Travel from the Kei Mouth to the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve
The Wild Coast, also once known as The Transkei, is a stretch of 250 km coastline stretching northeast from East London. In part 2 of our blog our Wild Coast road trip will continue over the Kei River to the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve via Qolora Mouth, Kwa Gcaleka, Mazeppa Bay and Qora Mouth (Click on the links for more details & to book directly at the best price).
1. QOLORA MOUTH (52 KM INCLUDING THE FERRY FROM KEI MOUTH)
Qolora Mouth is a small resort at the mouth of the Qolora River, it is located in the vicinity of the pool of Nongqawuse, the Xhosa prophetess, and the wreck of the Jacaranda, which foundered on 18 September 1971 on the rocks off the coast. 'Qholora' means 'steep place' and describes the gorge through which the Qolora River forges its way to the Indian ocean.
SLEEP AT SEAGULLS BEACH HOTEL
Seagulls Beach Hotel is an old-style, rustic family hotel celebrating the old-world charm and ruggedness of the Wild Coast. Seagulls Beach Hotel is the perfect holiday destination where you can relax and unwind. The hotel has breathtaking views of the sea and you can hear the endless roar of the ocean. They offer clean, comfortable accommodation and outstanding hospitality.
SLEEP AT TRENNERYS HOTEL
Family vacations are not complete without a stay at the award winning Trennerys Hotel! The scenic splendour of the rugged Wild Coast makes this the perfect destination for family holidays. This family hotel maintains its old-world charm and unique South African hospitality, while satisfying the wild at heart… Set in idyllic Transkei surroundings, views from the hotel range from the stunning Wild Coast beaches to the green, lush, tropical vegetation.
2. KWA GCALEKA (58 KM FROM QOLORA MOUTH)
At Kwa Gcaleka you can walk along kilometres of sparkling white beaches, go canoeing and boating on a pristine estuary, discover indigenous dune forests that ring with the sounds of birds, swim in a wild and warm ocean and watch pods of playful dolphins and migrating whales moving by.
SLEEP AT WAVECREST HOTEL & SPA
Wavecrest Hotel and Spa is a jewel of the South African Wild Coast, famous for its friendly hospitality and offering all the ingredients for a wonderful family holiday. Wavecrest’s 30 units include sea-facing and garden chalets, traditional free-standing rondavels and semi-attached family rooms. The free-standing en-suite rondavels accommodate two people. The sea-facing en-suite chalets have private patios.
3. MAZEPPA BAY (51 KM FROM KWA GCALEKA)
Mazeppa Bay was named after the Mazeppa ship that ran aground here in 1892. Mazeppa Bay is renowned for its excellent fishing and spectacular beaches.
SLEEP AT MAZEPPA BAY HOTEL
Nestled in a beautiful setting of palms high above broad beaches, Mazeppa Bay Hotel will enchant you! Take in the beauty as you enjoy the view from the island once across the suspension bridge. The hotel complex consists of double rooms, family rooms and thatched rondavels, each with its own en-suite bathroom, providing comfortable accommodation.
4. QORA MOUTH (62 KM FROM MAZEPPA BAY)
Qora Mouth is a small seaside hamlet which lies at the end of picturesque 33km road from Willowvale.
SLEEP AT KOB INN BEACH RESORT
Come to Kob Inn Beach Resort and explore one of the most celebrated, rustic coastlines in the world. This is the family beach holiday, honeymoon or wedding destination that has something for everyone. The resort is nestled right on the sea front, offering spacious rooms, three delicious meals per day as well as activities such as tennis, canoeing, mountain biking, quad biking,horse riding on the beach, hiking and fishing (in rock pools, in the ocean or in the river).
5. DWESA-CWEBE NATURE RESERVE
These two relatively small reserves are situated in the central Wild Coast and separated by the Mbashe River. The reserves are bordered on the one side by the Indian Ocean and on the other by grasslands.
SLEEP AT BULUNGULA LODGE
Situated on the breathtaking Wild Coast, the Lodge is nestled in one of the most beautiful locations in South Africa. An eco-friendly, Fair Trade certified, affordable, multi-night destination for South African and overseas visitors alike; the Lodge is superb for backpackers and cultural wanderers of this Earth.
SLEEP AT THE HAVEN HOTEL
The Haven Hotel is a family and adventure destination located within the Cwebe/Dwesa Nature Reserves on the Transkei Wild Coast of South Africa. Blessed with sea, sun and endless things to see and do, it offers a way of life that lets you forget the rest of the world and relax in the most secluded and unspoiled surroundings. Established over 80 years ago, the Haven comprises of 25 spacious en-suite cottages scattered within a tranquil, garden-like environment. Located at the mouth of the Mbashe River, the Haven has long been renowned as one of the prime fishing destinations in South Africa.
PLAY AT WILD COAST WALKS
Wild Coast Walks offer the opportunity to explore the pristine Wild Coast and has tailored a selection of trails to suit all types of hikers. The more rugged north with its rocky cliffs and deep river valleys will attract the more adventurous traveller who are prepared to carry their own bags and stay in backpackers and community homestays. The flatter terrain and sandy beaches of the south will appeal to the those wanting a more gentle hiking experience and comfortable overnight accommodation. The chain of hotels running south from Qora Mouth are also more easily accessed for those flying into East London and requiring shuttles.
HOW TO GET THERE: Fly or drive to East London
WHEN TO GO: The hottest months are January to March.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Rent a car to explore the whole area, but drive slowly and during the day - there are cows and goats often cross the roads and potholes are common.
CURRENCY: ZAR
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