Morgan Bay Cliffs: A helpful guide to visit this iconic destination

Perched along the beautiful Wild Coast of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, the Morgan Bay cliffs are a striking natural wonder that embody the raw beauty that makes this region so special. Stretching all the way from Morgan Bay to Double Mouth Nature Reserve, the cliffs provide jaw-dropping panoramic views of the rugged coastline. They also offer a range of activities, from abseiling and hiking to leisurely walks, photography, and spectacular sunset views. Surprisingly, despite their beauty, they remain somewhat undiscovered, still free from the crowds, making them an ideal escape for those seeking time in nature. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about visiting this incredible destination.

Getting to the Morgan Bay Cliffs

Morgan Bay is just a 45-minute to one-hour drive from East London, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend escape. To get there, head north on the N2 towards Durban for about 35 km, then turn right onto the R349. Stay on the tar road for another 35 km, then turn right again at the Morgan Bay sign. Follow this road for about 6 km until you reach Morgan Bay. From there, follow the signs to the beach and parking area in front of the Mitford-on-Sea Hotel. It’s a short 5-10 minute walk from the hotel to the top of the cliffs. If you’d prefer not to walk, continue driving past the Mitford Hotel, take the dirt road towards Double Mouth Nature Reserve, and turn left at the top of the dirt road to reach the cliff’s edge.

Is it safe to visit the Morgan Bay Cliffs?

The Morgan Bay cliffs are generally safe and free of crime but it’s always wise to take precautions, like telling someone where you’re going ahead of time. While there haven’t been any major incidents, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. And of course, hiking with at least one more person is a good idea in case of any unexpected slips or falls.

How much time do you need here?

You can spend as much time as you’d like at the Morgan Bay cliffs, depending on what you want to do. For a quick visit to see some views or catch a sunset, an hour or two might be enough. But if you’re planning to hike, explore, or just relax and take in the scenery, you might want to set aside 3-4 hours or even a full day. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy at your own pace.

Things to do at the Morgan Bay Cliffs

If it’s your first time at the cliffs, simply reaching the top for the ocean views might be all you need. But there’s even more to enjoy! Below are some suggestions of awesome activities you can do at the Morgan Bay cliffs.

Witness a sunrise or sunset

The sunsets at the Morgan Bay cliffs are spectacular! Pack a camera and picnic basket, or just come and enjoy the sight. For the best sunsets, go to ‘Sunset Point’. To get there, follow the dirt road from Morgan Bay to Double Mouth Nature Reserve, then take the first left to an open grassy area on top of the cliffs where you can park. You can also walk up the cliffs and pick your own spot to watch the sunset (that’s what we did the first time). But driving is easier, so you don’t have to walk back in the dark.

For sunrise, we enjoyed the view from the first lookout bench after the trail map sign, where you can see it rise over the ocean. To get to this bench, follow the trail sign and walk up the cliffside path. It’s a short but steep climb of just a few hundred meters. We allowed ourselves about 10 minutes from our Airbnb (next to the Mitford Hotel) to get to the bench.

Explore a Hiking Trail

The hiking trails that wind their way across the top of the scenic cliffs and surrounding areas are really special. The views along the way are exceptional and there’s plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. Starting and ending near either the Morgan Bay or Mitford Hotel, there are three official hikes of varying difficulty (4, 6, and 8 km). The 8km trail takes you all the way to Double Mouth Nature Reserve. From the reserve, you can extend your hike by exploring the nearby Treasure Beach. This beach is renowned for its 17th-century Portuguese shipwreck, where you might still find remants of the ships cargo in the form of Carnelian beads, Money Cowries, and shards of Ming porcelain.

READ MORE >>> Hiking the Morgan Bay Cliffs to Double Mouth Nature Reserve

Dolphin and whale watching

From the cliff tops, you have a sweeping view of the ocean. Keep your binoculars and camera handy – you might catch a glimpse of whales or dolphins playing in the waves below.

Abseiling Adventures

The Morgan Bay cliffs provide the perfect backdrop for exhilirating abseiling. Surrounded by fantastic views, this adrenaline-pumping activity offers an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers. For more information on abseiling and rock climbing at the cliffs, visit Morgan Bay Adventures.

Photography

At the Morgan Bay Cliffs, photography is a must-do activity. The stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffs offer perfect shots, especially during golden hours in the morning or late afternoon.

Simply enjoy the views

At the Morgan Bay Cliffs, you have two great options for enjoying the views. You can take a leisurely stroll up the cliffside, exploring the paths and soaking in the scenery as you go. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can drive to the top and take in the breathtaking views from there. Both options offer fantastic perspectives of the ocean and cliffs, making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in a way that suits your mood.

Tips for visiting the Morgan Bay cliffs

Check the Weather: For the best experience and views, check the weather forecast before you go. Clear days offer stunning views, while overcast or stormy conditions can create dramatic scenery.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Wear good walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the paths.

Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat to stay comfortable and hydrated.

Camera Ready: Bring your camera or phone to capture the amazing views. A wide-angle lens is great if you have one.

Enjoy the Moment: Take your time to relax and soak in the natural beauty. Whether you’re walking, driving, or just sitting, the views are worth savoring.

With their breathtaking panoramas and varied activities, the Morgan Bay Cliffs truly showcase the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape. So pack your camera, gather your friends and family, and experience the wonders of this amazing spot. Enjoy your adventure!

Helpful links:

• Morgan Bay: Discover the best things to do
• Hiking the Morgan Bay cliffs to Double Mouth Nature Reserve
• Other Wild Coast destinations
• 21 Things to see and do in East London