Ocean House

Location

Located in one of Africa’s most beautiful coastal reserves: the 36 000-ha De Hoop Nature Reserve. Often cited as one of the most beautiful coastal reserves in South Africa, De Hoop offers 51km of pristine white beaches and dunes lapped by a warm Indian Ocean, limestone cliffs, rock pools, wetlands, coastal fynbos and home to more than 260 species of birds. Ocean House also offers a bird’s eye view of the continent’s greatest whale nursery, as Southern Right whales migrate to the shallow coastal basins off the Overberg Coast for the calving and nursing season from mid-July to November. In short, Ocean House offers access to some of the continent’s most undiscovered gems, able to satisfy visitors craving exclusivity, yet providing some of the most productive wildlife interactions in Southern Africa.

Wildlife

De Hoop is reckoned to be the ultimate place in South Africa to see southern right whales. July to September is best  for whale-watching, but you stand a very good chance of a sighting from June to November. 

Rare or endangered animal species in the reserve include the Marine Big 5 as well as the Bontebok and Cape Mountain Zebra. Other animals you may see are Eland, the Cape clawless otter, baboons, rock dassies and the  occasional rooikat (caracal) and Cape leopard.

The reserve is particularly known for its bird population, many of which - such as the endangered Cape  oystercatcher - breed within the reserve. The flora and fauna are impressive too – the fynbos floral kingdom  dominates with 1500 species of plants in the reserve alone – also 86 species of mammal, 260 or more different birds, 14 amphibian and 50 reptile species. 

Climate

A typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the region; summers are warm and winters mild. The annual rainfall is  about 380 mm and August is usually the wettest month. Sea mists also occur. The most frequent summer winds are  east, west and southeast, while westerly and south-westerly winds prevail in winter.

Malaria Free Zone

De Hoop Nature Reserve is malaria free. No malaria medication is necessary for your stay at Morukuru Ocean House but we do advise the use of insect repellant during your stay.

Eco-Friendly

Sustainable energy is the sustainable provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Technologies that promote sustainable energy include renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal energy, artificial photosynthesis, and tidal power, and also technologies designed to improve energy efficiency.

Ocean House has been built under the highest care and supports the environment. 

By Air

We offer guest the possibility of getting to and from De Hoop Nature Reserve by private charter flight.

The duration of the flight from Cape Town International Airport to De Hoop Nature Reserve is around 60 minutes. On arrival at the De hoop airstrip, your Ocean House team will be waiting to take you through to your private villa.  

Helicopter transfers can also be arranged should this be a requirement, Ocean House has the use of it's own helicopter platform close to Ocean House itself.

By Road

The De Hoop Reserve is situated just over three hours drive from Cape Town on the world renowned Garden and Whale Routes – an ideal stop en route from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay. It is in the Overberg region near the southern tip of Africa and can be approached from either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The Overberg area is characterized by quaint towns, a blossoming wine industry and delicious local dishes. The 36 000 hectares of De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and over 70 kilometres of pristine coastline. A 19 km vlei (wetland) stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.

N.B. The Reserve gates open at 7am and close at 6pm. Gate closes at 7pm on Fridays. Late or early arrivals need to be prebooked and arranged with management. 2WD with higher ground clearance is recommended for the roads inside De Hoop Nature Reserve.