These two relatively small reserves, separated by the Mbashe River, are situated in the central Wild Coast. They are bordered on the one side by the Indian Ocean and on the other by rugged grasslands of the former Transkei. Both reserves are primarily covered by lowland forest but also support grasslands and acacia scrub. There are a total of 290 bird species recorded in the reserves, with at least a hundred to be found on a given visit. Being relatively under- birded, the number of known birds is ever increasing. Although a day will suffice in each reserve, at least three days is required/recommended to make the trip worthwhile.

The reserves remain relatively undeveloped with only footpaths giving access to the majority of areas. With both reserves being small, most places can be reached on foot. Care should however be taken that you can find your way out of the forests. There are a few trails that can be negotiated by 4x4 to shorten the walks.

Attractions

Although the two reserves are very similar in habitat and vegetation and support many of the same small mammals and birds, Dwesa also contains a number of introduced game species, including red hartebeest, blesbok and blue wildebeest. Crocodiles have been re-introduced to the rivers and buffalo, eland and warthog once again roam the grassland and forest fringes.

Dwesa:
Dwesa Nature Reserve is the bigger of the two reserves (3900ha) situated on the western side of the Mbashe River. There is a campsite and a few Chalets, beautifully situated adjacent a small estuary spilling into the ocean.

A blend of coastal forest, open grassland, winding rivers and a diverse coastline. Trails through lush forests make this a rambler's paradise. From the top of Kobole Point, there are magnificent views across the ocean where dolphins and whales are often seen.

The birdlife in this 3900-ha reserve includes such rarities as the Narina Trogon and Mangrove Kingfisher. A good selection of the forest specials should be easily located in and around the campsite and chalets. The best forest birding is done on the road to the reserve office. There is also a track leading north through the forest towards Mendu (ask at the Office for directions).

One should also walk through the grasslands around the office, where one can find Wailing Cisticola, Plainbacked Pipit, Broadtailed Warbler and Yellowthroated Longclaw. Look in the moist grassland around the estuary east of the campsite for Croaking Cisticola and a pair of Crowned Crane that frequent the area. Venturing further into Dwesa will take you to more extensive grasslands, especially around the Mendu estuary.

Accommodation is provided in the form of self-catering chalets and a camp site. There are five 5-bed chalets and three 4-bed chalets. All of these chalets have gas refrigerators and stoves. The camp site has 20 stands and communal ablution facilities.

There is also a caravan park/game lodge in Idutywa itself which can be contacted on +27 (0)47 499 0020 for further information.

Cwebe:
A newly established nature reserve, Cwebe contains a variety of habitats - forest, grassland, mangrove and beach - which support a wide range of birds and small mammals. The Mbanyana River is an added attraction, with its spectacular waterfalls and beautiful lagoon where Cape Clawless Otters may be observed. The 2149ha reserve is bounded to the south by the Mbashe River and from here a sandy beach, popular with anglers and shell-collectors, stretches northward.

The best forest birding is done around the Mbanyana River causeway. Here one can find Halfcollared Kingfisher, Longtailed Wagtail, Narina Trogon, and Crowned Eagle. This area can be reached by following the 4x4 track running across the reserve; the turn-off to the track is approximately 500m after the gate to the Nature Reserve. The track also winds through some forest clearings, which provide excellent habitat for Broadtailed Warbler and Barratt??s Warbler. Following the road past the Haven takes you to some cottages and the mouth of the Mbanyana River. Among the moist grasslands are good places to look for Croaking Cisticola and Wailing Cisticola. The mouth of the Mbashe River plays host to Mangroves, Coastal forest and a small tern Colony.

Cwebe Nature Reserve also has a trail leading to a waterfall in the forest. The trail is well marked and the trip well worth it (ask for directions at the hotel).

The only accommodation currently offered in Cwebe Nature reserve is the Haven Hotel, which is situated about two kilometres from the Mbashe River, a popular spot for anglers. The rooms are all individual chalet style accommodation. Self-catering accommodation and a camping site are currently under development.

Services

- Nature reserve
- Walking trails
- Bird watching
- Accommodation
- Fishing (in demarcated areas)
- 4x4 trails

How to get there

With these reserves being in the rural areas of the Transkei, the access roads, which are gravel, can be notoriously bad. All the roads however have recently been upgraded, making it accessible to all vehicles. This however may change after a few rainy seasons.

The turn-off to Dwesa is in the town of Idutya, 80km from Umtata. The turn-off is well signposted.

To get to Cwebe there is a turn-off 40km from Umtata that is sign-boarded Bityi/Elliotdale; here one should follow the signs to Elliotdale. After 19km along the gravel road there is a tarred road; immediately upon reaching the tar, take a right turn back onto gravel and follow the signs to The Haven Hotel. The Haven is another 45km along the same gravel road.

From Umtata one should follow the N2 towards Idutywa for 40km and from Idutywa follow the N2 towards Umtata for 49km and you will reach Cwebe.

Dwesa Nature Reserve:

Telephone: +27 (0)47 499 0073/22 or +27 (0)47 564 1177
Postal Address: Private Bag X1126, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa

Cwebe Nature Reserve:

Telephone: +27 (0)47 576 0006/7
Fax: +27 (0)47 576 0008
Postal Address: Private Bag X1126, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa