UMTHOMBE KEI RIVER LODGE
River Lodge (Self-Catering) Accommodation
in Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
umThombe Kei River Lodge is situated on a 160ha private nature reserve along the
banks of the Great Kei River. The pulse of the river is felt in everything here:
whether you are gliding along in a kayak, hiking to hidden pools, fishing for
the legendary cob, or simply watching the sunset turn the cliffs to gold as the
crowned cranes fly home to roost.
Our thatched 4-sleeper chalets each have two rooms - one double and one twin
(both with en-suite showers) and a semi-open thatched braai/dining area with
fireplace. Each room has a sliding door opening out onto a deck/lawn with lovely
views of the river and cliffs opposite. Water's Edge overlooks the river, with
magnificent views of cycads and fish eagles on the cliffs opposite. Bird's View
is set back on the forest edge, with a bird's-eye view of the river. Forest Fern
is tucked into the forest edge, but still with a view of the river.
The Nest is a 6-sleeper family unit situated on the river bank shaded by
stunning flamboyant trees. The thatched wooden cabin has two upstairs bedrooms -
a double and a twin suitable for kids - as well as an deck and en-suite toilet.
Downstairs is a twin bedroom and a lounge. The spacious self-catering kitchen
and dining room have lovely views of the river and garden, as does the outside
braai area. The bathroom has a bath, but there is also an outside shower.
Our very popular Fisherman's Haven, set on the river bank has its own jetty and
consists of four separate pre-fab rondawels - two are bedrooms, one with a
double and a single bed, and one with three singles. The other two contain the
kitchen and bathroom. There is an outside undercover braai with a table and
benches.
The recently opened Bush Cabin is a converted hikers hut set in indigenous
forest overlooking the river, with one double room and an open plan room with
two bunk beds and cooking area. The front deck, which has wonderful views over
the river, is enclosed and serves as a dining area. There is an outside toilet
and shower, and a braai area.
Linen is provided but please bring your own towels. Extra mattresses can be
supplied for children.
Camping:
On the river-bank are grassed campsites, with hot showers, washing up and
braai facilities. The bush campsite is set further back and provides ample shade
and shelter from the wind.
Please note:
Road access to the lodge can sometimes be difficult, especially during the
rainy season (Dec/Jan), and is recommended for 4x4 vehicles only.
Activities at the lodge include:
Fishing - the lodge is situated just opposite the famous "Cob Hole", a 40ft
deep fisherman's dream.
Bird-watching - with habitat varying from dense riverine forest to coastal
scrub, valley bushveld, open woodland and, of course, the river itself, this is
a birder's paradise.
Kayaking - we have two double sit-on-top kayaks and several canoes for our
guests' use (free of charge). Enjoy the river at the water-line and experience
bird-watching at its best.
Hiking - there are several trails on the nature reserve, ranging from relaxed
strolls through riverine forest to more serious hill-climbs, with rewarding
views of the sea and Kei Mouth. Or be adventurous and explore the magnificent
forests on the other side of the Kei River. We can provide maps and direct you
to the best natural features, including Picnic Pool, Gxara Falls, the wreck of
the Jacaranda and The Gates.
The Beach - the lodge is 5km away from the sea up the Kei River, 11km by road.
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