Morukuru Ocean House
Deep within the 36,000 hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Overberg Coast, Morukuru Ocean House sits in complete privacy. The reserve is comprised largely of coastal fynbos, and its major features are a low ridge along its northern edge and large sand dunes parallel to the ocean. Cleverly hidden from view in the dunes, Ocean House has a spectacular setting just above the beach in one of the best whale watching locations on earth. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Morukuru Ocean House is taken on an exclusive basis and has four main en-suite rooms and a further room with bunk beds which is ideal for children. Maximum capacity is eight adults and four children in the bunk room although an extra child’s bed can be added in a maximum of two rooms if required. The main bedrooms all have expansive views to the ocean below, huge bathrooms, and plenty of space. Each has an individual colour scheme, all designed to bring life and warmth to the rooms and the views. The house has a beautiful central dining room, plenty of space to relax in comfortable armchairs and sofas, and a top floor bar and lounge that have the best views of all. At the back of the house, behind the main dining room, is an outside dining area with a fireplace, heated pool and wooden deck. From this area you can see straight through the house to the ocean beyond. Ocean House also has an interactive kitchen and a wine cellar. As part of the owner’s efforts to make the house as sustainable and low impact as possible Morukuru Ocean House is run entirely on solar energy, and part of the building has been planted with fynbos species to create a living roof.
Eating & Sleeping
As this is an exclusive use property, guests can dictate when they would like to eat and children can have separate meal times. Guests can complete a wish-list before arrival, indicating any food / drinks preferences or dislikes and specific dietary requirements allowing the kitchen to make the necessary purchases and plan the menu. A complimentary babysitting service is provided by a staff member – usually it is one of the housekeeping ladies.
Wildlife & Activities
The ocean along the 51 kilometres of De Hoop’s shore is a protected marine reserve for five kilometres out to sea, and as a result Ocean House is a superb place for land based whale watching. The shallow, protected waters below the house act as a huge whale nursery where Southern right whales come to give birth. On land De Hoop is one of the best places to see the endangered bontebok, and guests have the use of a private vehicle and guide during their stay, ideal for nature drives exploring the huge reserve. Guided bush walks, mountain biking, sand boarding, and bush meals are also on offer, and the rock pooling at low tide is excellent as well. The brave and hardy can also swim in the sea if they really must.
Specifically for children ….
All activities are tailor made, thanks to the exclusive-use concept of Morukuru Ocean House. Among those on offer are:
• Mountain bikes of various sizes.
• Rock pooling on the beach (protective shoes and wetsuits are available).
• Exploring the sand dunes – sand boards are available.
• Children’s toys and books.
