De Mond is a haven for sea birds, including the African black oystercatcher, the damara and Caspian tern and the blue crane. Click here for a comprehensive list of the birds found at the reserve.

De Mond and Waenhuiskrans are popular fishing spots for both shoreline and estuarine anglers. Anglers must be in possession of a valid recreational fishing permit, obtainable at any South African Post Office. Please note that no bait collection or use of a cast net is allowed in the estuary.

No angling is allowed from 17h00 to 07h30 the following day.

De Mond has two hiking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the reserve’s untouched natural beauty.

Hiking trails

De Mond offers two hiking routes, one of two hours and the other of four hours in duration.

Easy to use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no weapons/no canoeing in the lagoon or estuary/no fires/no flower picking/no fishing without a valid permit/no horse riding.

Permits

Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
• Do not hike alone.
• Carry enough food and water with you.
• Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
• Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
• Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
• Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
• Obey all signage.
• Stay in a group and on the trails.

Sterna Trail

Trail distance: 7km

Estimate time: 2 hours

This circular trail, named after the damara tern (sterna balaenarum), begins near the reserve office. Adventurous hikers will enjoy crossing the swaying wood-and-cable suspension bridge to the south of the Heuningnes River.

The trail turns upstream for 1km before leading back into the reserve. Along the route you’ll see dune milkwood thickets, limestone fynbos and dune fynbos until you get to the beach. From there, hikers make their way back to the estuary mouth. Staying on the south bank of the river, the trail leads back to the bridge.

Damara Trail (De Mond to Waenhuiskrans (Arniston)) 

The coastal Damara Trail is a 16,5km 2-day overnight slow hiking trail from De Mond to Waenhuiskrans/Arniston. This linear trail takes you along a beautiful coastal route past the Waenhuiskrans cave, and historical fish traps and middens once used by the Khoi and San people. Hikers will also see the remains of an old shipping beacon – a concrete structure on the beach, which carried a copper ball that reflected sunlight and warned skippers on the reef. Secure parking on arrival is available at the De Mond Nature Reserve Welcome Centre.

Enhance your hiking experience with our “Trailblazer’s Treasure Chest”, provided for your overnight stay. This 150L box includes 8 steak knives, 8 butter knives, 8 forks, 8 teaspoons, 8 dessert spoons, 8 stainless steel cups,
and 8 stainless steel plates. Additionally, it contains 1 braai tong, 1 wine bottle opener, 1 foldable tripod, 1 spatula, 1 pot stand, 8 stainless steel wine glasses, 1 peeler, 2 wooden spoons, 8 glasses, 1 flat potjiekos pot with bag, 1 fire kettle, 1 oval casserole, 2 black refuse bags,1 holder with dish washing liquid and 1 braai grid.

Additional amenities at the overnight camping deck include:
• Eco logs for braaiing
• A waterless toilet
• A JoJo tank for water storage

Enjoy a memorable coastal adventure on the Damara Trail, blending natural
beauty with rich history.