Things to Do in Lusikisiki

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.

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.

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.

The new multi-million Wild Waves Water Park at the Wild Coast Sun is guaranteed to thrill. This expansive water park provides exciting rides suitable for kids and adults alike. Try the “Boomeranga”, an exhilarating tube ride unlike any other. Or how about the “Aqua Loop” for a body-slide adventure in a capsule. Then there’s the powerful water force of the “SuperBowl” and “Speed Slides”, one of the tallest, fastest, steepest and most adrenaline-pumping water-spray experiences on the globe. Catch your breath on “The Lazy River” or join your little ones for fun in the safe children’s interactive AquaPlay area. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert, reputed to be the smallest desert in the world. At just 200 m in width, it stands in stark contrast to the surrounding lush, tropical vegetation. Extra-terrestrial landings, excessive overgrazing and many other intriguing tales are attributed to its origins. The surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands are home to a number of rare endemic plants. Archeological artifacts have also been unearthed. Hit the trail on foot or mountain bike and check out the magnificent view over the Umtamvuna Estuaryfrom the cliff top. Clearwater Trails offer walking or mountain biking trips along the Umtamvuna Gorge starting at the viewing deck upriver, ending at the Umtamvuna Bridge. Photo credit: Dave Watson

Ever wondered how your caffeine fix became a brew? Visit the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and take their ‘crop to cup’ tour. Along with sampling fine coffees to experience the distinguishing flavours of the World’s coffee regions, visitors learn the skills that create the perfect cup. Booking is essential for the tours and there is a small fee. Beaver Creek also offers freshly roasted speciality coffees, light lunches and delicious cakes at The Estate Café. When it comes to good coffee you are in excellent hands. From Crop to Cup Tour: daily tour starts at 12:00 and cost R20. Booking is essential. Estate Café Restaurant Times: 08:00 – 16:00 every day of the year except for Christmas day. +27 (0) 39 311 2347.

Join a heart-warming educational experience and support the gentle wildlife residents at Crag’s View Wild Care Centre. Situated on Crag’s View Farm, Crag’s View Wild Care Centre is the only official wildlife rehabilitation centre serving the lower South Coast region. Animals and birds that have sustained injuries or are orphaned mainly due to human influence are rehabilitated for release into the wild. Patients include the rare blue duiker, bush buck, other antelope and a variety of birds and small mammals indigenous to the area. Crag’s View Wild Care Centre offers their educational talk and experience from Monday to Sunday at 10 am by appointment only. +27 (0) 39 311 2488 wildlife@cragsview.co.za Crag’s View Farm, Izingolweni Road, Port Edward.

Characterised by swathes of sandy beaches criss-crossed by estuaries and mangrove swamps, majestic cliffs and grassy hilltops - this guided and portaged trail offers a new dimension to coastal hiking. The adventure starts at the pretty seaside village of Presley's Bay. From here the first 12.5 km day covers some of the most stunning scenery along the Wild Coast. Hikers will need to cross pristine estuaries and a mangrove swamp at Mdumbi. The beach here is particularly beautiful. From Coffee Bay, the undulating route offers magnificent panoramas. Guides take you to a series of caves in the dolerite cliffs. If you’re feeling brave you can climb down to the cave where ANC cadres stashed arms during the liberation struggle. Cliff-top vantage points offer excellent dolphin and whale spotting opportunities. On the final day the magnificent and iconic sight of the Hole in the Wall rises to greet you. During the annual Sardine Run, the entire route presents dazzling views of frenetic activity in the ocean. Sharks, whales, dolphin, game fish and thousands of Cape Gannet jostle to feast on the sardine shoal, described as the greatest migration on earth.

Take an inspiring tour through the life of former President and international icon Nelson Mandela. Loved and esteemed throughout the globe for his determined energy to uplift life for everyone, ‘Madiba’ insisted that the Nelson Mandela Museum should not be dedicated to him. His vision is that it will be a stimulus for the enrichment and development of the locals of Qunu. The Museum officially opened in 2 000, ten years after his release from prison in 1990 and incorporates three sites – the Bhunga Building in Mthatha, the spiritual Mvezo where Mandela was born, and Qunu, his childhood village. Bunga Building, Nelson Mandela Dr & Owen Street, Mthatha +27 (0) 47 532 5110 Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00 Saturdays and Public Holidays (except Workers Day and Good Friday) 09:00 to 12:30.

Circus triangle is a busy shopping mall and a popular place for Mthatha’s youths to hang out (too popular - scholars have been banned during school hours!)

Home to over 200 adult Nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles, Riverbend Crocodile Farm has become a popular spot for families holidaying in Southbroom. A number of bird species also share the space on this beautiful estate that has landscaped breeding enclosures similar to the feisty reptiles’ natural habitat. The snake house houses some of the southern Africa’s most deadly and handsome snakes. On Sundays and more frequently during the holiday season, interesting and informative snake presentations take place. The education centre’s displays uncover the mysteries and life cycle of crocodiles and snakes. It also gives an overview of the daily activities on the farm. The highlight of any visit is feeding time and when the crocodiles hatch during January and February. +27 (0) 39 316 6204 Old Main Road, Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal.

Easily one of the most popular courses on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Southbroom Golf Course continues to enhance its course and has become one of the top 100 golf courses in South Africa.The central point of Southbroom village, the course is surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical plants with superlative Indian Ocean views.The 18-hole Southbroom golf course is challenging enough, and becomes more so when the course gets windswept. The par-3 fourth is the best known of the two coastal holes. On calm days it's described as a wedge, but becomes a tiger when the wind is blowing into you.Players will encounter water in the form of both dams and a river. A cautious strategy is required to negotiate the features of this attractive course.Impressive views of unspoiled beaches and the ocean; the peacefulness of playing next to the indigenous foliage of the Frederika Nature Reserve; and the elegant atmosphere of Southbroom village make for a memorable golfing experience. Each of the 18-holes has a unique attribute and will even test the skills of the most proficient golfers.