GweGwe Beach Lodge
Mkambati Nature Reserve
Eastern Cape
Features
- Barefoot luxury on the magnificent Wild Coast.
- Luxury accommodation.
- Adventurers paradise.
- Remote and wild paradise.
- Pristine rivers, tumbling waterfalls (inland and directly into the sea), deep gorges, rolling
grasslands, pockets of dense swamp forest and beautiful secluded beaches are just some of the highlights of this superlative coastal destination.
- Child PolicyChildren of all ages are welcome
- PoolEvery Room Has A Private Pool
- SPAYes - In Room Treatments
- Cellphone SignalNo
- WI-FISlow Connection In Rooms And Main Lodge Areas
- Back-up PowerSolar-powered And With Backup Generators
Location
Mkambati Nature Reserve, Pondoland, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Getting There
5.5 hours self-drive from Durban or Umtata
25 minute helicopter flight from Margate
75 minute boat trip from Port Edward for adventurous guests or a scheduled 50 minute flight from Durban, Virginia airport on Mondays & Fridays.
Accommodation
9 rooms accommodating 22 guests
7 Guest Suite (sleeps 2)
2 Family Suite (sleeps 4)
Maximum number of children per Family Suite: 2
Specials for South African Residents
Best Available Deal
- All rates are subject to availability
- Proof of SADC residency may be required at the time of booking or upon check-in at the accommodation
- Surcharges may apply on rates over peak holiday periods and long weekends.
- Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
- Rates quoted above are only valid for SA Residents. Special Discounted Rates for International Residents are available on request.
- A non-refundable per person per night Conservation, Community and Reserve Fee (CCR) is added to each night.
- The lodge reserves the right to limit the number of beds booked on SADC rates.
- As from the 1st of August 2025 Gwe Gwe will be offering seat-in-coach flights from Durban (Virginia Airport) to Mkambati (return) every Friday and Monday. The aircraft will land 5 minutes away from Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge.
- Seat-in-helicopter scenic flight or Chauffer Drive from Margate, Private Boat Charter from Port Edward or Private Charter Fights.
- Please contact your WeekendBreaks Consultant for a quote.
- Single accommodation rates are available on request. Please contact your WeekendBreaks consultant for a quote.
- Children of all ages are welcome at GweGwe Beach Lodge.
- Family Suites can accommodate up to 2 children aged 0 to 18 years with 2 adults.
- Contact your WeekendBreaks Consultant for a quote.
About GweGwe Beach Lodge
GweGwe Beach Lodge is on a 5,000-hectare private concession within the Mkambati Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape. This prime location on the South African coast has warm sea waters offshore all year round and the most extraordinary scenery plus wildlife (all non-dangerous game). Pristine rivers, tumbling waterfalls (inland and directly into the sea), deep gorges, rolling grasslands, pockets of dense swamp forest and beautiful secluded beaches are just some of the highlights of this superlative coastal destination.
ROOM TYPES & FEATURES
GweGwe has 7 double/twin guest suites and 2 family suites. Each guest bedroom offers a sea view and is decorated incorporating the local amaMpondo culture in a casual but comfortable coastal feel.
All bedrooms have two three-quarter extra length beds that have been set up as a one super king bed (or two twin beds on request).
The rooms have double vanities, indoor and outdoor showers and a bath with a view. They are all equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, tea making facilities and a minibar.
There is slow Wi-Fi, 220v charging facilities and a safe available.
All the guest suites have a comfortable outdoor private deck and a private swimming pool.
The family rooms consist of two separate bedrooms – one with a king extra length bed and the second bedroom with two single beds. Both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.
The master bathroom has a bath, vanity, indoor and outdoor shower and a separate toilet. The second bathroom has an indoor and outdoor shower and vanity and toilet.
HOTEL FEATURES AND ACTIVITIES
The lodge is the perfect getaway for families and couples; indeed, for anyone longing for an unspoilt coastal destination and for those who wish to experience the Wild Coast away from the crowds.
This 7,400-hectare reserve, in a private concession, is a protected are known for its diverse ecosystems, including coastal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
With so many fascinating pockets of biodiversity to explore you can spend your days discovering different areas with their fascinating flora and fauna, together with distinctive geographic features like deep gorges, cascading waterfalls indigenous forests and inter tidal zones.
So grab your binoculars and prepare for an adventure – this is a luxury beach holiday where the outdoors takes centre stage.
What is there to do?
