Mkambati

Hi, As a regular visitor during the 90's and early 2000's could you please confirm where one can fish at Mkambati. It appears that fishing restrictions have been imposed of various areas which were previously unrestricted.

Regards

Ross

No fishing is allowed between the eastern bank of the mouth of the Mtentu River and the western bank of the mouth of the Msikaba River, including the tidal portions of the two rivers.

Hi

My family has been going to mkambati for almost 25 years.There is no place like this. We go every year for 3 weeks and every year it feels like we have been on holiday for 2months. Its the most relaxing and entertaining holiday.I have been going with my parents for many years, i remember all the hoidays as if it was yesterday and growing up as a child most of my friends use to think i was stupid to think that going on holiday where you have to take everything with you was so not a hoilday for a child, they use to say a holiday is a place where you need to go movies ,shop and sit on the beach with loads of people breathing down your neck, i dont think so,Waking up in your small neat and practically rondovel every day with the sea at your door step and the peacefulness of you and your family enjoying the out door life can never be replaced by any other holiday. I met my husband at gwe gwe in 2002 and then years later i got engaged on a very special rock over looking the stunning veiws of gwe gwe and in 2007 we spent so time at gwe gwe on honeymoon to. So for me and my husband it really is a special place to go every year. Next year we will be taking our first child on holiday with us and new memories will be added to our family holiday that is made up of lots of fishing cooking, birthdays and games. If i had one wish ,my husband and i would love to run and maintain the up keeping of gwe gwe and mkambati.

Is fishing allowed in the Msikaba river ? Can you use motorized boats on the Msikaba river ?

No fishing is allowed between the eastern bank of the Mtentu river, and the western bank of the Msikaba river, including the tidal portions of these 2 rivers.

So that means no fishing in the Msikaba.

I don't know about motorboats in MPAs, but seems unlikely. Check www.fishingec.com - they may be able to answer that.

On reading the posts, am I correct in assuming that effectively there is no fishing in Mkambati anymore. Very sad, as I grew up on those rocks with a rod in my hand, and was hoping to allow the same for my kids one day!!

Sadly, that is correct. Just a couple of weeks ago some local tribes people at Dwesa were fined for subsistence level catches.

I spent many years as a young boy growing up on the Pondoland coast , From Mtanvuna in the east to Coffee bay in the west .
We lived in Kokstad and often went to places like Mkambati , Msikaba & Luplatana which Because of the roads or should I say the non existence of a road , only a grass track to follow sometimes in the dark would take us about 8 hours if u did not want to break your bakkie's shocks . It was all part of the holiday. One had to make sure that you brought all your stuff , If you left the paraffin behind , you would be in deep ........
For us kids on the back of the bakkie , you would have swallowed a couple of Kg's of dust. When you got there , you really appreciated your holiday.
The other things that make me excited about being in the bush are :
No Cell phone coverage , No Electricity , no crowds , you got to appreciate your luxuries at home , You want to bath , well go and make the fire under the drum outside and in a couple of hours , you had some hot water .
Lighting was mainly Colman Lamps or gas lamps , so It was early to bed , early to rise ,

This is my life , If I could take early retirement , this would be my home , just rough as it is .

I would like to write a book one day , any one interested in doing the same

I am quite a regular visitor for the last few years and you are allowed to fish at Mkambati. Approx. 1km either side of gwe-gwe and south of point cottage from black rocks along the beach to msikaba river can be fished, there are designated posts/pillars erected at these points.

Sorry to be pedantic, but the MPA (Marine Protected Area) is from the west bank of the Mtentu river to the east bank of the Msikaba.

Effectively, there is NO fishing allowed in the Mkambati reserve; but one can travel the short'ish distance across the Msikaba or Mtentu rivers and fish freely.

Hi Jeff

Who are you , Who do you work for ?

The info you have is incorrect . I have been going to Gwe Gwe for 30 years including last year . This area is outside the demarcated zone as the white markers advise.
Suggest you update yourself with current info
given by the Parks Officer at Mkambati

Regards

Jono Mundell

No it is not incorrect.

No recreational or subsistence fishery activity is allowed within MPA's.

What the EC Parks officer at Mkambati let you get away with and what is nationally legislated are evidently 2 different things. It is possible that they have a special exemption from the DG of MCM (I'll check in the morning. But I seriously doubt it.)

From my experience, EC Parks are a law unto themselves, anyway. But usually not in a good way!

