First and Second Beach
The peaceful and quiet town of Mazeppa Bay boasts with spectacular ocean vistas and two pristine beaches. First beach looks tropical in appearance and is lined with palm trees, and visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming on this gorgeous beach.
It is a well-known spot for fishing, and a 100 m suspension bridge will take you to Mazeppa Bay Island - the best spot for fishing. Cast your line early and expect a wide variety of game fish and sharks to be caught.
Second beach lies on the south of the Mazeppa lagoon and offers isolated tranquillity. Here you can relax with the family, and be undisturbed by crowds of people while taking walks, sunbathing, swimming or lounging about. The kids can explore the rolling dunes along the beach or pick up seashells.
Nestled in a beautiful setting of palm trees and tropical plants overlooking a broad beach, Mazeppa Bay even has its own island. The island, depending on the tide, is sometimes only accessible by a suspension bridge. It is a fisherman’s paradise with a large variety of game fish abounding, and the biggest ever caught was a 791 kg great white shark.
Outdoor Trails
The Manubi indigenous forest is an irresistible retreat near the village and is home to loads of bird and plant species. The forest offers an interesting and exhilarating nature experience for outdoor lovers. There are walking trails through the forest with its distinctive Sneezewood and Yellowwood trees. Spend a day exploring the forest and reel in the abundant bird and animal life found here. There is also a 4 km coastal hike north that leads to the wreck of the Jacaranda, a 2000-ton ship that ran aground in 1971 at Qolora Mouth.
Hiking or running the trails in and around Mazeppa Bay village promises some exciting and exquisite findings. The Jikeleza Trail is a three-day run that follows miles of empty beaches and serene hills, following the paths of sure-footed cattle and fisherman of yesteryear. The route is unmarked and unmanned, but basic maps are provided and keeping the sea on your left will guide you to finish each day. The trail covers 80 km of wild running terrain and should not be missed by a running enthusiast.
4x4 Routes
One of the popular 4x4 trails in Mazeppa Bay is run by Peter Kruger. He offers a three-day, 120 km trail in Mazeppa Bay region. Using the Mazeppa Bay Hotel as his base, the trail can be tailored to suit your needs, with some people even doing it over five days. Peter runs 4x4 trails all across this exciting part of South Africa. As the public roads are limited, Peter has arranged access to areas that would not otherwise be available. Low-range and good ground clearance are essential.