Mbotyi is fortunate to have to have so many different bio-zones. 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 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.

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.

There are a variety of mapped trails in the Mbotyi vicinity for both the experienced cyclist looking for a challenge and the leisure cyclist looking for a gentle meander around the area. These trails take you through the forest, up on to the grassland escarpment as well as through the magnificent tea plantation.

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.

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. Some guests also drive to Magwa or Fraser Falls in an open game viewing vehicle. You can also swim under a waterfall or in a clear rock pool in the forest.