FYI:

Govt Gazette No. 21948 (29 December 2000)

(9)
The Mkambati Marine Protected Area in the Eastern Cape Provinceis the area between the high-water mark and a line $ix nautical miles seawards of the high-water mark, and between, as northern boundary, a straight line (135* true bearing) drawn from the northern bank of the mouth of the Mtentu River, and, as southern boundary a similar line drawn from the southern bank of the mouth of the Msikaba River including the tidal portions of these two rivers.

Incidentally, I do acknowledge that you're also correct that there are beacons indicating controlled fishing zones. However those are contrary to the MPA regulations, and the INTEGRATED RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN for Mkambati indicates that they intend to remove the beacon below Point Cottage.

See page 32:
http://www.ecparks.co.za/management-plans/Mkambati%20M%20Plan_Draft_LJ.pdf

Not sure when that will happen, as the document is not dated; but do also be aware that EC Parks are not the authority in this regard. In recent months MCM compliance were fining subsistence fishers at DWESA for fishery activity in an MPA.

As far as I can tell it is still illegal to fish in MPA's; but while the parks officials allow it at Mkambati, I say go for it and enjoy. And good luck!

Sadly, I believe SA is over-regulated in many areas, and some laws are way too draconian.

(I am not affiliated to any of these concerns, and speak in my own capacity as a nature lover with a limited grasp of some of the complexities.)

It seems that there is lots of confusion regarding fishing at Mkhambati Gwe-Gwe rondavels. Is fishing allowed and if so could you please provide a map with the fishing areas in the Mkhambati reserve.

Hi there, we want to visit you guys, do you have camping available? If yes what is the tariff?

If not we need self catering for 4 adults and 2 baby's under 3 year of age.

Regards

Frans

As far as I know.

Please telephone or mail the contact at the top of this page for clarity.

Morning Jeff

I can confirm , camping is not allowed at Mkambati

You can camp at Msikaba , accross the river from Mkambati

All the Best

Jono Mundell

Hi,
Would I need to rent a 4x4 to visit in late March? Or would a high clearance 2x4 get the job done?
Thanks!
Michelle

Hi , When i was last there {June 2010} a 2 x 4 was ok

Advice : Take it slow in the reserve

Hi folks,
My Dad (Tiny) and Mom (Glynis) managed Mkambati in the mid/late 80's. Unfortunately, both have passed, and I'm in the UK, but I still love reading about all the news. So glad that TEM has been halted, for now.

Mkambati still has fond memories for me, spending school holidays there. Can you imagine! I really hope that it's not becoming too commercialised? Its exclusivity is the biggest attraction. Jono, you seem to know the reserve rather well. Maybe we'll meet someday?

Regards to all at my 'Heaven on Earth' - Mkambati

Paul Lewis

P.S. Is Christine, the chef at the Lodge, still there?

Paul , sorry I have taken so long to reply ..... Most of my family come out of various places in the Transkei , My Grandpa & my dad had fingers in many pies , mainly the Bakery in Lusikisiki & Kokstad , and a clothing business in Kokstad called RR mundell's ... As kids we spent most holidays at Mkambati , Msikaba , Luplatana , Port St Johns to name a few ..... I battle with all names , suppose you would know the Moffat's

I hope to build a website on my life in the good old transkei , many stories & many beers

I was last there in June 2010 . Normaly we are a group of +- 5 couples , we have been going there every year for a month at a time for +- 20 years ... staying at Gwe Gwe . In the old days the railway bus used to come to Mkambati , driver would sleep over at Gwe Gwe , my dad & his mates hike a lift with the bus driver , spend a few days & go back with the bus to kokstad

Anyway , I have plenty photos , , send me your email address & I will forward a few

Yeah , when you come out to sa , give me a call .... Will send you my contact details when I receive your email

My email address = stajo@polka.co.za

Dear Michelle,

We plan to travel to Mkambati this January, but we will be going with my 2x4 VW Polo... How is the access road to Mkambati? Do you think we will be okay with my car?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated!

Celeste

Hi Celeste

Did you say BY CAR .......... ?

This road is not ideal for a car ...... U might make it going VERY SLOW .... but the road in the reserve is worse .

I would not recomend a car at all ,,,, My friend was their in Sept ..... but who knows maybe they graded the road

All the best

Jono Mundell
079 879 5544

The directions given above up to Flagstaff indicate that after the turnoff to Holy Cross Hospital the road is gravel i would like to confirm that the road is now surfaced up to Mtontsasa Police Station which is a distance of about 30km from R61.

My last trip to the area was on 25 December 2011.

Thanks for the information!

