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VVisiting the Cape’s nature reserves in winter can be blissful. So if you’re coming to South Africa between May and August, try one of these two for your next winter escape.
1.De Mond Nature Reserve
The drive: Cape Town to De Mond Nature Reserve
Distance: 210km via the N2, travelling time 2h40 (allow 3 hours or more, if you plan to stop along the way).
A drive from Cape Town to the South Coast is ideal during the months of May to November due to the whale-spotting season. Southern right whales migrate into the Western Cape’s coastal waters to nurse their young annually during this time. Humpback whales and many dolphin species also frequent these waters.
We all have different expectations when it comes to road trips. I wanted to experience the sounds and views of nature and be with outstanding travel companions. Fortunately for me, I had both. On this trip I had a chance to taste my first peregrine pie from the Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw. I’ve always been an advocate for Eastern Cape Shamrock Pies, but they have a huge competitor now, according to my taste buds. Shortly after we had all had something to nibble on, we proceeded to De Mond Nature Reserve.
De Mond is located between two coastal villages, on the south-westerly part of the South Coast, near Arniston and Struisbaai and was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1986. This coastal reserve is situated a few kilometres from the mouth of the Heuningnes River. It is here that you find vegetation ranging from succulents and grasses clinging to sand dunes, to milkwood forests and saltmarshes. Mammals that can be found here include gysbok, steenbok and grey duikers and many avid birdwatchers are drawn to the area to spot the rare African black oystercatcher and the graceful-looking blue cranes.
Did You Know?
TTwo thirds of the fynbos found in the Cape, can only be found there, and nowhere else in the world.
II spent two nights, at the rustic De Mond cottage, along the Whale Coast. The cottage comes fully equipped with three bedrooms (bedding included) and a shower (bring your own towels). There is also a fireplace, electricity and water, but be sure to bring enough drinking water with you. We spent the rest of the afternoon at a special viewpoint, where the sea was a startling cool, deep blue and I watched the sun go down.
2 Cape Nature reserves you have to visit
TThe walk: From De Mond Nature Reserve to Waenhuiskrans in Arniston.
Distance: 7km, 1h30
Waking up to a sky that resembled a palette of different shades of pink was a highlight for me. I eagerly whipped out my cameras to get those Instagram worthy images. From the cottage you could breathe in the fresh, salty tang of sea air. An appointment with the manager of De Mond Nature Reserve, Adrian Fortuin and his wife Wynonna to do the Sterna Trail was the order of the day. The Sterna is a seven kilometres trail that led me through the dune forest before following the beach to the river mouth. Fishing enthusiasts had already cast their rods, hoping for morning catches.
By midday, re-energised by the release of endorphins after our walk, I was ready to explore more of the area. The small village of Arniston is a short distance from De Mond Nature Reserve and Adrian had highly advised that I make a stop there.
Arniston is surrounded by two nature reserves, De Mond and De Hoop and both reserves form part of the Cape Nature family. This peaceful fishing village is also known as Waenhuiskrans (meaning wagon-house cliff) by the locals. The name is derived from a cliff containing a huge cave that was speculated to have enough space for a wagon and a span of oxen. The caves at Waenhuiskrans are best seen and safer to visit when the tide is low. I would not encourage a visit to the cave if you are claustrophobic as you may find it rather dark and a bit nerve-racking.
2. Kogelberg Nature Reserve
The drive: De Mond Nature Reserve to Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Distance: 154km, 2h20 (allow for 3 hours if you intend on taking pit stops)
Leaving De Mond the next morning, I headed south to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated off the coastal road (R44) near to Kleinmond, where sections of the Cape Fold Mountains cascade into the sea. The 18 000ha nature reserve was proclaimed as a Cape nature reserve in 1987.
The Kogelberg area has great floral wealth, and is affectionately known as Cape Floral Kingdom. There are approximately 1 800 plant species including the marsh rose and although the area doesn’t have many large animals, there are antelope such as klipspringers and grysbok, and dassies and baboons are a common sight.
Part of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is the Oudebosch eco-friendly cabins. These cabins were introduced to ensure environmental conservation and feature vegetation on the roof that act as insulation to keep the rooms cool in summer, while indoor fireplaces heat the cabins in winter.
There are five self-catering eco-cabins, which sleeps four people each and consists of two bedrooms (one has an en-suite bathroom), an additional bathroom and a kitchen, lounge and dining area.
There is no camping or picnic facilities available at Oudebosch but day visitors are welcome to book one of the hiking trails. Day visitors require a permit to hike within the reserve, which should be carried with you when hiking. Permits are available from Cape Nature or can be purchased at reception, on arrival. We hiked the Oudebosch to Harold Porter trail, which provided splendid views of Betty’s Bay tucked between the mountains.
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