Mkambati Nature ReserveVisitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkambati
Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trip.
Situated close to the KwaZulu-Natal border, the reserve's
coastline stretches along 10km of rugged, rocky beaches,
offering visitors a glimpse of unspoilt nature. Other
scenic features include forested ravines, a swamp forest
and splashing waterfalls. | |
AttractionsThis 8 000 ha coastal reserve consists mostly of open
grassland dissected by perenial streams and flanked by the
magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu
rivers. Grasslands cover a large portion of the reserve
and support a fascinating and diverse flora. Large numbers
of grazing herbivores such as Eland, Red Hartebeest, Blue
Wildebeest, Blesbuck and even Gemsbok, have been
introduced into the grasslands, although only the first
two species are indigenous to the area.
Among the birds which may be seen in this habitat are
Redshouldered Widow, Yellowthroated Longclaw, Common
Waxbill and Croaking Cisticola, with Gurney's Sugarbird
and Greater Double Collared Sunbird seeking nectar from
the flowering strelitzias. Of the many streams running
through the reserve, the Mkambati is perhaps the most
beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of
spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are most
impressive as they drop down over the terrace in a wide
arc, the stream then tumbling over another waterfall before
dropping several metres into the ocean.
Breathtaking views of the Msikaba gorge can be obtained by
walking through the grassland above the river. At a bend
in the gorge, a natural amphitheatre of towering evergreen
forest is inhabited by a spectacular variety of birds
including Trumpeter Hornbill, Rameron Pigeon and many more.
Visitors wishing to acquaint themselves with this
mysterious river can engage in a 2km canoe trip upstream.
Along the way they may be rewarded by sights of the
feathery-leaved Mkambati palm, the African fish eagle or
the crowned eagle. Birdlife in the reserve is prolific.
Apart from canoeing and fishing, there is a variety of
trails, one of the most popular being the walk along the
Mkambati River to the breathtaking Horseshoe Falls which
plunge into the sea far below.
Of historical importance (and tourist interest) are two
famous shipwrecks, namely the Sao Bento(1554)-
near the mouth of the Msikaba River - and the
Grosvenor (1782) lying in Lambasi Bay. | |
Services- Nature reserve
- Bird watching
- Game viewing
- Self-guided walks
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Horse riding
- Canoeing
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How to get thereThe Mkambati Nature Reserve is situated on the coast of
north-east Pondoland in the Eastern Cape.
From Umtata travel along the N2 from Umtata to Brooks Nek
(approximately 162km). From Kokstad follow the N2
southwards towards Port Edward for 7 km to Brooks Nek
Continue for another 7km, then turn left towards Bizana.
After about 36km turn right at Magusheni onto the R61 to
Flagstaff. A few kilometres before Flagstaff, look out
for a signpost to Mkambati. This gravel road will take you
past the Holy Cross hospital to the reserve??s entrance
gate. | |
AccommodationCombine the tranquility of a nature reserve with the
natural beauty of the Wild Coast beaches. The reserve
offers accommodation in cottages, rondavels and 2 lodges.
The Mkambati Game Lodge has 5 en-suite double rooms, a
swimming pool and a magnificent sea view. The balance of
the accommodation is more rustic, some on the beach, some
4km inland. The lodge can be contacted at Tel: +27 (0)39
727 3124 or Fax: +27 (0)39 727 3939 for further
information.
Other accomodation centres scattered around the reserve
are all self-catering: Gwegwe has several rondavels, each
with en-suite and kitchen facilities; Point Cottage is
right on the beach, sleeps around 8 persons and is ideal
for a large family or a group of friends, and the Lagoon
lodge can sleep parties of up to 20 persons. Booking can
be made through KevalTravel on Tel: +27 (0)39 306 9000. | |
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