ActivitiesFacilitiesHikeswalksSpakidsfishingMountain BikingBirdingMore ActivitiesSunset CruiseBush Breakfast
Umngazi Hotel & Spa is a beautiful destination where you can actively engage your sense of adventure, whether it be outside exploring or inside relaxing. This is the place of real experiences that will leave a lasting impression with all who visit this breathtaking part of the Wild Coast.
There are a wide variety of facilities and activities to enjoy that have been designed to enrich your stay with us.
A comfortable and stylishly decorated adult lounge area is available upstairs the main lounge at the hotel.
The shop is open daily and stocks a selection of merchandise ranging from essentials to a variety of holiday treats.
This central and beautiful space is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the holiday vibe.
A well-equipped gym is located at the Pavilion with a wonderful river view.
The main swimming pool is a family favourite. Loungers are available for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Located in Basil’s bar, this area offers a snooker table and dart boards ideal for pre or post dinner entertainment.
A tennis court is available to guests while staying at the hotel. Rackets are offered for hire and balls are sold in the shop.
A small library of books is available in reception for you to enjoy while staying at the hotel.
view more
The Mngazana estuary is home to one of the few remaining pristine mangrove forests along the South African coastline. This fascinating experience is suitable for young and old. Your guide is a wealth of information and will introduce you to the three species of mangrove that grow in the forest – the White mangrove, the Black mangrove and the Red mangrove. You will then enjoy a kayak through the mangroves to the Mngazana River Mouth and a wonderful walk along the pristine stretch of Wild Coast beach back to the hotel.
view gallerynext hike
Breathtaking scenery!
The hike takes you along Sugar Loaf hill parallel to the Indian Ocean.
You’ll pass an area called Umblolombo where the famous Horizon Ship sank in 1967. The blue & red lights situated in the hotel bar were salvaged from this wreck. Wind your way down to the ocean or stay at the top of the hill and admire the views.
A gentle and manageable hike to the opposite side of the river where you will enjoy the opportunity to personally engage with the warm Pondo culture. Your guide will share his knowledge as your walk through the village and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. The hike will take you back to the hotel along the picturesque Umngazi River with many incredible photographic opportunities, so don’t forget to pack your camera.
Spectacular Wild Coast scenery This sometimes-technical 11km guided hike takes you on an adventure from the hotel to Second Beach in Port St Johns. Your guide will point out areas on interest on the journey. You will then be transported back to the hotel to enjoy a well deserved lunch and afternoon siesta.
view gallery
Venture out on a relaxing amble with our experienced birding guides, Albert and Freedom. They will show you an impressive array of bird-life attracted to the area due to the rich estuarine and mangrove environments found on the Wild Coast. A local bird list is available at Reception.
view gallerynext walk
An easy-going meander for the whole family. Guests enjoy a scenic boat cruise up the Umngazi River, while guides point out the many prolific water birds. Gradually emerge into an ancient indigenous forest, home to exquisite ferns and trees.
Sample the local way of life. Guests are accompanied on an excursion into a nearby village to have tea with Alice – an unforgettable experience. Alice has a special brand of hospitality that reaches beyond formalities and radiates genuine interest.
Set on the Umngazi hillside, you will be treated to a secluded, tranquil experience, with breathtaking views of the coastline below, while our dedicated, professional therapists are on hand with a full range of spa treatments to revive your mind, body and soul.
view menu
This charming, sociable space, provides sanctuary to families wanting to feed babies and children outside of adult mealtimes. Parents are free to make use of the space throughout the day according to preferred feeding routines.
view gallerynext slide
This is a cozy and relaxed area for children to enjoy scheduled screenings of their favourite programmes. The Kids TV Lounge is at the Pavillion.
A bright sensory space designed to stimulate the creativity and imagination of little ones, where daily activities and crafts are run. Suitable for children 8 and younger.
The Wild Coast is known for its rugged coastline, good fishing and abundant seafood. Frequently caught fish species include: Salmon, Musselcracker, Grunter and Rock Cod (from the shore), as well as Red Steenbras, Daggeraad and Yellow Tail (deep sea). Local guides (‘Gilllies’), may be hired to assist on fishing trips.
Rules and Regulations Umngazi is an eco-friendly destination and we adhere strictly to the seasonal and licensing laws of South Africa. Should you require any clarity on these regulations, please do not hesitate to enquire at Reception.
Heavy tackle fishing from the deep water points is normally good during the Summer months. Bronze Bream, Black Tail & the odd Brusher in gullies/white water. Bait prawns, crab & red bait.
The first two months should produce some Cob, Garrick and Shad as the Sardines arrive. From July onwards, the Cob, Garrick & Shad are normally plentiful. Live bait is preferred. From August until October, the Garrick are very big and August is the best month for Cob.
Good light tackle fishing including fly-fishing can be experienced in Umngazi & Umngazana estuaries. Varieties include Spotted Grunter, Cob, Perch, Skipjack, Garrick & Kingfish. Live bait, prawns, sardines are all good. Your fly shop can advise on good salt water flies & drop shot lures.
Good fishing in most of the estuaries. Some produce decent Garrick, Spotted Grunter & Cob. If the river mouth seals up due to drought and Winter seas, estuary fishing slacks off.
Explore beautiful and undulating trails over varied terrain in the surrounding area. Umngazi does not keep bikes on site so please bring your own.
Each rider is asked to pay R150 (as a once-off fee) to the local community for route maintenance.
All cycling routes are available to download on Garmin.com prior to arrival
view routesevents
Enjoy a tranquil meander up the Umngazi River and marvel at its rich biodiversity. Reflect on the day and encounter our resident African Fish Eagle. Snacks are provided, drinks to be pre-ordered at the bar.
Please enquire at reception for more information and to book your spot.
Enquire now
A short ferry cruise or kayak up river will take you to a secluded destination where a buffet breakfast is set out amid the vibrant indigenous bush. Please note: There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 24 guests for this activity. This activity is dependent on the tide and river levels
enquire now
view routes
Umngazi is a walking and hiking paradise with an extensive array of birdlife attracted to the unique ecosystem. Guided bird walks offer close encounters with forest and water birds.
A local bird list is available at Reception.
BIRD LIST
Beautiful picnic baskets can be ordered from reception. Ideal for those looking for an extra spoil.
A variety of enjoyable trails are accessible from the hotel. Perfect terrain to explore the coast, the forest and beach.
A variety of kayaks and SUP boards are available to hire from the boatmen based at the Bar Deck.
A fun activity for everyone. Pick up your sandboard from reception and head across the river to the sand dunes for some giggles.
Please enquire at Reception for more information.
An award-winning, unique, beach hotel and spa on the Wild Coast of South Africa.
follow us on instagram
Email: requests@umngazi.co.za Tel No: 047-564 1115/6/8/9
Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa
GPS COORDINATES: S 31 36.680 E 29 25.938