De Mond Nature Reserve
Western Cape
As it name suggests, De Mond is a nature reserve located at the mouth of the Heuningnes River, between the two small towns of Arniston and Struisbaai.
The reserve's vegetation is typical of coastal estuarine environments, comprising dominantly of dune milkwood forest and fynbos. This forms a habitat for many small antelope such as the grysbok, duiker and steenbok. The caracal also makes a feature here, but is rarely seen. The bird life in particular is prolific; the reserve is a breeding ground for many endangered bird species including the damara and caspian terns, blue crane and African black oyster catcher. Undoubtedly, this is a great location for bird watchers.
For recreational activites, visitors are welcome to enter the reserve between 7:00 and 16:00. The are picnic sites located along the river banks; open fires are prohibited, but visitors may use gas braai facilities and Weber grills. Fishing (freshwater and marine) is also allowed, but appropriate licenses must be obtained. For hikers, there is the 7km Sterna Trail to tackle.
Photo by Hendrik van den Berg, via Creative Commons.
