Mbotyi, Wild Coast
There is not much between Coffee Bay and Port Edward along the coast. It is nothing like the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, riddled as it is with port upon beach upon seaside village, which suddenly ends at Port Edward.
It is not surprising really, as this is the beginning of the Wild Coast. If you're after desolate beaches, rolling hills, the odd appearance of oxen pulling carts, and not much else, then Mbotyi is possibly one of the best hidden secrets in the Eastern Cape's Pondoland. The coast south of Port Edward is wild, and life here has not caught up with the western world's clamour for development and the acquiring of things.
Mbotyi is roughly a four-hour drive from Durban and 26 kilometres from Lusikisiki. Its name is the Xhosa word for 'place of beans' and, unsurprisingly, the climate and fertile soils are perfect for growing beans. It is also condusive to growing tea, and the Magwa Tea Estates sprawl around Mbotyi - one of the larest tea estates in the country, employing a great many of the local people.
But with such incredible vistas, a sense of the laidback, and little else, chances are that you'll kick back and take full advantage of the quiet to catch up on, well, nothing ...
Additional Reading
For more info about Mbotyi see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: • So Much To Do In Mbotyi On The Wild Coast
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I just loved how rural and untouched Mbotyi was. It is surrounded by mountains and hills and the local African folk are very friendly and welcoming. We took incredible photographs of this views and of birds that we had never seen before. This truly represented Africa for us.
Pauline (London)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Kwela Cottage
Ideally located just a minutes' walk from the beach, Kwela Cottage offers accommodation for six guests in Coffee Bay. Kwela Cottage has two bedro...
Seagulls Beach Hotel
Seagulls Beach Hotel is situated virtually on the beach on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape. We offer clean, comfortable accommodation and outs...
Milkwood Bend Farm Resort
We offer five caravan units on our family-run seaside farm in the Eastern Cape. The establishment has a playground for the kids, an indoor games ...
N'taba River Lodge
Set in amazing tropical gardens on the banks of the Umzimvubu River, N'taba River Lodge is a family resort offering the finest of Wild Coast hosp...
The Ridge Bed and Breakfast
The Ridge is a modern, stylish and comfortable home away from home. The Ridge offers accommodation in seven uniquely styled private rooms. The ro...
PONI Boutique Stay
PONI Boutique Stay is based in Butterworth / Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape. It is a gateway to new adventures, with farm surroundings offering our...
Umtendwe Beach Cottages
Umtendwe Beach Cottages offer accommodation in two upmarket houses, situated on the Black Rock Farm nestled between Morgans Bay and Haga Haga. Th...
Caribbean Estate 1136
Located in the Caribbean Estate near the Wild Coast Sun, Caribbean Estate 1136 offers accommodation in a lush tropical setting offers various fac...
Tuscany by the Sea
Situated in Port Edward, Tuscany by The Sea offers accommodation in three separate apartments. The beach and other attractions are close by. Tusc...
Things to do in the area
Hiking Port St Johns To Coffee Bay
The Wild Coast is, undeniably, one of the world’s most spectacular areas. The best way to experience its raw, unspoilt beauty is to explore it le...
Hiking in Silaka Nature Reserve
Silaka Nature Reserve lies on the south side of Second Beach. Park your car at the Office and take the trail along the coastline either north tow...
Pondo-Explore Hiking Trail
Start: MsikabaFinish: Mbotyi or Port St JohnsDuration: 3-5 nights; 45-68 kmFitness: the first couple of days the gradient is easy but you need a ...
Wild Coast WildRun
A three-day trail run for a limited number of people, the Wild Coast Wild Run is regarded by those who run it as so much more than 'just' a trail...
Noteworthy attractions
Wild Coast Sun Country Club
The Wild Coast Sun Country Club is a rugged beauty of a course. Carts are compulsory but this does not detract from the competitive challenge. Th...
Hole In The Wall
The Hole in the Wall at Coffee Bay is a unique structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the wav...
Wild Coast Sun Golf Course
A memorable golf course situated on the magnificent Wild Coast. World-renowned golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, has used the dramatic c...
Nelson Mandela Museum
The Museum offers visitors an inspiring journey through the life of Nelson Mandela. Known affectionately as 'Madiba', he is loved and respected w...
Silaka Nature Reserve
The Silaka Nature Reserve serves to protect the biodiversity of the coastal forest in the region, and stretches along the coastline between Secon...
Dwesa Cwebe Nature Reserves
The two fairly small sister nature reserves of Dwesa and Cwebe lie separated only by the Mbashe River on the central wild coast, bordered on one ...
Hluleka Nature Reserve
The virtually undiscovered Hluleka Nature Reserve lies roughly 20 kilometres south of Port St Johns on South Africa’s Wild Coast, a part of the w...
Luchaba Nature Reserve
Close to the town of Umtata, now known as Mthatha, lies the charming 460 hectare nature reserve of Luchaba. Luchaba Nature Reserve lies adjacent ...
Magwa Waterfall
The Magwa waterfall is pretty impressive. It is one of few waterfalls on the rugged Wild Coast that is accessible – others entail such effort to ...
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