Family-Friendly Fun in South Africa

The Southern Right whale has made the De Hoop Reserve in South Africa one of the world’s best land based whale-watching areas. This marine protected area is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important nurseries for this endangered mammal. During the winter months (July to November), Southern Right whales come so close to the shoreline that our Ocean House guests can relax on the un-spoilt sand dunes or from our amazing viewing deck and watch in awe as these beautiful creatures calve, blow, breach and belly-flop. Our Morukuru Ocean House guide will guide you to the best viewing points and share all his expertise and knowledge on these remarkable creatures with you.

Get the De Hoop Feeling, whilst driving in your private safari vehicle, with the wind in your hair and the amazing beauty of ocean, the beach and the delicate fynbos. Discover all the flowers and pristine wilderness. Our Morukuru Private Guide will guide you and your family/friends through a informative fynbos safari experience.

Either Walking or biking within the De Hoop reserve will give you the feeling of being embraced by endless peace and beauty. Wild Fynbos gardens, walking through the pristine while sand dunes with the view and the sound of the Ocean will make you feel refreshed. Among you more than 1500 plants species in the area, bontebok, eland, cape mountain zebra, baboons, red hartebeest ostrich and of course the cape leopard. All tours are under the experienced eye of your Morukuru Guide. We welcome children of all ages at Ocean House.

The day has come to an end, the silence and the wonderful horizon will embrace you. When it gets darker you will start noticing the soft little twinkling in the sky.....another heaven on earth will appear. Slowly watch the sky turning into a playground of lights.

Experience a South African ‘braai’. The chefs will prepare a delicious family feast of local meats or seafood grilled to order over an open fire. Relax while the chefs prepare an amazing feast. From fresh salads & sweet glazed lamb chops to roasted butternut & paprika sweet potato, rosemary grilled beef fillet, light smoked trout & so much more...

*Available at La Clé Lodge & La Clé Village
*From R550 per person

Hosted at La Clé Village (all ages) or La Clé Lodge (12yrs+)

Come together and share a meal with family, and make new friends, with our Shared Table dinners at La Clé des Montagnes. ... each meal is made with love. From traditional Durban curries to French pastries, homemade pizzas, braais and real South African home-style family fare - our menus change daily and are inspired by the season (it's Franschhoek's best-kept secret).

*Available for guests at La Clé Lodge & La Clé Village
*Additional costs apply

Each picnic basket is filled with a selection of local produce, fresh bread, a bottle of wine and a few surprises. Local cheese and charcuterie platters are also available to enjoy.

*Available at La Clé Lodge & La Clé Village
*From R250 per platter & R700 per basket for 2 x people

The perfect way to explore the village and surrounding areas. Village maps can be provided upon request. We have village bicycles available and off-road bikes for technical riding can also be arranged (children’s bikes available by prior arrangement). Subject to availability.

*Available at La Clé Village & La Clé Lodge

Located on the same farm as at La Clé Lodge, our tennis court and putting green is open to all guests of La Clé for a round of doubles, singles or competitive putting surrounded by tranquil scenes of vineyards and mountains.

Our field is next to our swimming dams for a cool dip afterwards.

*Available at La Clé Lodge
*Available for La Clé Village guests (subject to availability)

In the mood to relax indoors or perhaps on the terrace? Enquire about our range of board games and puzzles at reception (Manoir), sure to delight all ages.

Spend time outside and embrace Franschhoek’s Huguenot traditions and try your hand at a quintessentially French pastime, Boules. Our gardens also make a perfect setting for a relaxing game of croquet (full set of equipment available at reception – Manoir).

*Available at La Clé Lodge & La Clé Village

After visiting the Saturday market, the village has an array of gorgeous boutiques to browse while enjoying a leisurely stroll. Do let us know your interests and we would be happy to recommend a few to visit. A haven for art lovers, Franschhoek boasts a number of exceptional galleries which dot the village main street as well as wineries housing private collections.

The Franschhoek hills are alive with the sound of glasses. A valley of award-winning wine estates both great and small, we would be happy to make recommendations based on your interests.

