5 Hidden Gem Stays in the Eastern Cape for Nature Lovers

If you’re a nature lover looking for a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle, the Eastern Cape has some exceptional hidden gem accommodations. From cozy forest cottages to off-grid cabins with amazing views, join me as I explore some of the Eastern Cape’s best-kept secrets – places where you can unwind while soaking in the natural beauty that makes this region so special.

1. Mansfield Game Reserve, Port Alfred

Located just outside of Port Alfred, Mansfield Game Reserve is a small private wildlife reserve, offering self-catering accommodation in the Eastern Cape at affordable rates. Its remote location ensures an uncrowded and peaceful experience, surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The vegetation and animal life are typical of the Eastern Cape bushveld, with common sightings of zebra and giraffe. Activities include hiking, birding, nature walks, photography, and canoeing. There are also communal picnic and braai spots and a kid’s play area along the riverfront.

There are several accommodation options to suit different preferences. The original farmhouse, with its fully equipped kitchen, can host up to 6 guests and includes a private swimming pool and braai. The smaller cottage accommodates up to 4 guests and features a patio with a braai, with views of the bushveld. Eagle’s Nest Cabin provides a completely off-the-grid experience. The open-plan unit sleeps 4, with a kitchenette equipped with a small gas stove and fridge. The outdoor patio has a wood braai, with panaromic views of the Kowie River. For those who are a little more adventurous, there are also camping sites and tree-top platforms with bunk beds.

Make a reservation at Mansfield Game Reserve

• Book your stay at Mansfield here.

Things to do near Mansfield Game Reserve

Port Alfred lies 7km (or a 15 minute drive) from Mansfield. Here, you’ll find plenty to do from stunning beaches to the Royal Alfred Marina and lots of fantastic restaurants.

• Best Things to do in Port Alfred

Bathurst, which is only 20 minutes North of Mansfield, is an ecclectic small town, boasting some awesome sites – from the World’s biggest Pineapple Building to South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed Pub.

• 8 Reasons to visit Bathurst in the Eastern Cape

Khala Moya Self-catering, Kaysers Beach

Khala Moya is located on a private eco-estate on the outskirts of Kayser’s Beach, 30 km south of East London. If you’re looking for self-catering beach accommodation in the Eastern Cape, this is an ideal choice. The property is perched on a hill, with magnificent 180° views of the Ocean and private access (walk or drive) to a quiet, secluded beach with safe swimming, excellent fishing, and pristine birding. With plenty of space and rooms, it’s also a great destination for families or groups.

Accommodation options include the Main House (sleeps 13 in 6 bedrooms) and four flats: Cob’s Corner (sleeps 2), Buck’s Bend and Kingfisher (both sleep 4 and are dog-friendly), and Driftwood (a 2-bedroom flat). It’s fully self-catering but they do also offer in-house catering service for those days that you do not feel like cooking or would like sundowner starters on the deck.

Make a reservation at Khala Moya Self-catering

To make a booking, reach out to Krissi via email at kscott@khalamoyaselfcatering.co.za or via WhatsApp at +27 82 860 0373. Alternatively, make a booking here.

Things to do near Khala Moya Self-Catering accommodation in the Eastern Cape

The City of East London lies just 10-15km (a 21 minute drive) from Khala Moya. Here, there’s plenty to do, from visiting the East London Museum and dolphin watching to shopping and entertainment at Hemmingways Mall.

• 21 Things to do in East London, South Africa

Hornbills Forest Cottage, Stutterheim

Situated 5km outside of Stutterheim and a short one-hour drive from East London, Hornbills Forest Cottages is the ideal break for a quiet stay in forested Nature. The property sits on the edge of the Amatola Mountains and is surrounded by pristine Afro Montaine Forest. Yellowwood Cottage has two bedrooms with three beds in each room, an open-plan dining room and lounge with fireplace, DSTV, a kitchenette and outdoor braai.

The cottage has great views of the forest, just across the stream at the edge of the garden. A walking trail in the forest is easily accessible from the cottage, leading to the main forest trails.

If you want to enjoy some more walking trails through the forest, then you’ll be happy to know that Kologha Forest Reserve is 4.9 km from Hornbills Forest Cottages, while Kubusi Indigenous Forest Reserve is 4.9 km from the property.

Make a reservation at Hornbills Cottage

• Book your stay at Hornbills Forest Cottage here.

Natures Cottage, Kenton-on-Sea

Natures Cottage, perched on the edge of the Bushmans River in the private Nature’s Landing estate, offers stunning, uninterrupted river views from its secure and secluded setting. The estate is home to impala, rooi hartebees, bushbuck, and nyala, with over 200 bird species spotted. Popular activities include long walks on the estate and nearby beaches, boat trips up the river, and easy access to the Kenton business district, restaurants, and a blue flag beach within 5 km. The location is also ideal for day trips to Sibuya Game Reserve and Addo National Park.

There are two self-contained units, each with an open-plan double bed, couch and coffee table. Each unit also has its own ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette with a fridge, tea, coffee, and milk. For entertainment, there’s a flat screen TV with a decoder and access to a full range of DSTV channels, along with unlimited WiFi. The unit leads out to a balcony with stunning views over the Boesmansrivier, where you can enjoy braai facilities, including a Weber on the deck or a wood fire braai stand behind the cottage.

Make a reservation at Natures Cottage

• Book your stay at Natures Cottage here.

Matola Game Reserve, Komga

Matola Game Reserve is perfect for nature lovers and families looking for a relaxing getaway in the Eastern Cape Bushveld. A highlight here is the amount of wildlife you will see during a visit – the reserve is home to many animal and bird species, including antelope, giraffe, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, ostrich and more. Activities include hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, wildlife drives, and picnics in the reserve.

Accommodation at Matola Game Reserve

At Matola, there are actually two main accommodation camps – The Sleep Shed and The Lodge.
The two camps are seperated by approximately 4km.

The Sleep Shed is next to the main farmhouse and is a single building with a small swimming pool, overlooking flat grassland and hills. There are 10 private en-suite bedrooms with a deck upstairs, a shared kitchen, bar and dining area at ground level and an additional communal braai room and boma for those cold winter nights. The best part about the Sleep Shed in my opinion are the abundance of wildlife that come right up to your door here. You can often see plenty of giraffe and warthog from the comfort of your balcony. There’s also a small dam near the sleep shed that is great for picnics!

The Lodge on the other hand has a slightly bigger swimming pool and overlooks the beautiful Kubusi river canyon. There are 6 en-suite thatch roof chalets, each with one double and one bunk bed (hosting up to 2 adults + 2 kids), with a centralised lapa where everyone gets together. It’s also within the main camp area that you will find the bridal suite and the tented ‘glamping‘ site. The highlight of the Lodge is that the design of the camp has a bit more of an authentic ‘African’ Feel and the views of the valley are beautiful!

READ MORE >>> Staying at Matola Game Reserve: A Personal Experience

Make a reservation at Matola Game Reserve

• Book your stay at Matola Game Reserve here.

Ready for a getaway in the Eastern Cape?

Whether you love forests, beaches, or the bush, each spot has something special. Plan your getaway and enjoy the beauty of these hidden gem stays in the Eastern Cape.