Best Things to Do in Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape: Your Ultimate Guide
Kei Mouth is a small seaside village situated about an hour’s drive from the city of East London, lying between Qolora to the North and Morgan Bay to the South. However, don’t let its small size fool you. The destination offers a relaxed and off-the-beaten track experience for travelers with plenty of things to see and do. Kei Mouth is also theย southern entry point to the Transkeiย Wild Coast, a rugged and relatively undeveloped stretch of coastline renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, lush green hills, and remote, unspoiled landscapes. Dive into my guide to uncover the top things to do in Kei Mouth and start planning your perfect seaside escape.
1. Kei Mouth Beach
Kei Mouth has several small sandy beaches along its coastline. Framed by sandy dunes and indigenous vegetation, the area boasts vast stretches of shoreline, perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration. The prime location for swimming is in the middle of Thompsonโs Bay, while it’s advisable to avoid swimming at the mouth of the Great Kei River because of the strong currents. Still, there is plenty of beach to cover and the views are gorgeous!
A notable feature of the Wild Coast is the fun sight of cattle on its beaches. You’ll often find them grazing on both sides of the Great Kei River, from the ferry landing to the shoreline, as well as along the sands of Qolora Beach.
2. The Kei Mouth Ferry / Pont
Even if you’re just wanting a quick look, add the Pont to your list of things to do in Kei Mouth. It’s unique in that the pont is only one of three remaining car-transporting pontoon river ferry services in South Africa. It serves as crucial lifeline for the communities living in difficult to reach destinations further North of Kei Mouth. It is also a gateway to popular hotels in the region such as Seagulls and Trennerys. Even more so, the pont provides easy access to the Transkei, a stretch of coastline between the Great Kei River and the Umtamvuna River. What would usually be a 154km round trip via Butterworth to reach destinations North of Kei Mouth is now just a few hundred metres to the other side with the pont.
Where to find the Pont: Just follow the sign on Kei Mouth’s main road that directs you to the Ferry. After that, it’s just a quick 3-minute drive down a gravel road to get there.
3. Walk around the village
You can easily explore Kei Mouth on foot in just one day. Enjoy the rural scenery with gravel roads leading to picturesque ocean views. Don’t forget to explore the small eateries and shops along the main road, each with that small-town charm and character you’ll grow to love (if you don’t already, that is).
4. Lovers Lane Locks
Head to Lovers Lane and partake in the timeless tradition of love locking. In a quiet spot along a forest path sits a heart-shaped sculpture adorned with locks, each telling a love story. Fun fact: the first three locks were added by local couples, two of them married for over 60 years. Grab a lock, make your pledge, and enjoy this sweet activity in Kei Mouth.
Where to find Lovers Lane: You can’t miss the red sign for lovers lane along the main road of Kei Mouth.
Top Tip: If you walk a little further past the locks, you will find a lovely long stretch of beach.
5. Golfing at Kei Mouth Country Club
For golf enthusiasts, the Kei Mouth Country Club offers a picturesque nine-hole course. Set against the backdrop of the ocean and the Kei River, the course provides both a challenging game and scenic views. Visitors are welcome, and the friendly club atmosphere makes for an enjoyable outing. Plus, there’s a restaurant at the Country Club that’s open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, welcoming both club members and visitors.
Where to find the Kei Mouth Country Club: Golf Course Road, Kei Mouth
6. The Cross Viewing Deck
The Cross Viewing Deck is another cool spot to visit. You just take a short 10-minute walk through the trees to get to a lookout. You do need to be relatively fit, though, as it’s a bit of a steep climb to the top. From there, you can see awesome views of Kei Mouth and the expansive ocean below.
Where to find the Cross: The starting point is on the main road, just before the slip road to the Bush Pig Events Bar. As you walk or drive along the main road, look out for the ‘Bush Pig’ sign. Next to that, you will see a smaller sign that says ‘Path to the Cross’.
7. Fishing and Boating
Kei Mouth is an excellent destination for fishing. The Kei River and the Indian Ocean offer abundant opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Whether youโre casting from the shore, a boat, or a kayak, youโre likely to reel in a good catch. Boat trips are also available for exploring the river and coastline. For expert advice on where and how to fish, connect with a reputable guide like Great Kei Adventures and Wild Coast Fishing Charters, or tap into the knowledge of the locals. Fishing and bait collection licenses can conveniently be acquired at numerous Post Offices and at St. Anthonyโs Store, located on the R349 near the Haga Haga turnoff.
8. Birdwatching
The diverse habitats around Kei Mouth make it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. The river estuary, coastal forests, and open grasslands are home to a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and the African fish eagle. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the avian wonders.
9. Braai under a Starry night sky
In Kei Mouth, there’s nothing like ending the day with a braai under the stars. The stars there were incredible, some of the best I have seen. Kei Mouth is all about enjoying simple pleasuresโgood food, great company, and the beauty of nature all around.
All in all, Kei Mouth is more than just a coastal village; it’s a gateway to adventure, relaxation, and discovery. With its pretty views, rural charm and friendly locals, it’s an unforgettable destination that is off the beaten track. And once you’ve got your fix here, why not explore more of the area?
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS TO KEI MOUTH
Just a short drive away from Kei Mouth lies Morgan Bay, a delightful coastal village renowned for its peaceful beaches, scenic pathways, and breathtaking sunsets.
DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN KEI MOUTH
Great Kei Adventures
Great kei Adventures offer guided abseiling, kayaking, fishing, tailor made tours, as well as, shuttle and transfer services. For more details, simply click here to visit their website.
Fish Eagle Cruise on the Great Kei River
The Fish Eagle river cruise takes you on a journey up the Great Kei River. Picnic baskets and braai facilities are allowed on board, making it a fun filled couple of hours on the river. Click here to go directly to their website for more information.
Kei Mouth Beginners Horse Ride
The Kei Mouth horse ride adventure takes you down the edge of the golf course at the Kei Mouth Country Club, heading towards the sea. The trail then follows through indigenous bush and sand dune forests. The beach section meanders along the great Kei River Mouth before looping back to the horse yard. Click here to go directly to their website for more information.
Wild Coast Fishing Charters
Whether you’re a serious fisherman or a first-timer, Wild Coast Fishing Charters offers something for every level. Click here to go directly to their website for more information.
Siya MTB Trails
Siya’s mountain biking trails offer guided tours for mountain bikers and trails across the region. Some of the trails also include traditional Xhosa village experiences. Visit Siya’s facebook page for more information.
Elunxwemeni Township Tours
The Elunxwemeni Township Tours take you on a journey to a Shebeen (local tavern), traditional beer tastings, Xhosa food and music, plus a customizable walking tour. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
The Strandloper Trail
Kei Mouth is the start of the popular four day Strandloper Trail, literally meaning ‘beach walker, which covers 60km in 4 days. The trail begins in the Cape Morgan Nature Reserve and passes through Morgan Bay, Haga-Haga and the Jikeleza Route villages before finishing at Gonubie.
Easy to reach places along the Wild Coast, incl. Jikeleza Route
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