Things to Do in Port St Johns

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.

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.

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!)

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.