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MMkhambathi Nature Reserve, located on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, is a place of waterfalls. Stand in awe of one and you’ll be surrounded by some of South Africa’s most spectacular plant life. Look out for wild frangipani, milkplum and natural rock gardens adorned with ferns, moss and myserious miniature succulents. Listen to the sound of falling water as you spot the turquoise sea through the trees. One of the reserve’s waterfalls flows into this sea.
You might see a herd of eland ambling along the beach, or blue wildebeest roaming through the wild banana-palms. Keep an eye out for blue duiker in the indigenous forests, and vervet monkeys in the trees. Endangered Cape vultures soar over the dizzying cliff-faces of the Msikaba River gorge.
In the winter months of June and July, you’ll be able to see great shoals of sardines migrating northwards, along with whales, sharks, dolphins and clouds of Cape gannet birds. You could also canoe up the Mtentu River for a glorious shift in perspective.
The combination of coastline, open grasslands, wetlands and indigenous forest will delight any birder. Look out for yellow-throated and orange-throated long-claws, croaking cisticolas, the Gurney’s sugarbird and red-shouldered widows.
You’ll want to spend a good while exploring this beautiful reserve and committing the extraordinary flora and fauna to memory.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency
+27 (0)43 492 0881
How to get here
The easiest route to Mkhambathi is via Durban (the closest airport). It will take about 4 hours by car. Avoid driving at night, as there are often cows on the road.
Best time to visit
Mkhambathi has a sub-tropical climate. Summers (between October and March) can be rainy, which makes the waterfalls swell.
Things to do
There are plenty of scenic hiking trails in the area.
What to pack
Pack sun protection, a local bird book and comfortable walking shoes.
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