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MKAMBATI NATURE RESERVE

Visitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkambati Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their tour. 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.

Nestling between the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers and traversed by perennial streams, this
6 000ha reserve has mainly grassland vegetation, similar to that of other reserves in the region. In the northern parts of the reserve the vegetation tends to be more subtropical, and among the wide variety of plants that flourish here is the Pondoland palm or Mkambati coconut which grows only beside the valleys of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Measuring 33m in some places, the Msikaba is the deepest river in South Africa. 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.

Those interested in bigger game will not be disappointed, for Mkambati is also home to eland, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, blesbok, gemsbok and zebra. 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. After a tiring day, guests can return to the luxury of the three-bed rondavels; the twenty-bed thatched house or the six- or eight-bed cottages. There is also a ten-bed serviced lodge and communal ablution facilities for all. A cook is available to prepare visitors' food. Mkambeti is open to guests throughout the year (opening time: 06h00 to 18h00 daily).

How to get there:
From Kokstad follow the N2 southwards for 7 km to Brooks Nek; continue for another 7 km, then turn left towards Bizana; after about 36 km turn right at Magusheni onto the R61 to Flagstaff. After some 30km turn left towards the Holy Cross Mission and watch out for signposts to the reserve.

Contact details:
Postal address: Private Bag X1126, Port Elizabeth, 6000, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-471-312712
Tel (South Africa): 0471-312712
Fax (International): +27-471-312713
Fax (South Africa): 0471-312713