- Scenic Nature Drives
- Whale Watching (in season)
- Nature Walks & Hikes
- Bird Watching
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Kayaking on the Mtentu
- Water Activities
- Waterfall Expeditions
- Rockpool Adventures
- Cave Exploration
- Picnics
- Spa Treatments
- Hot Tubs (KolKols)
- Sundowners & Picnics
- Annual Sardine Run
- Pondoland Cultural Activity
Features
Bush Walks
Conference
Lodge Pool
Spa
Wellness
Additional Activities
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS OR ACTIVITIES
- Annual Sardine Run (June-July)
Getting There
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO GWEGWE BEACH LODGE FROM EITHER DURBAN, KING SHAKA AIRPORT OR BALLITO VIA PORT EDWARD
Travel down the N2 in a south-westerly direction to Port Edward following the coastal highway all the way.
Drive straight past Margate.
About 40km before Port Edward, you can make a last coffee stop or shop at the large Shelley Beach Mall (off toyour left-hand side). It is best to refuel here.
Once through Port Edward, you leave KwaZulu-Natal by driving over the Umtamvuna Bridge and enter the Eastern Cape Province.
Continue past the Wild Coast Sun / Casino on the R61.
Travel inland through Redoubt then Bizana.At the first big T-junction, turn left and back onto the N2 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns.
Turn off left to Mkambati about+1.5km before Flagstaff at the top of a hill.
Do not go into Flagstaff – the traffic is hectic! There should be a sign at the top of the hill for Holy Cross and maybe Mkhambathi.
Follow signs to Holy Cross Hospital and then Mkambati (or Mkhambathi).
The last 30km or so is on a dirt road.You will be asked to sign in at the main entrance gate for
Mkambati Nature Reserve and pay a R34 pp park fee in cash.
Once inside the reserve, you will be on a concrete strip road.
Don’t stop at the main administrative centre and keep travelling straight on the concrete strips towards the coast.
As one drives down the ridge towards the sea, keep an eye open for the first turning to your left.
Turn left onto another strip road and keep going all the way to GweGwe Lodge where the strip road stops.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO GWEGWE BEACH LODGE FROM JOHANNESBURG VIA KOKSTAD
Take the N3 for Nottingham Road or Howick and overnight in one of the Midlands lodges, hotels or B+Bs.
The following day continue on the N3 and turn off just past Midmar Dam onto the R617, travelling through Bulwer, Underberg for Kokstad with the ‘Berg’ on your right.
Travel through Kokstad looking for signs for Umtata / Mthatha, driving past Mount Currie Inn.
Please refuel in Kokstad before continuing onto the N2 aiming for Brooks Nek following signs for Umtata / Mthatha.
At around +6.8km from Mount Currie you will enter the Eastern Cape Province and a further +6.7km from the border on the N2,you will need to be on the lookout for the turnoff onto the R394 for Flagstaff / Lusikisiki / Port St Johns.
Use your Waze or Google Maps for directions in conjunction with these directions.
Turn left off the N2 by turning sharply backwards onto the R394.
That tight 270-degree left turn will direct you towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns.
Continue on the R394.
From now on, its best to follow a taxi or a local driver as they will know where the (painful) speed bumps are.
Approximately +1km before Flagstaff at the crest of a hill, you turn left to Holy Cross.
There should be a small sign at the turnoff at the top of the hill for Holy Cross.
Do not go into Flagstaff – the traffic is hectic. Follow signs to Holy Cross Hospital and then Mkambati following signposts and Google Maps.
The last 30km or so to the reserve entrance is on a dirt road. Drive slowly and you will be fine.
You will be asked to sign in at the main entrance gate for Mkambati and pay a R34 per person park fee.
Once inside the reserve, you will be on a concrete strip road.
Don’t stop at that main administrative centre, keep travelling straight on the concrete strips towards the coast. (The administrative centre used to be the old hospital, parts of which were built over 100 years ago. So, it’s a bit derelict.)
As you drive down the ridge towards the sea keep an eye open for the first concrete strip road to your left.
Turn left onto this concrete strip road and keep going all the way to GweGwe Lodge where the strip road ends.
Drive time: Depending on your vehicle, it should take around 5h30m to 6 hours plus time for any stops on the way.
NB: When driving in the Eastern Cape, every school has hectic speed bumps that have lost their paint so are often difficult to see.
The trick is to drive 50m or so behind a taxi or another local vehicle and watch their brake lights.
That will tell you where to slowdown to avoid hitting these speed bumps at speed and also any potholes.
The drive through to GweGwe and Mkambati takes you through attractive rural countryside with just 30km on dirt roads.
Please ensure that you are driving a car with a reasonable clearance that has a full spare tyre (and not a “biscuit” / temporary tyre).
While a 4×4 is a nice-to-have, it is not essential, and a crossover may be suitable depending on the model.
Overall, the key is decent clearance.
The emergency contact number for GweGwe Beach Lodge is 071 282 6668.
It is best to send a WhatsApp message to this number if you are lost, require additional directions or any other assistance.
See availability below for Rooms Found, Nights, 2 Adults
We Accept:
