The reserve is situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland, in the Eastern Cape. It lies between Port Edward (30 km to the north east) and Port St Johns (59 km to the south west).

It is a 7720-ha coastal reserve with open grasslands, dotted with indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, 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 and Red Hartebeest have been introduced into the grasslands.

Visitors to the Wild Coast 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 and wildlife. Other scenic features include forested ravines, a swamp forest and splashing waterfalls (including one of the few in the entire world that falls straight into the sea).

Accommodation

Combine the tranquility of a nature reserve with the natural beauty of the Wild Coast beaches. The reserve offers accommodation in cottages, rondavels and a lodge.

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.

The Mkhambati Nature Reserve has lots to offer the nature tourist. Its long coastline makes for a wide choice of hikes.The large wilderness area can only be traversed on foot. You can self-drive during the day and night to watch the ample game that are featured in the reserve. Fisherman can enjoy fishing at official estuaries.

For larger groups, the Gwe Gwe River Lodge (20 persons) and the Main Lodge (10 persons) offers fantastic settings that one cannot help but enjoy, while smaller groups can find accommodation in the Gwe Gwe Rondavels (2 persons), Point Cottage (4 persons) and the cottages near the reception area.

Among the birds which may be seen in this habitat are the Redshouldered Window, Yellow throated Longclaw, Common Waxbill, Croaking Cisticola, Orange Throated Long-Claw, Ground Hornbill with Gurneys Sugarbird and the Greater Double Collared Sunbird, seeking nectar from the flowering strelitzias.

Of the many rivers running through the reserve, the Mkhambathi is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are incredibly impressive as they plunge over the terrace in a wide arc. Further down, the river tumbles over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before dropping several metres into the ocean.

Visitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkhambathi Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trips.

Climate

The climate at Mkhambathi is mild sub-tropical with a relatively high humidity. The warm Agulhas current provides for minimal differences between minimum and maximum daily temperatures.

Most of the rain falls falling during spring and summer (September to February). On average June is the driest month, and March is the wettest. Strong winds can occur , blowing parallel to the coast. These winds impact significantly on coastal vegetation and on marine recreational activities.

The resort is set on 750 hectares of natural bush between two rivers overlooking the Indian Ocean. The area offers tourists and conference delegates a variety of attractions and activities – from walks along our unspoilt beaches to deep sea fishing and scuba diving.

The 18-hole golf course is ranked one of the top courses in Southern Africa. The scenery is magnificent, and the country club offers light lunches and a view of the sea and the 18th hole.

Visitors to the Wild Coast Sun can also be entertained at the Wild Waves Water Park, a family delight with rides suitable for all ages.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from the Aqua loop, which is a body slide, to the various speed slides- the tallest, fastest and steepest slides – and the lazy loop which is equivalent to sitting in a tube and floating gently round a circuit.

The Wild Coast Sun Resort is one of Southern Africa’s oldest and most popular casinos. Located just 5 km south of Port Edward, the casino is within easy driving distance from many of the South Coast’s beach resorts.

In addition to the normal slot machines there are also poker machines, blackjack tables and roulette wheels.

• Slots are open 24/7
• Casino tables open at 11:00.

The Wild Coast Sun is one of Sun International’s most popular and exotic properties. The casino group’s renowned for their string of casino and hotel complexes, but very few can match the setting of this one or the facilities it has to offer. The casino boasts the usual variety of slots and tables, with the Plantation Room providing a particularly opulent experience, with black jack and roulette tables alongside a smoking bar and great views of the property and the sea.

There is a range of restaurants too, from the fast food variety and light meal bistros to more formal seafood restaurants and steakhouses.