Kei Mouth
The seaside village of Kei Mouth is located on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast of South Africa and is about 90 km east of East London. Kei Mouth is situated on the south bank of the Kei River, beyond which, lies the rural former homeland of the Transkei. The subtropical climate, unpolluted beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean make Kei Mouth ideal for bathers, surfers and sunbathers throughout the year.
Get in
Kei Mouth is about 90 km away (a 1-hour drive) from East London and is accessible by a tar road. There are several shuttle services that pick up in East London and from the airport, and some accommodation establishments will pick you up by arrangement for a small fee.
Get around
There are no buses or taxis in Kei Mouth, but mini bus taxis are available. The village is quite small and most shops, restaurants, bars & the beach are within walking distance.
See
Kei Mouth is the start of the legendary Strandloper Trail, which passes through Morgan's Bay and Haga Haga and terminates at Gonubie. For shorter walks, there are of course the beaches, and walks to the viewing platforms on Signal Hill and down Lover's Lane.
One of South Africa's two remaining car pontoons operates in Kei Mouth. Vehicles and passengers are ferried across the Kei River to the Transkei (Wild Coast). From here you can head for the wreck of The Jacaranda, which has been high and dry on the beach since 1971. It's about an hour's beach walk from the Trennery's Hotel, which has a map at reception for 4x4 enthusiasts, complete with GPS co-ordinates showing you how get there.
Do
Kei Mouth is exceptionally popular with anglers; there are excellent fishing grounds both at the coast and in the Kei River, which is navigable for several kilometers upstream. Deep sea fisherman can launch from the mouth of the Kei River. Activities in the Kei Mouth area include river cruises, golf, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking and nature trails, rock climbing, abseiling, surfing, canoeing, microlighting, game viewing and bird watching.
Buy
- Joy-Mari Gift Shop, Grosvenor St (across from square), ☏ +27 82 781-7283. 8:30AM-5PM daily. A local gift shop offering mostly handmade gifts.
Sleep
- Endalweni Private Game Reserve (Located 8 km before Kei Mouth and Morgan's Bay on the R349), ☏ +27 43 841-1526. Self-catering accommodation set in a tranquil private game reserve. Sleeps 2 to 6. DSTV available
- Sunray Farm - Equestrian Centre & Hunting Lodge (Gap Year & Back Packers Eco Adventures), Sunray Farm, Kei Mouth Rd (22km out of Kei Mouth, turn right onto the Komga road, first farm on the right.), ☏ +27 43 831-1087. Caters to all levels of horse riders who want an extended horse riding experience. Ride horses for week or a month or two.
- The Cock Inn Bed & Breakfast (Located 8 km before Kei Mouth and Morgan's Bay on the R349), ☏ +27 43 841-1527. This guesthouse is surrounded by beautiful trees and has magnificent sea views. The gardens are full of the incredible birdlife of the Wild Coast.
Go next
The beautiful seaside village of Morgan's Bay and its famous cliffs is 7 km away, 4 km beyond that lies the pristine Double Mouth Nature Reserve and the aptly named Bead beach, site of a 16th-century Portuguese shipwreck, it's the perfect place to do a little treasure hunting for Ming porcelain and Carnelian beads.