Hi there
Is there a number that i cn contact them on for accommodation enqueries?
thank you

Bookings for Hluleka, Dwesa and Silaka Nature Reserves can be made through:

Reservations : Head Office
Tel: +27 (0)43-705 4400 (main line)
Tel: +27 (0)43 742 4450
Fax: +27 (0)43 742 5566
e-mail link: reservations@ecparksboard.co.za

For other enquiries please phone:
Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Umtata Booking Office
Tel: (047) 5315290 Fax (047)5315291

(http://www.wildcoast.co.za/reserves)

this helps in the improvement of rural areas. also attracts more tourists and at same time more cultures are explored because of the people inhabiting there.

Their number has changed for reserve bookings, and is now 043-7054400

The ECPB office says that the chalets won't be open fro Christmas and can't give me rates or a date when they will be open for bookings. Please put up post when you hear they are open as ths has been going on for too long !!

Thanks for the info, Paul.

I used the number you gave and spoke to them; and apparently the other number does still work occasionally.

It seems there are 5 reservations clerks and a shortage of lines, though... so the trick is to try the other number if the primary line is engaged.

FYI. I also asked whether the new chalets are available for bookings yet, and unfortunately they aren't.

What a pity. I posted the original article over 6 months ago and virtually everything in the chalets was done already. I wonder why it's taking so long to complete?

It is very frustrating, I must say.

I do know that they were still completing the sewerage system and that the reserve road to the chalets was in need of repairs... but that was over 6 months ago.... and this interminable delay is absolutely ridiculous.

I've asked my friend Mark who runs the trading station there to find out what he can, and will follow it up. Am also drafting a letter to the management and board of EC Parks; because, amongst other things I would also like to know:

Good one, Jeff. Appreciate your efforts here to find out what's going on. This wonderful part of the Wild Coast - which was left to the community as a Wildlife sanctuary by Mona Heard in 1974 (see Clive Dennison's recent book - "A Brief History of the Wild Coast") - is our natural heritage, to be enjoyed and appreciated by all South Africans. If the chalets are only going to be affordable by overseas tourists then it doesn't justify her gift to the nation. A backpacker's type lodge where hikers and passing visitors to this remote part can stay for a night or 2 is definitely required. Keep up the pressure on the ECPB to open it up for all !!

Hi Jeff,

I have just read your comments regarding the re-opening of Hluleka and am also getting very frustrated. I must have been phoning them monthly for at least the last year and nobody seems to know when it will be re-opened and what has been done. I have been 29th on the waiting list for about the last 6 months and have still heard nothing so I assume it not be open for Christmas.

Did your friend from the trading store find anything out?

Thanks
Jo

Well yes and no.

Apparently the places are already fully furnished, and it seems like everything is ready, but he didn't get to speak to anyone so I'm not sure what the holdup is.

Would appreciate any feedback re Silaka Nature Reserve. We too have been on the waiting list for Hluleka for a while and have now decided to rather have a definite booking for our family celebration and have booked a few chalets at Silaka. We have not visited the area before and while the pics look lovely on the web it would be great to hear comments from anyone who has visited/ stayed there before. We are 3 families with small children so info on walks/beaches + fishing would be helpful. Thanks !

Thanks for the efforts Jeff, we are also waiting in eager anticipation for another opportunity to visit Hluleka.
We recently returned from Mkhambathi and heard rumors of simmilar plans to refurbish and possibly privatize the accomodation there - do you know if there is any thruth to this??
The Wild Coast has always been a rustic getaway where maintenance of vacilities often don't receive the necessary attention, but it does make it an affordable getaway and adds to the character of the place in my opinion. Whereas refurbishment is necessary, it is a real pity if it puts the vacilities outside the financial reach of most normal SA citizens.
Cheers Kobus

We got back from a 2nd visit to Silaka on the 12th Jan. What an amazing place to go away to! The chalets have relatively recently been refurbished, no more monkey problems and security is no longer a problem. And for the wives, the chalets are now serviced too. We have 2 small children and they had an absolute ball on the beach and the surf is wonderful and flat for them to swim in. My husband is also an angler - he managed to catch some sand sharks and rock cod in the few days we were there. We are already planning our next trip - were hoping to give Hlukleka a try but if its not open we'll definitely be stopping by Silaka.
Debbie

Thanks so much for the thumbs up on Silaka, Debbie ! We can now look forward to our holiday without debating whether we should have held out for Hluleka - hopefully we can both look forward to future holidays there , assuming they are not exhorbitantly expensive. Appreciate the feedback !

We love staying at Silaka. Word of caution - when we were there in mid-Jan 09, there was a bit of petty theft (not from us though) and monkeys were a bit of a problem - i wish people wouldn't feed them, because they become a real menace. This is a truly beautiful reserve, and we will definitely go back again and again!!!

Appreciate the comment, thanks. We will have to take a few plastic snakes along to ward off the monkeys and leave any valuables at home. My sister also mentioned that there have been a couple of shark attacks in the area which is a bit concerning. We are looking forward to our holiday regardless and will post my own feedback when we are back mid-April. Is fresh fish etc readily available from local fishermen in the reserve?

Can you please provide me with the number that I can contanct for accommodation enquiries. I neede it urgently please.

I passed through Hluleka on a PSJ - Coffee bay hike at end of July and the chalets are STILL NOT OPEN!!
No one in the office (as it was a saturday) so no idea of what the problem is - heard rumours that they are waiting for an ESKOM line that would cost millions, but last time (jan) they said it was because of sewage / water connections so still no clearer why they haven't opened more than a year after completion. Apparently you can phone the Umthata offices of ECTB and put your name on a list which now runs at over 8 pages!

Passed through Hluleka this December 2009, chalets all complete but still not open. The reason for not opening has something to do with their water supply/connection, but they would be open for bookings end January 2010 at a rate of R1200-00 per chalet per day. Awesome chalets and nice spot so lets see if they meet their January date...

Hi all anyone know what it's like at Dwesa & Cwebe nature reserves, would like to stay at one of them during early Feb. Any feedback on experineces and or advice would be appreciated before I book. Thanks guys!

We've booked a chalet for Easter Weekend and have no idea what to expect? Any info?

Kindly provide me with a list of camping sites available at Hlukeka as well as the contact numbers where bookings can be made. Thank you

Kindly provide me with a list of camping sites available at Hlukeka as well as the contact numbers where bookings can be made. Thank you

contact Eastern Cape Parks 043 705 4400