Weekend in the Wild Coast

We took a short weekend holiday break to Kei Mouth which is located about 1 hours drive north of East London and is effectively the start of what is known as the Wild Coast. We took the N2 route out of East London heading towards Mthatha before turning off right towards Kei Mouth. From the N2 turn off it is approximately a 30km drive down to Kei Mouth.  The road down is surprisingly very good with tarmac all the way down that takes a scenic route through rolling hills before you catch sight of the coast.

We were staying at a place called Whispering Waves which is a very apt name as our rustic cottage overlooked directly onto the waves breaking on to the beach below us. Kei Mouth has a few shops, post office and supermarket, restaurant and a garage and is well geared up to serve the holiday makers that come here to stay - many on a self catering accommodation basis.

It is advisable to travel to this area in a 4x4 as there are lots of off-road dirt tracks where you can drive and explore this rugged coastline. We took a drive down to the Kei River Mouth on the Saturday afternoon and tried our hand at fishing off the rive bank. Sadly although the fish were biting we only caught barbel and not the cob which we were after. The weather over the whole weekend was lovely but rather chilly in the evenings which is to be expected in late May.

On the Sunday morning we took the river crossing (only R120 per car return trip) over the Kei River to explore the coast further up and visited the Trennerys Hotel which is a lovely hotel set high up overlooing the Indian Ocean. The Trennerys is a popular holiday resort with lovely accommodation, swimming pool and tennis court plus play areas for the younger ones. They have a very nice bar with full size snooker table and DSTV. From the hotel you can walk down to the lagoon and beach below. The beach stretches for miles with several coves and inlets visible and it is not uncommon to see the odd cow roaming around on the beach. After our walk we enjoyed a nice cold refreshing drink at the hotel before setting off to enjoy a picnic beside the Kei River. The locals wander about from early morning selling locally made crafts and will even make things to order if they dont quite have what you are looking for.

It really was a delight enjoying braais in the evenings whilst chatting and watching the waves breaking in the ocean below our cottage. The whole Wild Coast stretches for a long way northwards from here and is worth exploring. There is a good choice of accommodation from the basic and simple to the luxury end of the market. We recommend you add the Wild Coast to your South Africa Holiday itinerary.

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Flights from Durban to London

This Sunday the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu announced that King Shaka International Airport in Durban is to get direct flights to London Gatwick Airport and across Africa as part of a new strategic deal with Dube TradePort and South Africa's biggest privately owned airline Comair. Although the plans are only at the initial stages it is hoped that they will start with three flights a week to London Gatwick which presently does not serve South Africa. London Gatwick Airport is located to the south of London and has a fast train service from within the airport directly into the centre of London.

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Kosi Bay in the St. Lucia Wetlands

Traditional Old Fishing Nets still be used today in the lakes of Kosi Bay

The name Kosi Bay is actually quite misleading as there isn’t a ‘bay’ here. Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is made up from an intricate system of rivers, lakes, an estuary and mouth, running parallel to the beach. The entire Kosi Bay area, falls under the protected St Lucia Wetlands area which forms part of a World Heritage Site.

The beach at Kosi Bay is considered to be one of the most pristine estuarine lake systems in Africa. There are actually four inter-connected lakes that are fed by the Siyadla and Nswamanzi Rivers from the south and west respectively. The “aManzamnyama” or “Black Water” Lake is also known as Fourth Lake, and is home to many hippos and crocodiles.  This lake drains into Nhlanga Lake which is also the largest lake in the system. .The four lakes form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.  Kosi Bay estuary is actually only 2 kilometres from the border of Mozambique.

Kosi Bay beach is amazingly quiet and the River Mouth is referred to locally as ‘the Aquarium’ due to the clear waters and the wide variety of fish living here. One of the reasons Kosi Bay is famous is because of the traditional fish-traps that are still used today to catch fish as they swim in and out of the estuary. The mouth of the estuary is a popular spot to snorkel at and where you can often see a variety of tropical fish including the Moray Eel and Stone Fish.

Many people come to the area to experience the diversity of wildlife that lives here including the loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come here annually to lay their eggs on the beach. The waters here are also home to crocodiles, duiker and Bull sharks.

In order to preserve this largely unspoilt and beautiful area it is important to understand how to get about. Many of the roads are pure sand and become very rough during dry conditions, while others are filled with building rubble or gravel by the community and surrounding lodges in order to provide easier access for most 2 wheel drive vehicles. Cars that are low to the ground are not recommended, as the 2 wheel tracks on the sandy roads often leave a centre bump in the road that can damage the underneath of your vehicle. The use of 4x4 vehicles on roads here is recommended as the sand can often be very thick in places. Getting to the Kosi Bay Mouth, Black Rock and other beaches, including driving around in Mozambique are best explored in a 4x4 or 4WD vehicle.

Quad Bikes are not allowed as they are off road vehicles and not licensed to be driven on a public road.  The roads that lead to the lakes, the lodges and private dwellings in Kosi Bay are accessed by the public and are therefore considered a public road.

KwaZulu-Natal is a popular hosliday destination in South Africa both for locals and for international visitors. The wonderful beaches along the coastline of KZN as well the wide range of KwaZulu-Natal holiday accommodation has people coming back year after year.

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Horseback Riding in South Africa

There are many amazing things that you can do whilst on holiday in South Africa from whale watching, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping to a horse safari holiday or horseback riding trails. There are a number of companies througout South Africa offering a variety of horseback experiences from 1 to 6 hour beach trails to 2-03 day overnight trails. The great thing is you dont need to be an experienced rider to enjoy the delights of these horseback trails.

