between the coastal villages of Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) and Struisbaai. De Mond is 954 ha in size, and comprises former sections of the farms Zoetendals Vallei and Bushy Park. It was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1986.

Plants

Prior to De Mond's status as a nature reserve, the naturally shifting sand dunes were stabilised with indigenous vegetation by the Department of Forestry, adding to the already varied flora of the area. The vegetation is mainly coastal, ranging from dune milkwood forests to teeming saltmarshes which sustain the estuarine environment. More inland, dune fynbos borders limestone fynbos heathlands, making for a fascinating composition of vegetation.

Animals

De Mond supports several species of small mammals such as grysbok, steenbok and grey duiker. The only notable predator is the caracal, which is seldom seen. Reptiles and amphibians are well represented, and visitors should be on the alert for puff adders, particularly in spring!

Birdlife

De Mond has a rich and varied birdlife, making it ideal for birdwatching. The reserve is particularly important for the protection of breeding colonies of the threatened Damara and Caspian terns. The rare African black oystercatcher also favours the reserve because human disturbance is minimal. Blue cranes, also rare and endangered, occasionally breed in this area.

Recreation

Overnight accommodation is provided in a comfortable cottage. Visitors are welcome to spend a day on the reserve. Day visitors will find a picnic under the trees alongside the river a pleasant experience, especially if enjoyed after an exploration of the reserve itself and the river, or even a spot of fishing. Picnic sites are available. Due to the ever-present fire hazard, open fires are not permitted, though gas braais and Webbers are.

The 7km Sterna Trail traverses riverine vegetation, dune forest and stabilised dunes before following the coast to the river mouth and saltmarshes. Angling (freshwater and marine) is permitted. A freshwater angling licence can be obtained from CapeNature, while a licence to fish in the estuary is issued by Marine and Coastal Management (021-402-3911). It is not permissible to remove or disturb bait along the entire Heuningnes River.

Vehicles are allowed only as far as the parking area. Visitors are requested not to disturb nesting birds, and to keep to specified paths to avoid trampling vegetation.

Reservations

To make a booking please contact our reservations office

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