Luxury beach accommodation in the Overberg
Only three hours’ drive from Cape Town, in De Hoop Nature Reserve, east of Africa’s southernmost tip in the Overberg, Morukuru Beach Lodge offers an unrivalled off-grid luxury coastal escape
De Hoop Nature Reserve extends over 34,000 hectares with a marine protection zone that stretches 55 kilometres and reaches 5 kilometres into the ocean. Morukuru takes its name from the Tamboti Trees growing in abundance on the river banks in the forested Madikwe Game Reserve, the Morukuru Family Bush Lodge.
You know you are going somewhere quite special as you traverse the 54km dirt road to the reserve gate. There is a further 15km through stunning natural fynbos and dramatic glistening white sand dunes rising to your right.
Perched on a bluff surrounded by coastal fynbos, Morukuru’s setting is unreal. It was voted in the Condé Nast Traveler awards as South Africa’s Best Hotel 2020, quite a reputation to uphold. The lodge sits in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site and renowned for being one of the best land based whale watching spots in the world.
Given Morukuru’s ecologically sensitive location, does it use locally sourced, organic materials in the space? Absolutely! Beach Lodge is a true celebration of nature and sustainability and Nick Plewman’s contemporary eco lodge blends seamlessly into its dramatic, remote surroundings. Built in roughly hewn local stone with acres of glass, it faces the staggeringly gorgeous Indian Ocean that welcomes us with its intense panorama of turquoise hues. Dramatic blinding white dunes rise to the right. We can’t wait to explore.
So, given the accolades, what nature can you expect to experience at Morukuru? Morukuru is a luxury coastal escape that places you at the heart of one of South Africa’s most ecologically diverse and pristine wilderness areas. The landscape stretches between sea, sand and glistening dunes, all surrounded by an extraordinary display of rare lowland fynbos vegetation, the largest conserved area for this type of vegetation in the Western Cape.
Meandering through the bushveld and along deserted coastal tracks you’re likely to spot roaming bontebok, eland, Cape mountain zebra, ostrich, baboons, and various antelopes.
But it’s the ocean that truly takes centre stage. De Hoop Nature Reserve lies within a protected marine zone that extends five kilometres out to sea and spans 55 kilometres of untouched coastline and Morukuru Beach Lodge offers a front row seat to one of the world’s best land based whale watching destinations.
So, when is the best time to visit for whale watching? From July to October, the Indian Ocean teems with activity as southern right whales make their migratory journey from Antarctica to these calm shores to mate and calve. Their presence is unforgettable—whether breaching, spouting or gently floating alongside their young in the turquoise shallows right in front of the lodge. Adding to the wonder, Bryde’s whales, the elusive humpback whale, and playful pods of dolphins are also regular visitors to this thriving Marine Protected Area.
Watching these gentle giants from your private balcony or while sipping coffee in the dining area is one of the most soul stirring experiences you can have along the South African coast. It’s a rare opportunity to witness nature’s rhythm in one of the most beautiful and undisturbed environments on earth.
Unwind and experience a digital detox
The lodge is entirely off grid. There is some WiFi, but why not lock your phone in your safe! Morukuru’s design creates a mood of calm and tranquillity set within beautiful natural surroundings. It’s all about looking outside. The ocean facing suites, dining room, and upstairs bar all have front row views of the incredibly changing sky and waters of the Indian Ocean. The range of blues is breath taking. In winter, the whales’ spouting, breaching, and tail flapping action provide non stop action through the winters when the southern right whales arrive from Antarctica to calve.
The minimalist scandi’esque interiors have a contemporary cool vibe, light floods in, washing the natural timber and pale unpolished granite. Jewel toned natural textiles add a pop of colour and freshness in splashes of turquoise, green and yellow, juxtaposed with Nguni rugs and leather and colourful accents. The suites invite you to linger. Floor to ceiling glazed doors open to a balcony and allow natural air conditioning.
The honeymoon suite is at the back of the building with fynbos views and a private deck, with a roughly hewn double ended stone tub. All suites have a wood burning stove and a deliciously inviting day bed built into a large framed box window. Bathrooms have ultra luxurious showers and oval shaped tubs with ocean views. Cleverly the sliding doors conceal cupboards while providing privacy should you require it. With the option of sand boarding, private picnics, bird watching, mountain biking, hiking, nature drives, and guided fynbos and coastal walks, plus stargazing, spa treatments, and whale watching through the winter months, you are unlikely to get bored! There is, of course, the option to opt out and just chill.
What we love!
- The lodge is set within the UNESCO listed De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the world’s most pristine nature reserves, offering stunning views of the ocean and pristine white dunes.
- Being completely off-grid provides a unique opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity.
- The eco-friendly design blends beautifully with the surrounding coastal fynbos, combining luxury with environmental sensitivity.
- Witnessing the miracle of whale migration and southern right whales breaching just offshore during winter is an unforgettable experience. Winter is the calving season and mothers and their babies often float close to the shore.
- There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including guided coastal walks, birdwatching, mountain biking, and sandboarding on the dunes.
What you need to know…
- The lodge is fully off-grid with limited WiFi, encouraging guests to unplug and enjoy a true digital detox.
- A high clearance or 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to the 54 kilometre gravel road leading to the lodge, especially after rain.
- Winter evenings can be cold, so warm clothing is essential for enjoying the outdoors and stargazing.
- The lodge is ideal for families, couples, and safari lovers seeking a remote, eco luxe coastal retreat.
- If Morukuru Beach Lodge is unavailable to book for your dates, browse our other Perfect Hideaways in De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Edited by Dawn Kennedy
In the press
- Morukuru Beach Lodge has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, praised for its eco-luxury, whale-watching views, and wild coastal setting in De Hoop Nature Reserve.