You were there in December... How was the road condition of the gravel portion from Mtontsasa Police Station to Mkambati reserve? Would a slow driving 2x4 manage?

to Celeste and Kim

I am from Holy Cross but reside in DBN. In recent months I have travelled there in a sedan. I haven't ventured beyond the police station and not to familiar with the remaining +- 30km to Mkambathi. I am excited to see all the comments and interest in this countryside and hope that you can give positive/constructive feedback on your return.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of assistance and hope that the EC Tourism contacts will be able to assist both queries.

Hi,
I have tried all the phonelines but did not get any answer!!(or alternative Cell No's)

Can anyone assist me with info of any accommodation for 2 nights 9&10 January,(mon&Tue)at Mkambati or GweGwe???

Thank You
Jurie Human
0833020581

Hi all. We spend an awesome 2 weeks there from 2 Jan 2012. Rains have washed the roads in the reserve a lot and some of the pools and corrosion are deep now. I suggest nothing less than a 2x4. Definiely not suitale for a sedan unless you want to carry all you own for the last 2km. The road is tarred to the Police station beyond Holy Cross. The road is "OK" from there to the Makabathi gate. But watch out, now and again a few deeper gullies across the road need one to slow down. On the whole the road is fine though. Rondavels now have Gas powered fridge and freezers, and each have their own gas stove and gas showers :) The communal kitchen apparently burned down in 2011 and has been rebuilt but is locked and empty. Not much successful fishing was had by all during the 2 weeks in Jan. Enjoy

Thanks to all the advice from you all.

We took the plunge and went to Mkambati Gwe Gwe Rondavels with my 2x4 VW Polo 1.9TDi. The gravel road from Holy Cross to Mkambati gate is okay. From the gate to Gwe Gwe is some 5 to 7 km for which you preferably need a car with better ground clearance! :) But we made it. You have to drive really slowly (it took us almost 2hrs from the gate to the rondavels) and must choose your line carefully at the rocky portions of the road to avoid leaving bits of car behind...

But it was completely worth it. The place is beautiful! I hope to be back soon...with or without a 4WD.

Hi all
I am very excited to hear that despite the poor conditions of the roads we are still getting your support for this almost forgotten countryside. The poverty, literacy and unemployment levels are very high and I hope that my community will benefit from your contributions. I was also in the area last week and it is an absolute pleasure to see the interest levels I noticed a convoy of bikers while there.

This region is also rich in history and hosts an annual event in commemmoration of Pondo people who were massacred at Ngquza Hill otherwise known as the Pondo Revolt. This event is on June 6 and it would be nice to have you in attendance.

I hope to hear from all of you soon, and I guess the budget for the gravel roads will eventually be made available so that we can all get there easier.

Hi There,

my family and i are wanting to book our stay for Christmas at the end of this year. We are a group of around 8-10 people. What would be our best option? the main lodge or the river lodge. We do enjoy our fishing, but as we understand we would have to walk outside the reserve to fish. With this in mind is it worth even staying at Gwe Gwe river lodge, as this is smack bang in the reserve. I havn't been here in years, also used to launch our boat there and catch couta back in the day!! would we still be able to fish off the island?

Please would somone let me know what they think!

Much thanks

Trevor

Hi, I love this part of the world and am actually in Mbotyi now. First tried to get a booking for Mkmbati through ECParks and was told the Lodge is sitting empty due to privatisation. How many lodges are there? I asked for a lodge an old local friend of mine gave me the name of, I think Mtentu, as we have v young kids so at this stage of our lives I would like access to food and a hideaway from wind. May just have to toughen up a bit. Will get there soon hopefully...with al our own food :-D

Hi guys. What an interesting forum. I have been struggling to find info on walking in the transkei. I have phoned a few places & they efficiently give me more & more numbers to call.

We are hoping to head down to Port St Johns this week & walk either South or North for 3 or 4 days (depending on which way offers easier accommodation options & I seem to think South would be better).

Can anyone offer any suggestions.

Thanks so much

Hi Tracey

Many years ago I hiked much of this coast.
I recall we Hiked from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay. Another was Cofee Bay to the Haven (Bashee). and another was from the Lusikisiki area to Port St Johns.

These were hikes we did where sometmes we stayed in tents we carried with us, and sometimes there were hiking huts. It was so long ago (in the late 80's) that I cant recall more than that and a few photos. All the stretches mentioned above were 4 - 5 day hikes.

They were planned and we had route maps back then.

I would suggest you call Eastcape Tourism (Natasha is very helpful) and I am sure they can set you right.

