Morukuru Beach Lodge, situated along the coastline of the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, opened its doors on July 7.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
The lodge has been built on a private concession at the Koppie Alleen site in the reserve, which is operated by Cape Nature, in conjunction with the neighbouring marine reserve which extends five kilometres out to sea, making it one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa and a World Heritage Site.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
The eco-friendly design was built with the environment as the focus and, due to its remote location, is completely off the grid. Electricity is generated entirely by solar panels and for the odd longer cloudy periods there is a back-up generator, however hot water is produced by pellet burners and the entire lodge was fitted with based under-floor heating.
Morukuru Beach Lodge consists of four en-suite luxury Ocean View Suites and one Dune View Site with views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding sand dunes. Both the Ocean View and Dune View Suites can accommodate two guests and one child.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
Rooms can be booked individually, ideal for couples travelling or smaller families, as the lodge welcomes children of all ages, with a babysitting service on offer.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
Facilities feature complimentary WiFi, a dining room, fireplace, heated pool, bar, electronic safe, hot tub, king-size bedrooms, a library, outdoor bath, patio, room service and a lounge.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
Guests staying at Morukuru Beach Lodge can enjoy days by the pool, sundowners on the first floor roof-top terrace and in the sheltered courtyard.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
The restaurant serves breakfast from 07h30 to 09h00 in summer and 08h00 to 09h30 in winter, lunch from 13h00 to 15h00, and dinner from 19h00 to 21h00.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
Guests can also request a picnic basket with a blanket and enjoy a secluded lunch on the beach, in the dunes or amongst the fynbos.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
Activities include the use of outdoor equipment, such as snorkels, masks, water shoes, wetsuits, mountain bikes, sand boards, ponchos, gumboots, beach umbrella, towels, and two guided activities daily (shared with other guests), however, depending on the tide and weather, the guide will decide which activities to offer.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
All meals and two guided activities daily, as well as soft drinks are included in the rate.
Credit: Morukuru Family.
The lodge is part of the Morukuru Family De Hoop collection, well-known for its various lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve, Athol Place in Johannesburg and Morukuru Ocean House, which is a kilometre from Morukuru Beach Lodge.