The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve lies on the Umtamvuna River, the natural boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. Delegates will be given the option to join a team on the grassland plateau overlooking the river or to drop down into the gorge under the forest canopy. The groups will be guided by members from the Pondoland chapter of the Curators of Rare and Endangered Wildlflowers. In early summer the grasslands are ablaze with wildflowers.  The lush scarp forest is home to samango monkeys and colourful birds such as the Narina Trogon and the Knysna Woodpecker. The reserve is famous for its Pondoland endemic plants, a variety of species that are rare and range retricted.
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Bring your camera, a hat, binoculars and sunscreen and join us for the beautiful views across the gorge into the Umtamvuna River and Eastern Cape.

Itinerary:

12h00 Lunch at the Wild Coast Sun

13h00 Self drive from the Wild Coast Sun to Umtamvuna Nature reserve (13.5km/17 minute drive)

13h15 Arrival at Beacon Hill entrance and resource centre of Umtamvuna reserve

3 hour guided (slow) walk through the grassland / scarp forest –  mild/moderately strenuous

16h30 Self drive back to the Wild Coast Sun

Cost: R85.00 per person – includes permits, guides, a soft drink and a muffin on arrival

Limited to 30 participants

The Umzimkulu valley at Oribi flats is home to the largest breeding colony of Cape Vultures in KwaZulu-Natal, with a resident breeding colony of over 200 individuals. The site allows for very close up and personal encounters with these magnificent birds. From easily accessible cliff vantage points, you can observe the vultures soaring along the ridges, flying above, below and at eye level. Watch as they perform stunning formations and hear the rush of air through their feathers as they glide past, sometimes within just metres. Bring your binoculars, hat, camera and sunblock and join us on this spectacular outing to learn about these majestic birds.

Itinerary:

12h30 Departure from the Wild Coast Sun (packed lunch to be provided)

13h45 Arrive at the viewing hide – with the potential for a look at birds feeding at the restaurant, followed by a talk by Andy Ruffle – the site ambassador. About an hour and a half will be spent on site, where the birds can be seen soaring above, below and at eye level. November heralds the end of the breeding season, when fledglings can be seen on the cliffs begging for food from their parents.

16h30 Arrival back at the Wild Coast Sun

Cost: R85.00 per person

Limited to 35 participants

Join us for a Crop to Cup walkabout coffee tour. From growing and harvesting to roasting and brewing, learn about the processes involved in making coffee.  After the tour, enjoy a bottomless coffee tasting of our locally grown coffee as well as our signature blends and single origin coffees.

Itinerary:

13h30 Following lunch take a self-drive from the Wild Coast Sun to Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (9.5km/15-minute drive)

14h00 45-minute tour of the plantation and processing plant, followed by coffee tasting.

Self-drive at your leisure back to the Wild Coast Sun.

Cost: R85.00 per person

Limited to 35 participants.

Explore the scenic beauty of the Xolobeni community while engaging with local guides the value of Xolobeni’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage and how it sustains local livelhoods.

Time  and Activity

13h30 Self drive from the hotel (42 minutes/31km)

14h00 Mzamba suspension bridge

14h30 Arrival at Sigidi village:

15h30 Crossing at Mzamba Mouth into Fossil Beds

16h00 Depart for the Hotel

16h30 Arrive at the hotel

Costs R500.00 per person

Maximum capacity 35

Included:

• Guides
• Packed lunch

Hike along the mountainside to the KwaXolo caves covered in ancient rock paintings by indigenous San communities.

13h00 to 16h00 Please note that this a self-drive to the KwaXolo Caves. Detailed itinerary to be confirmed.

Costs: R150.00 per person

Maximum number of participants 20

Included:

• Guides
• Packed lunch