Game drives

Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking the Incarha lagoon, Turn-Inn offers you privacy, comfort and relaxation. In addition to our large fully-fenced garden, guests have the use of paddle skis, canoes and children's play area.

There is abundant bird life in the garden and on the lagoon, waking up most mornings to the call of the African Fish Eagle. A private path along the edge of the lagoon leads to the sea approx. 400 metres away.

Accommodation includes a large upstairs lounge / dining room and well-appointed kitchen, leading onto two undercover patios with breathtaking views. Turn Inn can sleep 20 people - A great venue for a family reunion.

Our units include:

• Fridge, microwave and a 2 plate stove with oven
• Braai facility
• Tea & Coffee making facilities
• Hair dryer
• DSTV & combination safe
• Direct access to the lagoon, with its abundant bird life
• All patios have access to the garden and lagoon
• Wireless Internet

2 x Luxury Double Units (2 adults): 
Bed & Breakfast: R1000 per night 
Self Catering: R900 per night

1 x Family Unit (2 adults + 4 children): 
Bed & Breakfast: R900 per night + R200 per child 
Self Catering: R800 per night + R200 per child

Main House (4 adults + 6 children): 
Self Catering: R2500 per night (out of season) 
Self Catering: R3800 per night (in of season)

RATES OVER EASTER, CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ON APPLICATION.

Dwesa and Cweba are two relatively small reserves, separated by the Mbashe River,  situated in the central Wild Coast.

Accommodation in Cwebe is only available at the Haven Hotel.

The reserves 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. This lack of development means that the birdlife is prolific, with over 290 species recorded here. 

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.

Cwebe is a newly established nature reserve, containing 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. 

Note: The reserves are also Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) so fishing is only allowed in demarcated areas.

For Dwesa, Hluleka, Silaka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, please use EC Parks Online Booking form.

Lying 30 kilometres south of Port St Johns, Hluleka Nature Reserve is one of the Wild Coast’s best kept secrets.

This tranquil reserve showcases a diverse range of eco systems – rocky seashores, golden beaches, lagoons and lush forests of quinine, coral, stink ebony and Natal fig trees.

Accommodation is available in 6 beautiful and well appointed double-story chalets featuring sea views, and zebras calmly grazing on the lawns. Each chalet sleeps four adults.

For such a remote and beautiful place, the accommodation is no less than astounding. Comfortable lounge suites and flat screen TV with DSTV access in the lounge, microwave, gas stove and all essentials in the kitchen, plush linen and comfortable beds, and soft towels in the beautiful bathrooms which have baths and showers. 

The reserve is comprised of a 772ha area, formerly known as Old Strachan’s Grant Farm, and includes an area of coastline as well as two magnificent forest reserves, the Congwane Mtombo and Ndabeni Hluleka Forest Reserves. It is these forests which characterise the rolling landscape of the Wild Coast coastline and the riverine gorges that intersect it, and which make for a nature lover’s paradise.

The reserve is home to an incredible diversity of eco systems, as well as an abundance of wildlife. Walks that lead along the rugged coastline, to tranquil and unspoiled beaches, along peaceful lagoons and through the lush forest, showcase this diversity.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to spot the Bushbuck, Eland, Impala, Blue Duiker and Burchell’s Zebra, which are some of the animals that are most frequently spotted in the reserve.

For those who are simply looking to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of life, wandering through the spectacular forests to hidden picnic spots is a sure way to feel relaxed. 

Meandering paths lead through the forests to open hilltops offering spectacular dolphin and whale watching.

The coast between the towns of Port St Johns and Coffee Bay is renowned for many beautiful lagoons, and one of the loveliest of the Wild Coast’s many parks - the Hluleka Nature Reserve.

The beaches are punctuated with extraordinary rocky outcrops shaped into strange bubble formations by the rapid cooling of volcanic lava in millenia past.

In winter the indigenous forest is ablaze with the scarlet blossoms of the coral tree (Erithryna lysistemon), and the hillsides are coloured with aloe-ferox in bright orange bloom.

