Morukuru Beach Lodge
Perched on the ocean’s edge in a green fynbos landscape, this boutique hotel has just five suites that offer some of the best whale watching in the world.
De Hoop Collection
The De Hoop Collection comprises a number of suites and self-catering cottages set within the De Hoop Reserve, close to the restaurant, deli and shop. From here, it's easy to drive, walk or cycle to explore the reserve's beautiful scenic points, varied wildlife and endemic fynbos vegetation. You can observe wading birds on the lakeshore and peer through binoculars to see the colony of endangered Cape vultures in the misty Potberg Mountains. Encounter bontebok, eland, baboons and ostriches while out on foot, or snorkel in turquoise rock pools that teem with life.
Cottages have either two or three bedrooms: a double master bedroom (which can be converted to a twin room), a twin, and a room with bunk beds (suitable for children only), as well as a family bathroom, kitchen, and dining area. They're fully equipped for self catering, with a kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer, stove/oven, barbecue ('braai'), basic crockery and cutlery, basic kitchen utensils, (dish-washing liquid and sponge provided) and braai equipment You can also opt to eat at the nearby restaurant, if you prefer.
If you're staying in a one-bedroom suite, breakfast and dinner are included.
Speak to someone
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our South Africa specialists
- 01993 838 550
- Make an enquiry
Rooms
The collection includes a variety of styles when it comes to places to stay. All offer plenty of space and privacy, excellent facilities and a beautiful setting a short drive from the coast. The self-catering chalets and suites offer great value, while some suites include all meals in your stay. All are furnished to a high standard with polished wooden floors and beds elegantly draped with mosquito nets, and come with en suite bathrooms.
The more luxurious cottages have well-equipped kitchens and lots of space for families or groups of friends. Many have the traditional style of local fishermen's houses with their whitewashed exteriors, and you can enjoy lots of private outdoor space. Even larger options are available with the Melkkamer Houses, attractive stone cottages with three or four bedrooms and full kitchens.
Location
The collection of cottages and suites is situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a three-hour drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route. It’s in the Overberg region near the southern tip of Africa and can be approached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The natural beauty of your surroundings are what makes a stay here special, along with the chance to get close to wildlife and rare plantlife.
Food and drink
- All chalets, suites, cottages and houses come with stoves, ovens and barbecue/braai facilities. Make sure to purchase food before arriving at the reserve.
- The reserve's on-site restaurant, The Fig Tree, has a varied menu (booking is advised).
- Laid-back bars serve a variety of beverages.
Families
- All suites, cottages and free-standing houses offer plenty of space for families, and children are welcome.
- Cots are available on request.
Facilities and activities
- Excellent land-based whale watching opportunities.
- Hiking trails.
- Mountain biking trails.
- Snorkeling.
- Guided birdwatching.
- Rock pools where you can go swimming and snorkeling.
- Tennis courts.
- Quad-biking.
Our opinion
We think the range and variety of options here is excellent, from great-value suites and chalets to luxurious cottages. But, it's your location within a renowned nature reserve that sets this stay apart, with wildlife almost literally on your doorstep, whales visible from the shore and lots of trails to explore.
De Hoop Nature Reserve tour ideas
Nearby places
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.