Find Us & Map

When looking at a map of South Africa, locate the Eastern Cape: the Wild Coast coastline stretches from East London to the Mtamvuna River which is the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. Mbotyi River Lodge is on the remote northern section of the Wild Coast, in Pondoland. Lusikisiki is our nearest town approximately 26km away, 7km of which is cement road and 19km of gravel but can be negotiated with a sedan type vehicle.

Driving:Directions Durban – Mbotyi River Lodge

Take N 2 to South Coast – Port Shepstone – Port Edward – Cross the Mtamvuna River, you are now in the Eastern Cape – this is Route 61 – continue to Bizana +- 50km, drive through the town, in centre you will see signs to Port st Johns to the left – continue +- 28 km find a T junction – turn left, sign to read Wild Coast Port st Johns – 31 km to Flagstaff – then 45 km to Lusikisiki.
At Lusikisiki enter traffic Circle, take right hand turn – travel some 500m – Total garage on left – 100m signs to Mbotyi, Magwa, Msikaba – turn left – 7 km of cement road with 10 speed humps, poorly sign-posted.
End of cement road, Mbotyi sign – turn right – now follows 19 km of gravel, any vehicle will be able to negotiate the road if you take care and drive slowly.
After going down a pass and through indigenous forest, cross over one causeway then another see arrow to the lodge
Welcome !

Directions JHB to Mbotyi River Lodge

Travel to Kwa Zulu Natal on the N3. Your drive to Mbotyi will take +- 10 hrs
There are 2 routes to choose, both via Kokstad. Travel to Howick take Route 617 via Bulwer, Himeville, Underberg, Swartberg, Franklin to Kokstad. Very scenic road but twisty, if you intend to stay over this is a good route to take through the Midlands
Next option, travel to PieterMaritzburg, off ramp reading City, look for Loop St _ exit the city on Route 56, via Richmond, Ixopo to Kokstad. ( this route is a bit more challenging as far as driving the route is concerned, a little shorter than Underberg ) Some 10 km before Kokstad – T junction, turn Rt, travel 500 m to Ultra City – clean bathrooms and Wimpy on left – last bathroom break before Mbotyi.
Retrace your route – south on N2 after +- 10 km see signs on left to Wild Coast – Port st Johns take this – route 61.
Stay on this road, 65 kmfurther through Flagstaff – thereafter 45 km to Lusikisiki.
Enter Lusikisiki traffic Circle, take right hand exit – travel some 500m – Total garage on left – 100m after this see signs to Mbotyi, Magwa, Msikaba – turn left – 7 km cement road with 10 speed humps, poorly sign-posted.
End of cement road, another Mbotyi sign will point right – turn – 19 km of gravel, any vehicle will be able to negotiate the road if you drive with care and slowly.
Stay on this road down a pass with indigenous forest, cross over causeway, then another see arrow to the lodge
Welcome !

Directions East London to Mbotyi River Lodge

Leave East London N2 North – some 70 km further cross the Kei River – now in former Transkei -34 km further pass through Butterworth – 32 km along pass through Dutywa, now +- 100 km to Mthatha. ( about 69 km after Dutywa look out for the home of ret, President, Nelson Mandela on you right, ochre coloured tiled roof , large garden ,village of Qunu on the left. ) Before entering Mthatha, find shell Ultra City left, note a thatched village on left, look out for Ultra City signs. Clean bathrooms and refreshments.
Enter Mthatha on Nelson Mandela Drive, continue until you see the N M museum ( old building large signs ) on left, take next road left, Madeira Road – cross 3 roads turn Rt into Sutherland, signs to Port st Johns – stay on same route 61 for 95 km. Before entering Port st Johns, the Umzimvubu river will be on left, look out for a bridge across Lusiksiki. Take this road, route 61 again, the next 45 km, very twisty but very scenic.
Before entering Lusikisiki, you pass a deserted Quarry on the left- see Mbotyi River Lodge sign in Blue, white and black. Turn Rt. – now 7 km of cement road with 10 speed humps, poorly sign-posted.
End of cement road, another Mbotyi sign, you turn right – now follows 19 km of gravel, any vehicle can negotiate this road, driving slowly.
Stay road down the pass with indigenous forest, cross over causeway then another you will see an arrow to the lodge
Welcome !

Travel Tips

Do not travel without any cash, you may need to refuel at a garage which does not have a facility to process Petro Cards.

Try to avoid travelling after dark, many animals and pedestrians on the roads as well as fog especially on the roads around Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Bizana.

Make use of bathroom facilities at recognised places such as the ultra city in Mthatha, Kokstad or Port Edward when coming from Durban.

Give yourself time, travel slower, enjoy the scenic aspect and do not stress about animals and potholes, they are part of Africa.

Flying in: the Magwa Tea corporation has a 1000 metre runway tucked in the neatly trimmed fields – contact us for co-ordinates.

Nearest commercial airports: Durban, East London and Mthatha.

Heli-pad: Helicopters can land at the Lodge.

Group road transfers: Sprinter bus for group road transfers from airports.