Wild Coast Nature Reserves

Revitalise your soul and get far from the crowds in the lovely sister reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe. The two fairly small nature reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe lie on each side of the Mbashe River on the Wild Coast. This awesome setting is bordered on one side by the forest-fringed shores of the Indian Ocean, and on the other by the undulating sourveld grasslands of what was formerly the Transkei. Dwesa and Cwebe conserve one of the largest swathes of indigenous coastal forest in the Eastern Cape. Another important function is to protect the sensitive inter-tidal and marine environment. The birdlife is incredible with over 290 species of birds recorded. Birds to spot includes rarities such as the Narina Trogan and Mangrove Kingfisher. Cape buffalo, eland, zebra, blesbok, blue wildebeest, warthog and crocodiles have been reintroduced. Look out for the Cape clawless otter in the lagoon. Beautiful trails with amazing views enable hikers to explore the forests, estuary, mangroves, beach and grasslands of Dwesa and Cwebe on foot.

The East London Coast Nature Reserve merges ten coastal reserves and two inland state forests. These protected areas are set between the Great Kei River in the north-east and the Tylomnqa River in the south-west. It’s an awesome spot to spend a family holiday or just enjoy chilling on the stunning beaches. Active types will find that there’s so much to do along this lovely coast. Multi-day hikes, nature walks, horse trails and fishing tend to be the most popular activities. From north-east to south-west the parks include Cape Morgan, Double Mouth, Cape Henderson, Chintsa West, Kwelera, Nahoon, Cove Rock or Gulu, Kidd's Beach, Kayser's Beach and Chalumna. These reserves occupy 57% of the 250-kilometre coastline between between the two rivers. Umtiza Forest and Fort Pato Forest are situated inland on the northern banks of the Buffalo River 14 kilometres and 25 kilometres north of East London.

Lying 20 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 – home to an abundance of wildlife. Meandering paths lead through the forests to open hilltops offering spectacular dolphin and whale watching. Hluleka's leading attraction to the naturalist is the excellent birdlife. Look out for the rare green coucal, Cape parrot, osprey, fish eagle, ground hornbill, African finfoot and Knysna turaco. Wildlife you may encounter include bushbuck, eland, Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, blue duiker, rock dassie and bush pig.

Home to rare white lions and the Big Five, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve offers a delightful safari experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Inkwenkwezi, the Xhosa word for 'under the stars', offers an unforgettable wilderness adventure with amazing options such as elephant-back walks, hiking, horseback and quad-bike trails guided by experienced rangers as well as stunning beaches to explore. Along with lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, the reserve has cheetah, numerous antelope, giraffe, zebra, other predators and prolific birdlife. Inkwenkwezi is also popular with couples wanting to tie the knot in a romantic but easily accessible game reserve. It’s just a five-minute drive from awesome beaches and a 40-minute drive from East London Airport. Getting there by car is easy as the roads are tarred right to the entrance gates.

Nature lovers and hikers look no further than the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. This subtropical walker’s paradise has much to offer with a long stretch of coastline and an extensive choice of hikes. Characterised by open grasslands, indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, Mkhambathi Nature Reserve is fringed by the beautiful forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu Rivers. Most of the reserve is rolling grassland, supporting an intriguing diversity of plant life. Of all the rivers running through the reserve, the sparkling pools and series of waterfalls on the Mkhambathi River are the most stunning. The Horseshoe Falls is particularly awesome. Downstream the river cascades over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before crashing into the ocean. Birds to spot include the Ground-hornbill, Red-shouldered widow, Yellow-throated longclaw, Common waxbill, Croaking cisticola, Orange-throated Longclaw, Gurney’s sugarbird and Greater double-collared sunbird.

Just six kilometres south of the chilled seaside town of Port St Johns is a gorgeous protectorate of Eastern Cape Coastal Forest. Stretching from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock, the 400-hectare Silaka Nature Reserve might be small in size but a river flows through it and the entire place is imbued with exceptional scenic beauty. The Silaka River meanders within the reserve to become an estuary meeting up with the stunning beach. Nature lovers have no shortage of beautiful spots to explore from the tidal rock pools, estuary, forest and grasslands. Keep an eye open for Cape clawless otters on the beach and in the estuary. Twitchers can experience phenomenal birding including sightings of Knysna turaco, Cinnamon dove, Half-collared kingfisher and Grey cuckooshrike.