Mbotyi River Lodge

The annual Sardine Run along the Wild Coast has generated immense interest all over the world. Programs like The Greatest Shoal on Earth on National Geographic has sent divers from abroad in large numbers to experience this phenomenon. Mbotyi River Lodge has been fortunate enough to be very sought after as a destination from which to experience this feeding frenzy. During the last few years we have been unable to accommodate many visitors from South Africa during this period as the dive operators book the entire hotel for a period of 5 to 6 weeks. This year, because of the sudden increase in long haul flights, divers from abroad are coming in fewer numbers, deciding to wait until World Cup madness has passed.

We are thus able to offer you accommodation during the June/July period to enjoy the spectacle and excitement that goes along with this activity. In addition, there will be boat trips available from the lodge, if you are a scuba diver, you will be able to join one of the operators for a trip lasting about 8 hours. Dive amongst hundreds of sharks, dolphin, whales, game fish and the best diver of all, the gannet. Some folk, like me, will be content to watch all this from a boat. Being there, close to all this amazing action is an unforgettable experience. Secure your place now. Mbotyi is fortunate to have to have so many different Biozones. We have indigenous forestry such as the Ntsubane which is one of the largest in our country. There are large tree plantations as well as the enormous Magwa tea plantation. There are a number of rivers in the area and also the very large lagoon estuary of the Mbotyi River. We thus play host to a very large variety of birds and butterflies in the Ntsubane.

Lately the bird life on the lagoon has been outstanding; two great white pelicans have arrived to nest on the lagoon, we hope they will remain with us at least for a while. They share the water with mallard ducks, spurwing and Egyptian geese, cormorants, kingfishers so many kinds, fish eagles, all fishing every morning. Guided walks are from the lodge are very popular and picnic baskets can be supplied for birders wanting to spend time in the forest.