Morukuru Family De Hoop

09/06/2026

Another memorable day in De Hoop Nature Reserve. Our annual collaborative beach clean-up in May brought together the Morukuru Family De Hoop team, CapeNature rangers, De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve , Somerset College students and Denel OTB to tackle the stretch between Denel and Bites Beach Cafe . We covered around 8 km of active coastline (and about 18 km on foot).

Our blog reveals more insights like our unforgettable (and sobering) discoveries along the shoreline, including a deceased albatross and a deceased juvenile African penguin – the latter is critically endangered, so reporting it adds real value to conservation data. We also found the remains of a turtle (carapace and plastron) and were lucky enough to be treated to the uplifting sight of a southern right whale passing by offshore.

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up and got stuck in to help protect one of South Africa’s most ecologically significant Marine Protected Areas.

The annual collaborative beach clean-up covered approximately eight kilometres of active coastline between Denel and Bites Beach Café within De Hoop Nature Reserve, uniting a remarkable cross-section of people: the Morukuru Family De Hoop team, CapeNature rangers, De Hoop Collection, students from ...

08/06/2026

There is something the sea air does to you that no supplement ever could. Come and remember what it feels like to just breathe.

05/06/2026

Tiny worlds hiding in plain sight. The rockpools of De Hoop Nature Reserve have crabs, octopuses, starfish, mussels, and enough wonder to keep even the most distracted explorer rooted to the spot.

We are always Inspired by Nature.

03/06/2026

Morukuru Beach Lodge sits oceanfront within the protected shores of De Hoop Nature Reserve. Five suites, accommodating up to 14 guests, and a stillness that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux , Morukuru Family De Hoop belongs to a rare collection of independently spirited properties united by an unwavering devotion to the guest experience.

This is where the sea meets something truly special, whether you're a couple seeking a coastal escape or a small family ready to explore one of Africa's most extraordinary Marine Protected Areas.

02/06/2026

Kai, a loggerhead turtle who arrived at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation 's Turtle Conservation Centre in November 2020 as a 533-gram hatchling with severe lung and buoyancy issues, was released into the De Hoop Marine Protected Area on 14 May 2026 after six years of rehabilitation.

He entered the water at 100 kilograms and, in his first week back in the ocean, travelled 76 kilometres, averaging around 11 kilometres a day.

We’ve put together a blog on his remarkable healing journey and to keep track of Kai’s journey. Morukuru Goodwill Foundation are honoured to support the work of the dedicated Turtle Conservation Centre team.

Kai, a loggerhead turtle, was released in De Hoop Nature Reserve's Marine Protected Area. Kai's release was made possible through the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation's three-year partnership with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's Turtle Conservation Centre.

02/06/2026

Leopard tracks! We know from our camera trap project that there are a few elusive leopards in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Our guide, Hilton, was ecstatic to spot these fresh tracks in the dunes with our guests who then dedicated almost 5kms following them.

The reward? A distant glimpse of the shy Cape leopard (the first time ever since 2014!), as it disappeared into the fynbos.

01/06/2026

Breakfast tastes different when the dunes are in front of you and there's nowhere else you need to be. The only decision you'll need to make is whether to start with the watermelon or the muffins. Everything else can wait.

29/05/2026

There’s something so special about exploring the rock pools along the De Hoop coastline. The pools are worlds of their own, and every visit reveals something new - perhaps a flash of colour from a hidden sea anemone, a scuttling crab, or a starfish nestled in the shallows.

The beauty lies in the surprise; you never quite know what you’ll discover as you peer into these tidal treasures...

27/05/2026

It's not just a gin. It's botanicals foraged from fynbos, and the level of contentment that only happens when you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

Sundowners at Morukuru Family De Hoop. There's really nothing quite like it.

25/05/2026

There's a reason people who've been to Africa spend the rest of their lives trying to get back.

It's not just the wildlife or the silence of the bush at dawn. It's a feeling that settles into you quietly and refuses to leave. Bridget Dore captured it better than most: "You cannot leave Africa… It is always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints; our drumbeats counting out your pulse; our coastline, the silhouette of your soul."

Happy Africa Day, from a family that is endlessly, hopelessly in love with this continent.