Hluleka Activities

Hiker’s Paradise

Hluleka Nature Reserve is a hiker’s paradise, with a network of well-maintained footpaths suitable for day walks. Trails follow the rocky shore, meandering through coastal forests and along secluded, sandy beaches.

©Jacques Marais
Hiking in Hluleka Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape.

The Wild Coast Hiking Trail, from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay, promises multi-day slogging magic for adventurous soles (and souls). Beach cranking, especially on the southern section of the coast to Kei Mouth, adds a sublime coastal riding adventure to the must-do list of any mountain biker.

This is, after all, where the legendary Imana Wild Ride happens every year, so pack your bike! If you have a sea kayak, bring it. The estuary and ocean make for absolute aquatic magic, and will hugely boost your chances when fishing, too. Remember that the Wild Coast weather is not to be trifled with, though, and pack the necessary emergency kit when heading out onto open water.

Birding and Fishing

©Nigel Dennis
African finfoot (Podica senegalensis) eating a frog.
The Wild Coast is certainly aflutter with our feathered friends, with a bird count of nearly 300 species. Look out for the green-billed coucal (Centropus chlororhynchos), African finfoot (Podica senegalensis) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) … now how’s that for a few lifers? There are many fine fishing spots to be found here at the mouth of the Mzimvubu River, and best you rig up for fighting fish like the spotted grunter and shad (or elf), or even large kob on occasion. Lighthouse Rocks is a popular spot, with rock angling delivering good results on live bait, rapalas, flies and spinners.By Jacques Marais