April 23 Ballito Umhlanga

Why go solo?
Travel with friends ... to the De Mond Villa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve
One of the joys of travel is to do so with a group of family or friends.
So we’re always on the lookout for exclusive-use villas and lodges. Our
latest find is the newly restored and refurbished De Mond Villa in the
extraordinarily beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve.
This pristine nature reserve, a Ramsar listed vlei, is all wide open spaces,
endless stretches of deserted beaches, coastal fynbos, teaming with
animal and bird life and offers the best whale watching imaginable.
The reserve is home to the De Hoop Collection, which has a wide range
of accommodation, including various self-catering options as well as
the De Mond Villa. With five en-suite bedrooms, awesome interior décor,
incredible views, a boma and swimming pool, it’s a really brilliant option
for those looking to really get away from it all. It’s fully catered, so all you
need do is sit, G&T in hand, and look out over the glorious Ramsar vlei,
where besides the spectacular bird life, you could spot wild bush pigs,
otters, rock dassies and herds of eland ... there’s even been sightings of
leopard tracks.
You’ll have an exclusive guide, and most guided activities are included
in the rate ... think guided bird walks, marine walks, mountain bike trails,
and a nature drive experience in an open safari vehicle. Not included
(but well worth the extra expense) are the eco boat cruise and the
vulture experience.
Another add on you may be interested in is the new De Hoop Slackpacking
Trail ... a fully guided and catered three-to-five-night hike for
groups of up to 10, which will take in parts of the iconic whale trail and
other spectacular highlights of De Hoop.
De Mond Villa is fully catered and guided at R3 500 a person per night,
with a minimum of five guests per night.
Details: De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes.
Reservations 021-422-4522 or res@dehoopcollection.co.za,
www.dehoopcollection.com. Facebook @DeHoopCollection,
Instagram @dehoopreserve
46 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga April 2023