Duinepos is situated in the belly of the West Coast National Park; a park so abundant in thick vegetation, mostly strandveld fynbos, that you may find it difficult to spot the roaming eland, red hartbees, antelope, common duiker and steenbok. If you're an avid birder, you'll find yourself in paradise as the Langebaan Lagoon, a Ramsar wetland, forms part of the park and is exceptionally rich in bird species.
If the sound of a mouse rustling in the bushes, or the thought of sipping on a cup of coffee early in the morning with a flock of birds twittering at your feet, doesn't sound appealing, then Duinepos is not the place for you. You will sleep and maybe eat in your chalet, but the rest of your time will probably be outdoors - hiking, biking, swimming or just soaking up some sun with a riveting book or some good company.
The rustic chalets are very spacious, sleeping four to six people, and are furnished with almost all the home appliances. Each chalet also has its own braai stand found on the front stoep, but if you've arrived with your brother's wife's family, and their family in tow, there is a large communal braai area perfect for round-the-fire festivities. Kumbaya anyone?
It gets really hot in the summer months on the West Coast and if you're not in the mood to take a drive out of the park to Langebaan and dip in the Atlantic, or even a scenic drive in the park to splash around in the lagoon, Duinepos has a pool area for you to cool off in. It's also a very kid-friendly place; you can let them run around without the constant need to keep a third eye on them and they'll keep themselves well occupied.
The staff at Duinepos are friendly and helpful. We experienced a brief all-round shutdown on the water supply, as well as a power socket trip at our chalet and, while apologetic, all was fixed up efficiently. They go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Now running for just over five years, Duinepos is a green community upliftment project conceptualised during 2004 as part of the Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods Programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
I'd recommend a stay here for those who thoroughly enjoy the outdoors - and for those in need of some quiet time.
For more information, go to www.duinepos.co.za.
