About – Mbotyi River Lodge Eastern Cape

+27(0)39 253 7200

info@mbotyi.co.za

+27 (0)82 674 1064

Welcome to Mbotyi on the Wild Coast…

A warm welcome awaits at Mbotyi River Lodge, a family hotel and holiday resort on the stunning Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Pondoland’s best kept secret is situated at the mouth of the tidal Mbotyi River nestled between the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and the warm Indian Ocean.

This unique Wild Coast hotel is the perfect place for a peaceful, tranquil holiday or for the more adventurous traveler wanting to experience the many amazing natural treasures like waterfalls and forests this coast has to offer.

Perfect relaxing family holiday

Come and enjoy our warm hospitality and comfortable accommodation. Become a member of the Mbotyi family who return year after year for the ultimate stress free holiday. Children have a jungle gym, special children’s swimming pool. Child minders are available from the Mbotyi community. The grounds of the hotel are spacious with manicured lawns, indigenous gardens, crystal clear swimming pool and sunny wooden decks. The games room with 360 degree views has pool tables, table tennis, darts and much more.

The Long Bar is the place where many a friendship is formed, where fishermen tell tall stories about the catch of the day or the size of the fish that got away.

A Pondoland gem…

Mbotyi is in the heart of Pondoland where one can experience true Pondo culture as well as the warmth and friendliness of these lovely people. Walk along the hills and valleys of the village with a local guide/interpreter, meet the people and the local characters, or visit a Sangoma or a lively shebeen.

Approaching Mbotyi, you will drive through a section of the magnificent Magwa Tea Plantation. This is known to be one of the world largest tea plantations. The evergreen tea bushes, hugging the rolling hills and surrounded by borders of massive Eucalyptus trees are a sight to behold.

Transkei 4×4 adventure…

Mbotyi holiday resort is situated 26 km from Lusikisiki in the former Transkei region. There is no real need for a 4 wheel driven vehicle to reach the hotel, but many do bring their off road vehicles and enjoy our local 4×4 adventure trails. Although do note that there is 19 km of gravel road which does need to be negotiated slowly. See our travel tips for a safe journey. So enjoy the very scenic drive to get here and forgive the odd pot hole.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Mbotyi River Lodge.

Facilities

At Mbotyi River Lodge we have an extensive range of facilities to make your stay as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. These include:

Outdoor swimming pool
Children have a jungle gym, special children’s swimming pool.
Child minders are available from the Mbotyi community.
Spacious grounds with manicured lawns, indigenous garden and sunny wooden decks.
A games room with 360 degree views has pool tables, table tennis, darts and much more.
Canoes
The Long Bar
All rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities, a ceiling fan and a safe for your valuables.

Useful Information

Mbotyi is a wilderness area, there are no shopping malls, no restaurants, banks or any facilities you would expect to find in a village.

There is the lodge, a school, clinic, campsite and a couple of Spaza shops. Also very nice people.

The small convenience shop at the lodge tries to stock basics but you may wish to bring your own.

If you are a hiker/ horse-rider /birder, very good sunblock, insect repellent suitable for small ticks.

We have hairdryers available at reception, please remember to ask for one if needed.

Mosquito plugs are also available at reception. Please note we are not a Malaria area.

Fisherman please note the following:

We stock bait but please bring a valid Fishing license, obtainable from a Post Office.
You will also need a license for Crayfish and Oysters.
Crayfish is seasonal, the Eastern Cape season closes from 1st November until the end of February. It is illegal to purchase or take out Crayfish during this time.