L'Agulhas - The L’Agulhas Nature Reserve Home Owners Association (LNR-HOA) is an Association established in terms of Section 29 of the Land Use Planning Ordinance, No 15 of 1985 (‘the Act’) as amended. The legal status of the HOA is thus enshrined in and supported by the Act.

A fire causes panic

On 17 January 2012, John Gabriels reported a fire eminating from the western border of the Reserve. John also informed the Police, and Fire Brigade as well as the residents in the reserve. Neil was out at sea from Hout Bay, and could only be reached by satelite phone. Luck was on our side since the wind was blowing South Easterly, keeping the rapidly spreading fire under its influence away from the reserve. The Fire Brigade arrived in small numbers at first, and was later joined by a Helicopter to bomb the fire with water. ed After a long day, the fire was put under control, and then it was discovered that the ESKOM Power line on our border, malfunctioned, sending sparks into a highly flammable Agulhas bush! More news to follow about this fire and our reaction to it.

Our thanks to John for his alertness, and quick response after noticing the fire.

Read more...

Projects in the LNR

Many projects are undertaken from time to time under the direction of EXCO, and supervised by the Reserve Manager or other EXCO Member. These include road maintenance and repairs - for example, a flash flood arising from a cut-off low on the L’Agulhas coast occurred in the early hours of 22 January 2009. This necessitated the creation of stormwater drifts and stormwater channels made of Agulhas stone to blend in with the natural environment, and sharp/steep corners have been paved to prevent erosion (Road Projects).  A big ongoing task is to remove the alien vegetation, mainly Acacia cyclops (Rooikrans) (Alien Vegetation Removal). The Main Entrance Gate and LNR name has had to be replaced and the gate automated (Main Gate).

Take a look at progress here

Welcome to L'agulhas Private Nature & Game Reserve

The L’Agulhas Nature Reserve (LNR) is situated approximately 35 km from Bredasdorp, 216 km from Cape Town International Airport (a leisurely 2.5 hour drive on the N2 National Road), 330 km from George and 117 km from Hermanus. LNR’s position is unique as it is the southernmost Private Nature Reserve in Africa (as the crow flies, it is approximately 2 km from the cairn that marks the southernmost point of Africa)

A feature of LNR is that, standing on this property, you can have the extraordinary experience of viewing the Indian Ocean to the East and the Atlantic Ocean to the West.

Another landmark in the area is “Die Plaat”, the white sandy beach that starts at Struisbaai and stretches up to Arniston (±24 km), the longest stretch of unobstructed white sand beach in the Southern hemisphere. Soetendalsvlei is visible some 8 km north of LNR, the largest natural fresh water lake in South Africa with an outlet to the sea. On the far horizon beyond the Bredasdorpberge, Soetmuisberg and Heuningberg (at Bredasdorp) to the north, the magnificent Langeberg mountain range can be seen. Sea views to the north east stretch far beyond the Potberg at Cape Infanta.

LNR is one of a few areas along the South African coastline where it is possible to own a north facing property with a sea view. All the stands offer unobstructed, superb panoramic views of the sea, mountain ranges and freshwater lake in the distance to the north. As the plots have been set out not to be adjacent to one another, and because there are stringent building guidelines, these views are ensured –  a strong marketing point for purchasing property in LNR.

You don't have to search further - there is an opportunity for you to own a piece of arguably the most precious property in Africa - a truly undiscovered gem of the south.

Monitoring Gas exploration in the Struisbaai area

Advasol (Pty) Ltd has launched an application for natural gas exploration rights in various magisterial districts in the Western Cape, including Struisbaai. They have appointed Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd to compile an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and to guide the Public Participation process which is required in terms of the regulations. Further details are available on the Golder Associates Africa website.  The main concern is that onshore natural gas extraction will drastically affect the underground water situation (either in quantity or by contamination), both on farms as well as in the towns of Struisbaai and L’Agulhas which rely solely on borehole water, as does LNR. The current Environmental Management Plan (EMP) does not cover the water concern, as this will be the next phase if the initial phase is successful.