Hluleka Nature Reserve

This beautiful, hilly coastal reserve is a combination of rocky seashore, lagoon and evergreen forest. The Hluleka River flows through and out of the forest into an open area where large Coral Trees, Quinine Trees and Natal Figs grow along its banks. Before fanning out into a long lagoon, the river widens to provide an ideal habitat for Black Duck, Dabchick and African Jacana, which tread delicately across the watery lilipads.

Burchell's Zebra, Blesbuck and Blue Wildebeest, which have all been introduced but appear to be doing well, are regularly encountered in the open areas along the river.

In the restcamp there are several self-contained wooden chalets, some raised up on stilts to provide views of the ocean and forest. Each chalet is able to accommodate six people and all you need to bring is your food and drink.

There is a small sandy bay at the mouth of the river and as you move up the coast, many interesting rock formations may be seen. There is excellent fishing along the rocky shore with Blacktail, Zebra, Shad and Kob being regular catches. A path winds through a forest of strelitzias to the top of the grassy hills, which provide a good vantage point from which to search for dolphins or whales offshore.

Attractions

This small, hilly reserve, covering 772 ha, contains patches of indigenous forest and grassland. Although a few game species, such as eland and plains zebra, have been introduced, the Hluleka's main appeal for the naturalist is the abundant birdlife. The rocky coastline provides excellent fishing and attracts large numbers of fishermen during holiday periods. Anglers should be aware that here, as at all Wild Coast reserves, the collecting of bait is not permitted.

Services

- Accommodation
- Nature Reserve
- Rock and river angling
- Bird and small game watching
- Self-guided walks

How to get there

Extreme east of province on coast; north of Coffee Bay. From Umtata follow the R61 eastwards for 29km to Libode. Shortly after Libode turn right onto a gravel road and follow this road southwards for 90km to the reserve.

Accommodation

Enter the Reserve from the south and cross the Hluleka River en route to the stone-house which houses the Reserve admistration. From there you can see the evergreen forest through which the river runs and the ocean, fringed by a sandy beach. The self-contained units have a forest or sea view.

Accommodation in the reserve is provided by 12 self- catering chalets/cottages which are rented as a whole and can sleep 6 people each. For further information, contact the camp on Tel: +27 (0)47 531 5290.

Information Offices

Wild Coast Community Tourism Initiative

Postal Address: PO Box 18171, Quigney 5211, South Africa

Physical Address: Tourism Centre, Eastern Cape Tourist Board, Quigney, East London 5211, South Africa

Telephone: +27 43 7222203
Fax: +27 43 7222219
info@wildcoast.org.za