The reserve itself is a wanderers’ paradise, with dozens of little meandering paths. You could encounter blesbuck, zebra and wildebeest. On the beach you will find the tracks of otter.

The forest is rich in incredible bird- life reverberating through the trees – cape parrot, rare green-billed coucal and knysna turaco sunbirds, canaries, herons, and the jewel in the crown: the fabulous, elusive narina trogon.

You will need a permit to fish in the designated areas and outside the reserve. This permit can be obtained from any Post Office country-wide.

Enjoy magnificent Wild Coast accommodation, here at the family friendly Morgan Bay Hotel. Situated a short 45 minute drive from East London and nestled between a mile of unspoilt beach and breath taking cliffs, you will be spoilt for choice on ways to spend your day.

Established in 1946, our newly renovated, third-generation, family-run hotel offers comfortable and relaxing accommodation in 40 tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans, free WiFi, DSTV and kettles. Family inter-leading rooms and cots on request. We offer both Bed & Breakfast and Dinner, Bed & Breakfast options, except during the December school holidays, when our rates are All Inclusive.

Our facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, beauty spa, beach boutique, an à la carte restaurant and pub, a residents lounge and dining room, a wedding and conference venue, braai facilities, a games room, playground, climbing wall, kiddies TV lounge, childminding services, in-room safes and a laundry service. Beach towels and umbrellas are included, while surfboards, sand boards, body boards, SUPs and canoes are available to hire.

Activities and attractions include a mile-long beach, majestic cliffs criss-crossed with hiking and moutain biking trails, fishing, surfing, canoeing, horse riding, bird watching, rock climbing and abseiling. Within a 15km radius you can enjoy an 18 hole golf course, township tours and a tranquil coastal nature reserve, where you can comb the beach for Ming Dynasty Porcelain, Money Cowries and Carnelian Beads from a 16th century Portuguese shipwreck.

Morgan Bay is a special place which somehow allows those who go there to exchange the cares of the world for the more important things in life. This is South Africa's magnificent Wild Coast at its best! Surround yourself with good friends, great food and create long lasting memories. Discover why the Morgan Bay Hotel is fast becoming one of South Africa's favourite family holiday destinations.

Knot Far is a newly renovated home situated up on the hill, just 600m walk from the Morgan Bay beach. The house sleeps 4 and 9 in two separate self contained self catering units, each with sea views.

The home is owned by the Morgan Bay Hotel and furnishings meet the same high standards as their hotel rooms and family suites.

Right on the Inchara Lagoon's edge you can set up camp under a shady tree with the beautiful beaches just a short walk away. All sites have electricity, picnic benches and braai facilities, and are in close proximity to the separate ladies and men's ablutions which are serviced daily. Coin operated washing machines and tumble dryers are available. A lovely bowling green is situated at the heart of the park and all visitors are welcome.

All bookings made at the Morgan Bay Hotel.

Mtentu Lodge is a perfect escape from the rat race, while not being too isolated. Just a 20 km beach horse ride/hike/cycle or 48 km drive from Wild Coast Sun lies the untamed paradise of Mtentu, which is undeniably one of the most wondrous Wild Coast destinations.

With the Mkambati Game Reserve just next door, pristine beaches, waterfalls (one of which falls straight into the sea), and a turtle-filled estuary, lots to do awaits you at Mtentu. Take a canoe up the estuary and glide under waterfalls, go horse riding along the beach, stay over in a traditional village, go fishing, swim in the Indian Ocean, relax in a natural spring pool, go hiking, or just relax and enjoy all nature has to offer.

The Mtentu River is the heart of the Pondoland Centre of Endemism, and home of the Mtentu Palm, which only grows here.

Mtentu has gained the reputation of being one of the most unique travel destinations on the Wild Coast and in South Africa as a whole. Foreign guests frequently comment on what a special destination it is. The lodge is a welcoming place that becomes home for the duration of your stay and staff members become your best friends

As a community partnership, Mtentu Lodge is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and eco-tourism.

