Few people know about this magical place.
“De Mond is a beautiful coastal nature reserve at the mouth of the Heuningnes River. It lies about 26km south-east of Bredasdorp on the south-western Cape coast, between Arniston and Struisbaai and is a World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic under shady trees along the banks of the river, or explore the reserve on one of the beautiful hiking trails. The 7km Sterna Trail, for example, winds through riverine vegetation, dune forest and stabilised dunes before following the coast to the river mouth and saltmarshes. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy De Mond’s prime freshwater and marine angling spots. “
https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/d ... e-reserve/
There is one three bedroom cottage (sleeps six) for overnight visitors. Once the day visitors have departed you have the whole reserve to yourself. If you are not staying overnight, parking is at the gate outside the reserve. There is no shop so you need to make sure you have brought everything with you including drinking water.
The lookout deck is an ideal spot for sundowners. To the right you can see the ocean and the saltmarshes. The river mouth was closed when this photograph was taken. There are two boardwalks going off to the right on either side of the river. You can see part of the picnic area and there are more tables further to the left under some milkwood trees.
The cottage is situated well back to the left of the photograph which makes it quite private but it does not have a river or lagoon view.
The Sterna Trail starts at the bridge, follows the river upstream for a short while, then loops around and returns via the beach and boardwalk. It is an easy walk. Take a black bag if you plan to pick up some of the plastic on the otherwise pristine beach. I didn’t have my camera with me when we did the walk but went out early the next morning along the boardwalk to the beach and saltmarshes to take some pictures.