A privately guided journey through the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Begin at La Clé des Montagnes with a brief introduction and vineyard tour. Be driven in a luxury vehicle to wine farms for fully-guided tastings, private tours and an in depth understanding of new world wines.

Each journey includes collection & drop off at La Clé des Montagnes, time at 4 wine farms within the Franschhoek Valley, entrance & tasting fees, sparkling/still water. Lunch, additional tastings & personal items purchased are for guests’ own account.

1 person R3 500 | 2 people R4 750 | 3 people R5 750 | 4 people R6 500

For 5 guests or more, please enquire for rates: reservations@lacle.co.za

Hop onto your private vehicle at a timing of your choosing and head out for the ultimate safari adventure. With your personal experienced guide and tracker enter the beauty of Madikwe home to the Big 5, Wild Dogs, 350 bird species and other wonders. Every game drive is equipped with a variety of snacks and drinks so on crisp mornings watch the sunrise whilst wrapping your fingers around a hot drink and be in awe of the nature that surrounds you. For evening game drives enjoy the sunset that engulfs the African skies revealing a sheath of colour and warmth with a gin and tonic in hand. As the only guests on the vehicle, game drives are tailored to your preferences.

Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and then setting it free again. The Marico River that runs through Morukuru is the largest natural source of water in the province, pumping one million litres per day: the river is clean and the fishing is good, though as any fishermen knows, patience will be required! Species you may encounter at the end of your line include Yellow Fish, Catfish, Bream, Eel, Paper Mouth, Three Spot Tilapia and Carp. If you (or your younger guests) have never tried their hand at fishing before, your ranger is on hand to provide guidance.

The Morukuru hide is set next to the waters edge and protected by an electric fence. Provided with a spot light a sleepover at the hide is perfect for the daring to spend a night in the wild. For a romantic evening with a partner or for family members and friends a magical experience of being left alone in the a vast plain where the wildlife roam free, in perfect comfort, yet surrounded by the African wilderness is not to be missed. For those less daring an evening stop at the hide during game drive is a sublime spot to look up at the sparkling night sky and star gaze.

At the local village dam…… just outside the park enjoy an afternoon of fun on the Morukuru boat. Be it fishing, water skiing or soaking up the sun by the water there is something for the whole family. Usually starting the afternoon with some cooking on the Braai for lunch at the waters edge before jumping in to take part in the many activities. As the sun sets across the water filling the sky with indescribable beauty enjoy one last drink before heading back into Madikwe.

Peace, lulled to a deep, alpha state by the gurgling waters of the Marico River and the somnambulant calls of riverside birdlife. Guests can give in to total indulgence and relaxation with a Morukuru Massage in the Sala Area, built as a treatment spot, overlooking the water.

All worries and everyday concerns simply melt away as the tension leaves one, with soothing aromatherapy and carrier oils, in this bush idyll. Here, what sort of massage to treat oneself with, really, can be the biggest concern of the day.

The best moments in life are the ones when we feel most connected to self in harmony with nature and the world around us. Morukuru carefully selected Africology as the product line used throughout our relaxing Spa Treatments. Africology uses only organic ingredients with their products free from toxic chemicals, including dangerous preservatives. At a location of your choice within your personal villa, be it the sala overlooking the Marico River, the deck of your room or by the pool enjoying the sounds of nature whilst relaxing with a treatment of your choosing.

Traversing the reserve in a comfortable safari vehicle allows one to cover thousands of kilometers in search of exhilarating game sightings, but for a true taste of Africa nothing beats being on foot in the midst of the wilderness. On a bush walk you smell, see and hear so much more, and getting up close and personal with insects and plants, with a ranger explaining their survival techniques, can be fascinating (such as the Acacia robusta’s ability to let off a stinky pheromone when it senses an animal grazing on its leaves!).

Bush walks in Madikwe are not for the fainthearted however – you are on foot in a wilderness area where predators roam free. You are of course protected by the presence of your fully armed ranger and the bush knowledge of your tracker, but to be on the safe side children under the age of 16 may not participate in bush walks and for those over the ages of 60 require a doctor’s certificate of good health. Alternatively a stroll through the near by 100 hectare fenced in area home to general game can be enjoyed by the entire family subject to availabily. Bush walks are also limited to a maximum of eight people.