As the name suggests, the reserve lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River between Arniston and Struisbaai. The vegetation is mainly coastal, ranging from dune milkwood forests to teeming salt marshes which sustain the estuarine environment.
Main attractions
- Coastal scenery and birdlife
- 7km Sterna Trail
On foot there’s no end to the sights, sounds and smells to take in as you begin exploring. The seven-kilometre Sterna Trail takes you through limestone fynbos towards the beach. In spring the trail comes alive with wildflowers.
– Kate Collins, Wild 22
Activities:
- Walking
- Swimming and beachcombing
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Game viewing (best on foot)
- Whale watching in season
- Freshwater and marine fishing
Top sightings: The endangered African black oystercatcher, the rare blue crane, Damara tern, Caspian tern, Waenhuiskrans cave, grey duiker, grysbok, steenbok, caracal
Accommodation: Self-catering cottage.
Gate times: 07:30 – 16:00
Nearest centre: Bredasdorp is 26km away (about 20 minutes).
Know before you go
- Canoeing in the reserve is strictly prohibited.
- Fuel is available in the nearby towns of Bredasdorp and Arniston.
- A freshwater fishing licence can be purchased from CapeNature whereas a licence to fish in the estuary is obtainable from Marine and Coastal Management (+27 (0)21 402 3911).
Contact reserve: +27 (0)28 452 1242/2170
CapeNature Central Reservations: +27 (0)21 483 0190, [email protected]
Visit De Mond Nature Reserve’s home page.
