Activities

Mbotyi is an adventurer’s paradise. This is truly an under-explored area and there is an adventure around every corner.

Birding

Mbotyi is fortunate to have to have so many different Biozomes. We have indigenous forest, the Ntsubane which is one of the largest in our country. There are large tree plantations as well as the enormous Magwa tea plantation. There are a number of rivers in the area and also the very large lagoon estuary of the Mbotyi River. We thus play host to a very large variety of birds and in the Ntsubane, also butterflies.

Lately the bird life on the lagoon has been outstanding; two great white pelicans have arrived to nest on the lagoon, we hope they will remain with us at least for a while. They share the water with mallard ducks, spurwing and Egyptian geese, cormorants, kingfishers so many kinds, fish eagles, all fishing every morning.

Guided walks are from the lodge are very popular and picnic baskets can be supplied for birders wanting to spend time in the forest.

Butterflies

Abound in March/April. Take one of our guides who will show you where to see the most beautiful butterflies.

Canoeing

Paddle out on the beautiful tranquil lagoon and watch the Fish Eagle catch his dinner or enjoy the unusual sight of a herd of Nguni cattle bathing in the lagoon. We have several canoes available.

Fishing

Cast a line from the surf or the rocky ledges or go fly-fishing in the lagoon. Mbotyi is a fisherman’s dream. The wide lagoon estuary is perfect breeding ground for many species.  Bait is available at the lodge as well as knowledgeable gillies from the community. Please remember to bring a valid fishing license, they are available from any Post Office.

Hiking

There are numerous hiking trails to explore through mysterious indigenous forests, towering waterfalls or along the spectacular coast. Some hikes take one through the village where you can experience true Pondo culture, meet with the rural folk who still live according to their traditions and share in their daily lives. The hikes vary from a gentle stroll to a daunting 28 kilometre trail or a climb down into the gorge to stand under a 110 metre waterfall and swim in a crystal clear pool.

Horse Trails

Support this Community Initiative by going on a spectacular horse ride in the area.

Mountain Biking

We have mountain bikes for hire or bring your own. There are mapped trails for the very experience biker with great challenges as well as some gentle rides for the inexperienced. These trails take one through the forest, up on to the grassland escarpment or through the magnificent tea plantation.

Open Landrover Routes

Join a trip in our open landrover to visit special seldom visited sites and get to view the magical views of Mbotyi and its surrounds. Picnics baskets can be arranged for either a lunch outing at one of our picnic sites or sundowners up on the hill overlooking the ocean.

What Else Happens at Mbotyi

Mbotyi is the perfect place for weddings.  Like the Pondo weddings, the occasion becomes a weekend long celebration, where guests and relatives make special everlasting memories.

Conferences are arranged  for small special groups  up to 40 pax.

Team building and adventure activities organised by our team of sporting experts.

Sardine Run

During June/July the spectacular annual Sardine Run takes place along the Wild Coast. There is no better place to be than Mbotyi where there are numerous vantage points to appreciate the frantic activity in the Indian Ocean. Whales, dolphins, sharks, gannets and seals feast on the vast shoals of sardines along the coast. Foreign divers come annually to experience this amazing spectacle under water.

Swimming

In the warm Indian Ocean or in the sparkling pool at the Lodge.

Waterfalls

Mbotyi has an abundance of spectacular waterfalls, some tumbling into narrow gorges more than a 100 metres deep, others over the edge of a cliff. There are waterfalls one can hike to, such as the well-known Waterfall Bluff, which falls directly into the Indian Ocean. Then some to drive to in an open game viewing Landrover, such as Magwa or Fraser Falls.  You can also swim under a waterfall or in a clear rock pool in the forest.