From trails through the Overberg region in the Western Cape to riding along the beautifully clean beaches of Walker Bay there are endless choices of places to see and experience. The Walker Bay area is also well known for being the annual breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales and from July to December as well as enjoying one of these horse trails you might even get the chance to see the Whales just off the shore. The horse trails typically will take you through rugged mountain terrain, indigenous forest, via national parks, nature reserves and other scenic routes.

If you are thinking of embarking on one of the longer overnight horse trails you will need to consider what to bring and wear. Our advice is to ensure you have a cap or hat, definitely some rain or sun protection as the weather can fluctuate, a sleeping bag and warm jacket, a change of clothing, a torch and some jodphursand gloves although these can often be hired. In the summer it is worth bringing a swimsuit and dont forget some good shoes or boots.

A great place for a beach horse trail is along the Noordhoek Beach situated just below the southern slopes of Chapman's Peak Drive. This trip is normally a 2 hour horse trail across sand dunes and onto the beach with magnificent views and a chance to trot or cantor along the beaches and through the waves.

Another great place to try horseback riding is up on the Wild Coast where you will find superb beaches, lagoons and the chance to come face to face with zebra and giraffe. Dont worry you wont be coming face to face with any dangerous animals.

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Port Alfred Air Festival 2014

The renowned 43 Air School in Port Alfred will be staging its annual Air Festival on the 26th and 27th December 2014. The Air Festival is a great chance to get up close and personal with some superb flying machines including bi-planes and even Russian Jet Fighters. There will be a small entrance fee charged to visitors as the festival raises import charity funds for the local area.

The Air Festival will have a full flying programme including acrobatic-displays by stunt pilots . For the adventurous among you there will be the chance to buy flips on certain aircraft including helicopters with costs ranging from R500 to R5000. The 43 Air School will also be arranging tours of their facilities which if you are interested in ever becoming a pilot, air-traffic controller or aircraft engineer will provide you with a real insight and a chance to ask questions.

Other attractions at the festival will include stall holders from the Bathurst Farmers Market and Hamburg Cottage Industries. Offers have also gone out to the Bathurst Agricultural Museum to display some of its equipment as well as the vintage car club to show off some of their classic cars.

The 43 Air School is located just outside Port Alfred a seaside town on the Eastern Cape's Sunshine Coast. Port Alfred is a very popular holiday destination with superb sandy beaches and plenty of accommodation on offer.

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Top 03 Driving Tips for South Africa

1. Always fill up your car with petrol before embarking on a long journey. Distances between Petrol Stations can vary quite a lot and with such big distances between towns and cities it is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Try to plan your journey for day time driving. Driving at night can be hazardous especially out of the towns and cities. It is not uncommon to come across cows, monkeys and goats wandering across the road and at night there are many stories of cars hitting these animals. Also roads outside of town are not well lit if at all.

3. When stopping at a petrol station take advantage of the attendants and ensure they clean your windscreens - for the sake of a R2 tip it is well worth it.

4. Try to tune into a local radio station when travelling - they are normally very good at warning you of roadworks and those aptly named "smile zones" - to you and me these are speed traps !

5. For those long journeys make sure you take some food and drink with you in the car. Great for keeping the kids quiet when they start getting bored.

6. Keep a camera handy with you in the car - you just never know when you are going to come across wonderful scenery, animals or interesting sights.

7. Make sure you have your driving licence with you always. If you are stopped by the police they will want to see this. It is also always worth keeping some cash handy for those annoying on the spot fines.

8. Be aware that some of the roads in South Africa are not up to the standard of those you may normally be used to. If you are driving off the main roads or around areas like the Wild Coast you will really need a 4X4. You wouldnt want to miss out on some of the more off the beaten track sights beacuse your car isnt up to it.

9. Make sure your mobile phone is charged and you notify people of where you are going and what time you should be reaching your destination. That way if you are late you are contactable or can contact someone if you break down.

03.When parking your car anywhere do not leave valuables on show. Like anywhere in the world there are petty crime theives that are only too willing to snatch them.

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Weekend away at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve - Port Alfred

This weekend we spent a night at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve which is located just 5 minutes outside of Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape Sunshine Coast. Oceana is situated in an elevated position overlooking 7km of private beachfront in the maleria-free Eastern Cape. It opened its doors for business approximately
4 years ago and has established itself as a 5 Star Game Reserve and Spa Retreat.

The location is extremely private and has a really romatic feel about it. The main lodge has a lovely bar with seating around a log fire and separate dining rooms. It would make an ideal setting for a wedding function or to just getaway and pamper yourself for a few days. We arrived early evening and enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks on the patio overlooking the Indian Ocean whilst gazing at the amazing star-filled sky.

As we were celebrating a special occasion our hosts had organised us a private table for 2 in one of their lounges with a lovely fire going next to us. The food was of a very high standard and the service was excellent. After dinner we enjoyed our superb cappuccinos by the open log fire by the bar. Next to the bar area there is a very nice patio with steps leading up to the swimming pool and boma. If you are having your wedding here then Oceana have a large Bedouin-style tent that covers this area and makes for a wonderful setting.




That evening we stayed in a lovely chalet with large balcony overlooking the Reserve and Indian Ocean. Our room had a wonderful double bed with TV at the end of it. There was also a his'n'hers bathrooms with a bath with views outside in one of them. The rooms are extremely well appointed and very spacious.

In the morning we sat outside with our coffee and watch the sunrise and the animals roam around just a short distance away. Oceana is not a Big 5 Game Reserve but it still has Giraffe, Rhino, Zebra, Buffalo, Wildebeest and many other animals. There is a lovely fitness room near the Lodge with magnificent views plus an excellent Spa with a range of treatments available. Other activities on offer at Oceana include; Surf and Rock Fishing, Game Drives, Bush Picnic and Sundowners, 5 hole putting green on the Heli Pad, Steam Room and Games Room.

Visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica for more South Africa Accommodation ideas. 

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