The primary purpose of the reserve then is the conservation of its unique biodiversity, and associated heritage features.
The Mkhambathi Nature Reserve has lots to offer the nature tourist. Its long coastline makes for a wide choice of hikes.The large wilderness area can only be traversed on foot. You can self-drive during the day and night to watch the ample game that are featured in the reserve. Fisherman can enjoy fishing at official estuaries.
Small families and friends can enjoy the Main Lodge or the family cottages. For larger groups, the Gwe Gwe River Lodge (20 persons) offers fantastic settings that one cannot help but enjoy, while smaller groups can find accommodation in the Gwe Gwe Rondavels (2 persons).
The reserve is situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland, in the Eastern Cape. It lies between Port Edward (30 km to the north east) and Port St Johns (59 km to the south west).
It is a 7720-ha coastal reserve with open grasslands, dotted with indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, flanked by the magnificent forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. Grasslands cover a large portion of the reserve and support a fascinating and diverse flora.
Large numbers of grazing herbivores such as Eland and Red Hartebeest have been introduced into the grasslands.
Among the birds which may be seen in this habitat are the Redshouldered Window, Yellow throated Longclaw, Common Waxbill, Croaking Cisticola, Orange Throated Long-Claw, Ground Hornbill with Gurneys Sugarbird and the Greater Double Collared Sunbird, seeking nectar from the flowering strelitzias.
Of the many rivers running through the reserve, the Mkhambathi is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are incredibly impressive as they plunge over the terrace in a wide arc. Further down, the river tumbles over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before dropping several metres into the ocean.
Visitors to the Eastern Cape will find the scenic Mkhambathi Nature Reserve one of the highlights of their trips.
The climate at Mkhambathi is mild sub-tropical with a relatively high humidity. The warm Agulhas current provides for minimal differences between minimum and maximum daily temperatures.
Most of the rain falls falling during spring and summer (September to February). On average June is the driest month, and March is the wettest. Strong winds can occur , blowing parallel to the coast. These winds impact significantly on coastal vegetation and on marine recreational activities.
