Africa Wild

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.

On the Sterna Trail you will find long sections of deserted beach without a footprint in sight. Here, closer to the reserve, it is inevitable that there will be some evidence of other hikers and fishermen, perhaps even our footprints from the day before.









This is a well known birding spot and you are bound to find something interesting


Greater Flamingos


White-fronted Plover


Caspian and Common Terns


Curlew Sandpiper

There is a great little swimming spot not too far from the bridge



and for those interested in the smaller things





The birds at the cottage are used to people and the food that comes with them


Cape Weaver


Southern Boubou


The Cape Spurfowl will eat from your hand and they have an inbuilt sense for meal times.

De Mond is an easy drive from Cape Town and the little town of Napier is well placed for a short stop on the way for brunch or lunch. After Bredasdorp you are also like to see


Blue Crane


Denham’s Bustard


A passing Jackal Buzzard

Or even just

It looks like a lovely peaceful place. We wanted to go in and have a look when we stayed at Struisbaai, but it was only for overnight guests

Lots of beautiful birds

The boardwalk does not look too safe

Lovely pics, graham!

Thanks for this, it looks quite pristine!

How far from Cape City you say?

That looks beautiful there, remote and a lovely place. Excellent birds! The spider web covered with dew drops is very cool, Agelenidae spiders weave these funnel webs. Have you seen the spider?

2 1/2 hours from CPT. Km 210.

Lisbeth wrote: ↑Sun May 03, 2020 10:58 am We wanted to go in and have a look when we stayed at Struisbaai, but it was only for overnight guests

That is a shame. I wonder if there wasn't a misunderstanding. Vehicle entry is for overnight guests only. Day visitors park at the entrance which is very close to the picnic area and bridge. This chap obviously had no problem



Klipspringer, there were hundreds of webs along the path. I didn't look for the spiders themselves - will leave that for next time.

Luckily we are only two hours away and this visit was very much an exploratory expedition to see what the place was like. As it turned out, perfect! We can go mid week when it is quiet. Sometimes they have fishing competitions there on weekends which we would rather avoid.

What happens if the wheelchair fellow hooks a giant fish??

Looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing.