LOCATION
Moquini Coastal Estate (Moquini) is situated in the Garden Route, Western Cape Province in the town of Mossel Bay. Moquini overlooks Nautilus Bay and the Indian Ocean with Fransmanshoek, Vleesbaai and Boggomsbaai across the bay. It is nestled in the Fynbos right next to stretches of white beaches, the Blinderivier lagoon and Aasvoe¨lkrans cliffs.
ENVIRONMENT
Moquini is an Eco Residential Estate managed as a Nature Reserve with a low-density residential footprint. On the western side Moquini borders the Blinderivier flowing through rocky ravines and forming a lagoon that regularly breaks open into the sea. On the southern side Moquini borders the Indian Ocean with a sea front of approximately 1,3 km with mainly open beaches.
Various bird species, mammals, reptiles and fish calls Moquini home. A characteristic of Moquini is the sloping highlands, dramatic rock formations, deep gorges and valleys covered with constantly blooming fynbos.
FAUNA
A myriad of reptiles, small game, ocean mammals and fish can be found on Moquini, the beach and the ocean.
Land mammals that are seen on Moquini include Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, Honey Badger, Cape Grey Mongoose, Cape Bushbuck and Blue Duiker. The carnivore species are obviously shyer than the others.
Sea mammals include the Blue Right whale, sometimes circling for days with their young very close to the beach, dolphins playing in the waves or just passing by and the od seal basking lazily in the sun on the beach.
Reptiles: A wide variety of reptiles are common sights including the leopard tortoise, boomslang and puff adder.
Rodents: Porcupine is common at night and is legendary to give residents a fright – even though they are virtually harmless. If you wake up at night from a scratchy sound outside and note the next morning your bulb plants have been unrooted and eaten, you will guess the reason.
African Black Oyster Catcher: Moquini derives its name from the African Black Oyster Catcher (also known as Moquini) that breeds on the property next to the coast.
FLORA
The property of Moquini consists of various eco systems stretching from the lower dunes starting at the ocean high water mark to the enormous dunes and the fynbos and renosterveld further north from the ocean. Various species of protea and aloes are found among milkwood trees and many other interesting plants. Read more...