Mtentu is not just a holiday but an ecological and cultural experience of a lifetime and is rated by The Guardian as one of the "Top 10 Backpackers in South Africa's Eastern Cape".

For Dwesa, Hluleka, Silaka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, please use EC Parks Online Booking form.

The reserve is situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland, in the Eastern Cape. It lies between Port Edward (30 km to the north east) and Port St Johns (59 km to the south west).

It is a 7720-ha coastal reserve with open grasslands, dotted with indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers.

Grasslands cover a large portion of the reserve and support a fascinating and diverse flora.

Large numbers of grazing herbivores such as Eland and Red Hartebeest have been introduced into the grasslands.

Visitors to the Wild Coast will find the scenic Mkambati Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trip. Situated close to the KwaZulu-Natal border, the reserve's coastline stretches along 10km of rugged, rocky beaches, offering visitors a glimpse of unspoilt nature and wildlife. Other scenic features include forested ravines, a swamp forest and splashing waterfalls (including one of the few in the entire world that falls straight into the sea).
    
Attractions

This 7 720 ha coastal reserve consists mostly of open grassland dissected by perenial streams and flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Grasslands cover a large portion of the reserve and support a fascinating and diverse flora. Large numbers of grazing herbivores such as Eland, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Blesbuck and even Gemsbok, have been introduced into the grasslands, although only the first two species are indigenous to the area.

Among the birds which may be seen in this habitat are Redshouldered Widow, Yellowthroated Longclaw, Common Waxbill and Croaking Cisticola, with Gurney's Sugarbird and Greater Double Collared Sunbird seeking nectar from the flowering strelitzias. Of the many streams running through the reserve, the Mkambati is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are most impressive as they drop down over the terrace in a wide arc, the stream then tumbling over another waterfall before dropping several metres into the ocean.

Breathtaking views of the Msikaba gorge can be obtained by walking through the grassland above the river. At a bend in the gorge, a natural amphitheatre of towering evergreen forest is inhabited by a spectacular variety of birds including Trumpeter Hornbill, Rameron Pigeon and many more.

Visitors wishing to acquaint themselves with this mysterious river can engage in a 2km canoe trip upstream. Along the way they may be rewarded by sights of the feathery-leaved Mkambati palm, the African fish eagle or the crowned eagle. Birdlife in the reserve is prolific.

Apart from canoeing and fishing, there is a variety of trails, one of the most popular being the walk along the Mkambati River to the breathtaking Horseshoe Falls which plunge into the sea far below.

Of historical importance (and tourist interest) are two famous shipwrecks, namely the Sao Bento(1554)- near the mouth of the Msikaba River - and the Grosvenor (1782) lying in Lambasi Bay.
        
Accommodation

Combine the tranquility of a nature reserve with the natural beauty of the Wild Coast beaches. The reserve offers accommodation in cottages, rondavels and a lodge.

Gwegwe has several rondavels, each with en-suite and kitchen facilities; Point Cottage is right on the beach, sleeps around 8 persons and is ideal for a large family or a group of friends, and the Lagoon Lodge can sleep parties of up to 20 persons.

The Mkhambati Nature Reserve has lots to offer the nature tourist. Its long coastline makes for a wide choice of hikes.The large wilderness area can only be traversed on foot. You can self-drive during the day and night to watch the ample game that are featured in the reserve. Fisherman can enjoy fishing at official estuaries.

For larger groups, the Gwe Gwe River Lodge (20 persons) and the Main Lodge (10 persons) offers fantastic settings that one cannot help but enjoy, while smaller groups can find accommodation in the Gwe Gwe Rondavels (2 persons), Point Cottage (4 persons) and the cottages near the reception area.

Among the birds which may be seen in this habitat are the Redshouldered Window, Yellow throated Longclaw, Common Waxbill, Croaking Cisticola, Orange Throated Long-Claw, Ground Hornbill with Gurneys Sugarbird and the Greater Double Collared Sunbird, seeking nectar from the flowering strelitzias.

