Perched on a sand dune overlooking a pristine stretch of coastline, this rustic beach cabin offers a unique getaway. Approximately half way between Struisbaai and Arniston, this glamping-style accommodation borders De Mond Nature Reserve. If you are seeking time out and an escape from the rush of the modern world, this is the place to recharge your batteries – it is food for the soul and a space to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by fynbos, the cabin offers peace and solitude, birding, walks, surf fishing, trail running and off-road bike rides.  A 1km walk through the fynbos down to the beach. And 3km along the beach will bring you to “De Mond”, the mouth and pristine estuary of the Heuningnes River – one of the best kept secrets of the Western Cape.

Cabin includes

• Accommodation for 4-6 persons (two sets of bunk beds and one set of twin beds)
• Crockery and cutlery provided
• Gas fridge
• Gas hob – 2 plate cooker
• Built-in braai area
• Paraffin lamps
• Outdoor (undercover) braai
• Outside flushing toilet
• Outdoor “solar” shower
• 4×4 or a 2×4 vehicle is necessary to access the Cabin (road not suitable for a sedan vehicle)
• Wood is provided for the donkey
• NO ELECTRICITY – The Cabin is off the grid

Floorplan

What to bring

• Bedding (pillows & sleeping bags)
• Towels
• Cooler Boxes & ice
• Brikettes / charcoal / wood
• Umbrella
• Torch
• Binoculars
• Books – birding, fynbos, reading
• Board games, cards, beach bats
• Mountain Bikes
• Fishing Gear
• Hiking / walking shoes

Note: Drinking water and some firewood is provided for donkey / boiler

Linen: By special request only

Permit:  The Cabin borders De Mond Nature Reserve and permits needs to be obtained from Cape Nature to access the beach We obtain the permit on your behalf. Should the booking be cancelled once the permit has been obtained (5 days before date of arrival) – you are liable for costs incurred.

Rates:  from R1900 (Please note rates differ in peak season) and a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a booking

No Smoking: Smoking is NOT is permitted in the Cabin. Guests need to be aware of the potential of fire hazards with cigarettes

No Pets:  We regret no pets allowed

Gas Fridges: Gas fridges take longer to chill; we suggest you bring cold/frozen items and an extra cooler box of ice.

Bird Species

Threatened Birds

Amphibian Species

Invertebrate Species

Reptilian Species

History of De Mond Nature Reserve

Arniston, which lies to the north-east of the mouth of the Heuningnes River, was named after a ship that was wrecked there in May 1815. It is also known as Waenhuiskrans after the enormous cavern eroded in the limestone cliffs approximately 2 km south of the town. It is believed that the name “Heuningnes” originates from the presence of a beehive in a cave on the bank of the estuary.
Soetendalsvlei, the vlei which flows into the Heuningnes River, and the farm Zoetendalsvallei situated around it, were named after the Zoetendal which was wrecked on the adjacent coastline in 1673.
During 1986, De Mond was proclaimed as a Nature Reserve and in early 1991, De Mond became a satellite station to De Hoop Nature Reserve, of Cape Nature Conservation.
Between 1974 and 1975, a suspension bridge was installed across the Heuningnes River, approximately 1.5 km from the mouth.

The Heuningnes Estuary
The Heuningnes Estuary, or De Mond, has two major tributaries. These are the Kars River and Nuwejaars River (the latter flows into Soetendalsvlei, the overflow from which has a confluence with the Kars River). The length of the river from the mouth of the Heuningnes, to the confluence of the Kars River, and overflow channel from Soetendalsvlei is 15 km.
A typical estuary will contain fishes belonging to three categories, namely:
a) marine migrants which breed at sea and typically use estuaries as nursery areas,
b) estuarine species which spawn in estuaries and usually spend most of the lives in estuaries
c) freshwater species which may enter estuaries when salinities are low
All three of these groups have been recorded in the Heuningnes Estuary or De Mond, during fish surveys that have taken place since 1943.

Follow this link to learn more about the breathtaking De Mond Nature Reserve : http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/de-mond-nature-reserve/