Things to do in Morgan Bay

The peaceful seaside holiday village of Morgan Bay is located less than an hour from East London on South Africa's stunning Wild Coast. Morgan Bay is blessed with a mile-long beach, safe swimming lagoon and picturesque sea cliffs. Activities on offer in the area as recommended by the Mitford Hotel include:

Swimming

Morgan Bay has a wonderful swimming beach. For surfers there is an exposed beach break that works well in a small swell.

Fishing

From the beach at Morgan's Bay, anglers can catch kob, garrick, white steenbras and an array of smaller fish. To the west of Morgan Bay, there are several excellent fishing spots along the steep cliffs, including Pulpit Rock and Keightley's Kranz. However, these spots are considered dangerous and are difficult to access, so should not be fished with out the company and advice of local anglers. There is also an estuary at the Double Mouth Nature Reserve, 4km from Morgan's Bay, which is one of the only places on the Eastern Cape where there has been a recorded catch of a river snapper. This makes the estuary a perfect place for light-tackle and saltwater fly-fishermen. Good fishing is also to be had in the Kei River, just 7km away. You can also charter a deep-sea ski boat or launch your own from the Kei River mouth.

A fishing license is essential and can be obtained from the Morgan Bay Top Shop.

Note: A marine protected area extends south from the mouth of the Kei river to the mouth of the Nyara river, near Haga Haga, and 3km out to sea from the high water mark. Fishing from ski-boats and other motorised craft is not permitted in this area. A map of the protected area is displayed at the entrance to the beach.

Hiking and Walks

Wonderful walks over the cliffs to Double Mouth or along the Morgan Bay beach to the Pump House. For the more energetic, walk from Double Mouth to Black Rock. Collect Ming chips and Carnelian beads from the wreck of the 16th century Portuguese shipwreck, the Santo Espirito along this stretch.

Rock Climbing and Abseiling

Rock Climbing - route guides can be found at the Yellowwood Forest Coffee Shop. There are also some serious rock climbing routes but these are only for the well experienced climbers and information can be obtained from the Yellowwood Forest Coffee Shop.

Come and climb or abseil on our beautiful cliffs, there are around 500 short routes on the cliffs just West of town, ranging from grade 10-27, with the majority in the moderate (17-22) grade range. The blocky dolerite rock is rough and generally of excellent quality, with most routes following obvious crack lines. For all ages and a lovely outdoor experience. Dirk: 078 296 4906 | Jonothan: 076 316 2543

Yellowwood Forest

Yellowwood Forest is a lovely family venue with a jungle gym built around a tree, resident rabbits, a gift shop, a 30 minute Bushbuck fairy trail and a coffee shop with legendary pizza's. They also have a natural swimming hole by the river for days when the beach is too windy and they host a monthly farmers market.

Golf

There is a good golf course over at Kei Mouth - take the link road from Morgan Bay to Kei Mouth. This is a 9 hole links course with separate tee-boxes making it a comfortable 18 hole round of golf. All the holes have magnificent sea views. The telephone number is 043 841 1083.

Bowling

The Bowling Club is situated in the Morgan Bay Caravan Park. Visitors are welcome and can contact 043 841 1396 for access.

Horse Riding

Horse riding can be arranged through Julie Anne of Wild Coast Horseback Adventures on 082 567 0972 

Bird Watching

There is amazing birding in and around the village. This area boasts with 365 species of birds. Try the cliffs, Yellowwood Park and the municipal dam. The lagoon basin is particularly rich in bird life and hosts large numbers of raptors such as the African Fish Eagle. Enquire at reception for a bird list.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphins and Whales can be viewed from the Cliffs.

Mountain Biking

Bring your mountain bikes along - enquire at reception for routes to go on.

Picnics

Ask Rose to pack you a picnic basket and take this up to the cliffs for Sundowners. R60 for a basket for 2.

River Cruise

Take a cruise on the Fish Eagle up the Kei. For bookings telephone 073 300 3029.

Elunxwemeni Township Tours

Fancy visiting a Spaza Shop or a Shebeen (local Tavern)? Would you like to consult a Traditional Healer or drink Umqombothi (traditional beer)? Have you seen the amaXhosa in their traditional attire, listened to their music and eaten their food? Come and experience a day in the life of the locals of iCwili township and experience all of this and more! Elunxwemeni Township Tours has been sharing the Xhosa culture with local and international visitors for over two years and will walk you from door to door as you meet the locals, learn their customs, play with their children and experience all aspects of Xhosa life. Siyabulela Aubrey Kema is your friendly and welcoming guide, and he started Elunxwemeni Township Tours with the purpose of sharing his African roots with visitors and reducing the unemployment rate. The walk takes two hours and can be customised to meet your requirements.

Photos from Mitford Hotel and taken by Hannah Minkley Photography