Of the many rivers running through the reserve, the Mkhambathi is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are incredibly impressive as they plunge over the terrace in a wide arc. Further down, the river tumbles over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before dropping several metres into the ocean.

Visitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkhambathi Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trips.

Climate

The climate at Mkhambathi is mild sub-tropical with a relatively high humidity. The warm Agulhas current provides for minimal differences between minimum and maximum daily temperatures.

Most of the rain falls falling during spring and summer (September to February). On average June is the driest month, and March is the wettest. Strong winds can occur , blowing parallel to the coast. These winds impact significantly on coastal vegetation and on marine recreational activities.

Contact

Reservations:
Tel: 043 7019600
Fax: 043-742 5566
Fax: 086 6111623

E-mail: reservationsecpta [dot] co [dot] za  

Yellowwood Forest offers backpackers, camping and self catering accommodation for nature loving, travelers, families and groups. Enjoy Wild Coast hospitality just 1.5km from the beach.  The self catering dorm rooms, rustic doubles, luxury family unit, and unconventional campsite has options for all budgets and easy access to both the beach and hidden forests of Morgan Bay.

This eco-spirited retreat has a gift shop, tea garden restaurant, pizzeria & bar, playground and Wi-Fi.

Market day is every Saturday. Stock up on fresh produce and home bakes. There’s also a small touch farm and a magical playground with a tree house, trampoline and slides to keep the kids busy so come hungry and make yourself at home.

The river has a small natural swimming hole with high rocks from which to do bomb drops and there are forest trails to explore. The Morgan Bay dam for bass fishing, swimming and canoeing is a short walk away.

Yellowwood Forest can also be hired as a unique venue for weddings ceremonies, receptions and celebrations! We also offer Cob Building Courses, Volunteer Opportunities and Invasive Plant Eradication services in the local area.

Owner run since 1999 and renowned for its warm hospitality and environmentally conscious heart, this unique place is proud to be awarded Birdlife South Africa "Birder Friendly" status, as well as earning the 5 Green hearts for Green acts award from Love to Stay.

Come to stay, eat, drink, shop, play, bird watch and renew your soul.

Nestled along South Africa’s breathtaking Wild Coast, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is one of its own class Big Five Private Game Reserves with an emphasis on luxury and thoughtful detail.

Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is situated in a prime, malaria free zone in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The reserve offers many unique opportunities as it encompasses five different regional eco-systems (biomes) and a tidal estuary. Inkwenkwezi‘s rich diversity of landscapes offers you an unparallelled wildlife viewing experience.

Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is a short distance away from magnificent beaches and a short convenient drive to and from the East London Airport.

Inkwenkwezi offers spacious and well-appointed luxury tented accommodation to guests in our Valley and Bush Camps; nestled in intimate, leafy settings on the incomparable Wild Coast. Snuggle down into an easy chair to watch the wildlife from the comfortable perch of your own timber viewing deck at Inkwenkwezi Private game Reserve.

ACTIVITIES: Inkwenkwezi offers a variety of activities to guests, such as guided safaris, hiking trails, horse trails, canoeing, quad biking, mountain biking, elephant interactions and elephant back safaris.

Conference and team building facilities are also offered at Inkwenkwezi. Feel free to email us at pgrinkwenkwezi [dot] co [dot] za and we will gladly assist you.

Weddings at the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve are as romantic and unique as the love that brings you here. Have your dreams come true at our beautiful Wild Coast wedding venue.

Benmore Lodge offers 2 bedrooms in each chalet. The main bedroom has a king size or 2 single beds, the second bedroom has two double bunks, each chalet sleeps up to six people. All duvets and linen are supplied. The bedrooms are large and airy with ceiling fans. The dressing table has plug points for hair dryers and cell phone chargers. The bedrooms have built in cupboards with hangers supplied. Feather pillows are available on request. The bathroom has both shower and bath.