Rgds
Quentin

Hi We ended up staying at Mboyti, as we have very young children and decided we wanted food laid on. It was fabulous!!! My in laws have hiked the whole coast and I believe Mboyti is one of the stops for a night if you want catered - give Mboyti a call, as they know all the ins and outs of the hiking and were exceptionally helpful! Drifters have a few other self catering tented camps in the area if thats what you would prefer.

hey there!

i've been googling the nature reserve for about a year now, seeing all the attractions gave me an interest in knowing more about you but cant get enough info on the net. i would love to get hold of you guys by telephone or e mail. PLEASE SEND THE TO ME ON THE E MAIL ADDRESS ABOVE OR PROBABLY DROP ME AN SMS. i really wanna come around in june holidays.

Regards
Norma, Mana

ohh my e mail address is s210027746@live.nmmu.ac,za and my cell non is 078 341 7080,Norma

I am from the bizana area but living in PMBurg at the moment..I am interested in birdlife that exists in the Mkambati area and surroundings...if anyone knows the best areas to go to for birding and who to contact for information please let me know...I want to visit the area during the end of june this year- hopefully the weather will be kind to us...info contact me on lumko92@gmail.com

Hi there.

a group of us want to hike from Mkmbati to port st johns this dec 2012.

We dont want to go on any packaged tours,just do it on our own.Is this possible?

Any info and help would be great thanks

Hi marco

As far as I know, it is possible to hike all the way from Port Edward to Port St Johns, without having to be on a guided hike...just make sure you are equipt to cross the estauaries at high tides-thats if you will be going along the coast...should be great fun tho..2njoy

Hi Max

thanks for the info.

aside from the Mkambati park fees, are there any another fees we need to pay along the trail?

we will be trekking inland to cross some gorges and visit some villages.

would we be trespassing on any land or upsetting any people if we do this?

the trail looks amazing we cant wait!

Hi All, I am looking for an alternative way to get to Mkambati than by road. I know that there is a trail that one can follow, but as we are pcked for a week it would be difficult. Does anyone know somebody with a boat or horse? Any tips welcome - it would be around the 27/28th Dec 2012.

Hi.

Please could someone confirm whether the lodge is in fact closed. If so, then could anyone advise me on a suitable and alternative getaway? I am looking for a remote getaway to take my family.

Cheers
Warren

We are visiting Mkambati at the Gwe Gwe Rondavels the first week in March. Please can someone confirm that they supply sheets and towells. I know we have to take crockery and cutlery as well as water but would like to know what else is supplied. Please can someone also let us know the condition of the road the one vehicle is a Toyota Avanza - will it make it?

Hi
They do supply linen and towels. There is a gas freezer and I think that was about it. This was when we were there Jan 2012 a year ago.

It was great, if you are lucky enough to go/ get a booking. We tried to get in again and it was full for a long time ahead.

As to the road condition, we got there easily in a Hilux Double cab 4x4, but in reality you just need some good ground clearance - more than a sedan unless they improved the last few km in the reserve for the rest the road is easily traversable in any car. Its the last 2 -3 km you have to take very slow. but luckily when you get there you dont need to drive around :)

Rgds
Enjoy

thought I would add some feedback here, since it was useful in planning our trip to gwe gwe. in general it was spectacular, but it is a real africa type experience...things will work, they will make a plan.sometime!

We went for four days in late september 2012. booking was very haphazard, got lost a few times and eventually we had to make do with 2nights in gwe gwe rondavels, hike to mtentu for a night, hike back for 4th night at a different rondavel. This was ok, since we actually wanted to do something like this, but suggest you get bookings confirmed paid and finalised as soon as you can.

Four days before we got there(when we were about to leave), got a phonecall to say that our rondavel for nights 1 and 2 had burnt down. I think it was rondavel #5. We got moved to the gwe gwe river lodge instead, which was a bit spacious for just the two of us(20 sleeper fishing style self catering place). We were happy with this, but lucky that it was available during school holidays.

In terms of access, I don't think your avanza would have made it then. We sukkeled in some donga sections with a 4wd landrover freelander. they were however very busy with roadworks in sections closer to the park offices. sheets were provided.

Thanks for the replies but does Gwe Gwe have pots and pans and any cooking facilities? Please let us know as well as the condition of the road. Thanks

Hi there. My mate and I are hiking from the Casino (port edward) to Port St Johns. We will be staying a night in Gwe Gwe (hopefully) Fri/sat. Maybe we will c u there?

Hi Can any body PLS help with the number fore reservations at Mkhambati

Hi Le Roux

you can call mkhambati admin at 0393069000 they going to give u th number for East London where they do bookings.
hop nobody booked for the date you want.
all the best!!!