De Mond Nature Reserve, Whale Coast
De Mond Estuary
The beautiful unspoiled De Mond Nature Reserve lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River between Arniston and Struisbaai.
De Mond is a popular fishing spot and both freshwater and marine angling is permitted. Angling licenses are available from the gate office at De Mond. Anglers may not remove or disturb bait anywhere along the Heuningnes River, the estuary, or within the boundaries of the De Mond Nature Reserve.
De Mond supports several species of small mammals such as grysbok, steenbok and grey duiker. Reptiles and amphibians are well represented, and visitors should be on the alert for puff adders, particularly in spring!
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.
Hiking Trails
The 7km Sterna Trail traverses riverine vegetation, dune forest and stabilised dunes before following the coast to the river mouth and saltmarshes. Mountain biking is also permitted on this trail.
De Mond to Arniston Trail: This trail is for the moderately fit and takes 4 hours: It is an unidirectional trek along the coast, past Waenhuiskrans cave, and nearby fish traps and middens once used by the Khoisan. Reservations: Tel: (021) 483 0190
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. Open fires are not permitted, though gas braais and Webbers are. No canoeing is permitted
Overnight accommodation is provided in a comfortable cottage. This self-catering cottage is situated between milkwoods and coastal fynbos near the entrance to the reserve, and provides views of the Heuningnes estuary and sea. Reservations: 0861CAPENATURE(227 362 8873) OR Tel: (021) 659 3500 or enquiries at (028) 425 1242 OR Email; Website. 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 R319 towards Struisbaai.
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