The kitchens are fully equipped, including toaster, kettle, microwave and fridge/freezer. All that you need to bring is your food and drinks. The lounge area is large and airy, with sliding doors opening onto a deck with wonderful views of game reserve and Transkei across the river.  

There is a large variety of bird life, and small wildlife on the property. Nearby facilities (5km) include golf (rated one of the best 9-hole courses in South Africa), bowls, squash, horse riding, abseiling, paint ball, fishing, tennis, walks and Hazel Jefferies shell museum. 

Pub and grub and The Shed are on premises (season and on request). The Shed has undercover braai facilities; guests are welcome to use them in rainy weather.The dining area also overlooks the game reserve. Chalets are serviced daily. There is a trading store on the adjoining Benmore Farm which can provide all basic foods, toiletries etc. The trading store also has a huge freezer if you need to store meat, bait etc. Benmore Lodge overlooks the private game reserve and is just 3 km's from beach. 

We offer lovely meals at our pub 'n grub named "The Shed". How to get there:- Situated just 3 km's before Kei Mouth, turn left at Benmore Lodge/The Shed sign at the bottom of the road. Special Features:- Each chalet has braai facilities. Undercover braai facilities at ‘The Shed’, which is 40m (strolling distance) away from the chalets. A swimming pool is available for guests only. 

Contacts:- Owners - Joanne & Brent Jefferies

Temporarily closed until beginning of 2024 due to renovation.

For Dwesa, Hluleka, Silaka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, please use EC Parks Online Booking form.

These two relatively small reserves, separated by the Mbashe River, are situated in the central Wild Coast.

Accommodation in Dwesa 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.

Accommodation in Cwebe is only available at the Haven Hotel.

The reserves 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. This lack of development means that the birdlife is prolific, with over 290 species recorded here. 

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.

Note: The reserves are also Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) so fishing is only allowed in demarcated areas.

For Dwesa, Hluleka, Silaka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, please use EC Parks Online Booking form.

Silaka Nature Reserve covers a total of 400ha, featuring grassland and magnificent indigenous coastal forests along a dramatic piece of coastline.

This beautiful coastal reserve lies in a forested valley south of Port St Johns

, and stretches from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock.

Each of the self catering bungalows has a view of either the forest or ocean. You must bring your own provisions. Although the shops in Port St Johns will have everything you need, it is about 8km back to town.

Trails lead through the evergreen forest and provide the opportunity to view elusive birds such as Knysna Loerie, Cinnamon Dove and Grey Cuckooshrike. The Gxwaleni River flows through the forest and you should look out for Halfcollared Kingfisher and Longtailed Wagtail at fast flowing stretches. Giant forest trees are clad in mosses, lichens and epiphytic orchids, while lilies bloom on the forest floor. Blue Duiker and Bushbuck are indigenous to the forest but are secretive and seldom seen.

Facing the sea are grassy hills where the stately Aloe ferox blooms in winter. The Natal Red Rock Rabbit lives among boulders and introduced Blesbuck, Blue Wildebeest and Burchell's Zebra graze the palatable grasses.

The shoreline is very rugged, with a small sandy beach at the mouth of the Gxwaleni River, below the rest camp. Thickbilled Weaver and Yellowthroated Longclaw breed in the marsh, from where Cape Clawless Otters may venture onto the beach. A huge rocky outcrop, Bird Island, is just offshore and provides a resting place for Whitebreasted Cormorants and other birds. Interesting rock pools occur on the shore surrounding the island, which may be reached at low tide. At the estuary opposite Bird Island, an attractive pebble beach is surrounded by driftwood and aloes, which grow almost to the sea. Large stands of banana-like Strelitzia nicolai blanket some of the sea-facing slopes, where red-hot pokers and Flame Lilies bloom.

How to get there: From Port St Johns, follow the tar road towards the beach and look out for the sign to 'Second Beach Silaka' which turns to the right. Follow the signs from here over a bridge and up a steep hill to the reserve gate.