Things to Do in Mthatha

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.

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.

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.

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.