Kei Mouth may seem like a sleepy seaside town when you first arrive, but it’s secretly a hub of activity! There is so much to do in and around the village that you can fill every day of your holiday with a different event or activity! We’ve handpicked the following activities knowing they’ll appeal to our guests and ensure your stay is packed with fun, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
The Kei Mouth Country Club is the place to go if you want to relish some of the best views in Kei Mouth. Situated at the top of the hill, it enjoys sweeping vistas down to the sea, making it a great place to tuck into a burger while spotting whales. While it’s famous for its views and food, the thing that makes the Country Club really special is its scenic 13-hole golf course. While it can be difficult to keep your eye on the ball when there’s so much natural beauty around you, golfers of all skill levels will find the course challenging and enjoyable.
The Country Club welcomes visitors, even those who’ve never swung a club before, and visiting golfers are welcome to take part in the competitions that take place every Wednesday and Saturday. If you prefer to go for an informal knockabout with the kids, the club offers club rentals and casual green fees, making it easy for families to enjoy a relaxed round of golf together.
Afterwards, you can enjoy a meal at the Club or, if you’ve still got energy to burn, book one of the squash courts and challenge your family or friends to a match.
Contact: 043 841 1083
While things can get pretty competitive on the Kei Mouth Bowling Green, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the professionals welcome newcomers and encourage visitors to try their hand at the sport. For a social game that combines skill, strategy, and community spirit, the bowling green is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Situated inside the Kei Mouth Caravan Park, the Bowls Club pub offers a warm, friendly atmosphere with well-priced drinks and a chance to mingle with locals, providing a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy community spirit, even if you have to trade ocean views for good conversation and relaxed hospitality.
Contact: Alex Wallace – 082 902 6137
There are only so many days you can spend lazing on the beach, so when the sea and sand start to lose their appeal, why not embark on a Great Kei Adventure? Join a guided kayak trip through the Double Mouth Nature Reserve, where you’ll paddle along serene estuaries, surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse birdlife.
Alternatively, why not let local fishing legend Dylan Lees take you on an unforgettable fishing expedition? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, Dylan will share his expert tips and local knowledge to help you reel in everything from kob to shad. With breathtaking coastal scenery as your backdrop, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re such an adrenalin junky that you find those options too mundane, Great Kei Adventures also offers a nail-biting abseil off the Morgan Bay cliffs. It’s one of the few places that you can abseil directly over the Indian Ocean and, while it’s just a 24-meter drop, it feels a lot higher with the waves crashing underneath you!
Find out more here
If you prefer to do things your own way, why not hire a couple of bikes from Pedals at The Yard Lifestyle Centre and explore the area under your own steam?
Not only will it help you burn off some of those pesky Christmas calories, but it will also give you the freedom to uncover hidden gems at your own pace.
Cycle through picturesque coastal trails, take in breathtaking ocean views and stop to explore secluded beaches along the way. It’s an eco-friendly, refreshing way to connect with the beauty and culture of the Wild Coast.
You can even take your bikes across the river on the ferry and explore further afield. Maybe even challenge yourselves to a day trip to Seagulls Hotel, where warm hospitality, cold beers, and delicious, hearty meals await.
Find out more here.
Crossing the Great Kei River on the iconic pontoon is a simple yet unforgettable experience, perfect for creating lasting memories. Conveniently located within walking distance from The Thatches, this short adventure is ideal for a morning outing or a full day of exploration.
After hopping across the river, you can wander along deserted beaches that offer a stark contrast to the busier main beach at Kei Mouth. Here, there’s nothing but open space and blue skies and the only things you’ll have to share it with are a few birds. Another little-known secret is the lagoon hidden in the dunes just beyond the ferry.
This serene spot is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting sightings of giant kingfishers, Goliath herons, and even the occasional jacana.
There’s something special about riding a horse along the beach, watching the waves lap over its hooves and feeling the salty breeze on your face as you and your horse move in harmony with the rhythm of the ocean. It’s a moment of pure connection with nature that stays with you long after the ride.
Even if the mere thought of climbing into the saddle makes your knees tremble, the experienced guides and reliable horses will soon settle your nerves and help you find your confidence. With gentle instruction and a relaxed pace, you’ll quickly discover the joy of exploring the coastline on horseback.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete beginner, this unforgettable experience is tailored to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of the Wild Coast.
Book online at wildcoasthorses.com
Even if fishing isn’t your passion, you’ll still love an ocean excursion with Wild Coast Fishing Charters! Skipper Clint Gower, a lifelong local, knows these waters like the back of his hand and can guide you to the best spots for hooking a butterfish or capturing stunning shots of dolphins playing in the surf.
Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to target prized species like geelbek, soldierfish, or the formidable yellowtail. Renowned for its strength and tenacity, the yellowtail promises an exhilarating challenge that will leave you with a story to tell long after the trip is finished.
Clint will take you to the edge of the continental shelf where you’ll have a chance to target species like the acrobatic dorado or the high-speed tuna. You may also encounter whales and a variety of birdlife rarely seen closer to shore.
Excursions are available throughout the season, weather permitting, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot.
Find out more here.
One of the most established activities in the area, Trevor’s Trails is situated in Qolora Mouth on the far side of the Great Kei River.
Meet your knowledgeable local guide at Trennerys Hotel before embarking on an adventure to some of the most scenic hidden spots on the Wild Coast.
The half-day excursion takes you to the stunning Gates Waterfall, featuring a short hike through the bush and two scenic boat rides, during which you’ll learn about the local area’s unique flora and fauna.
Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll have the opportunity to take a daring leap from the rocks and plunge into the refreshingly icy waters below.
Book through Great Kei Adventures
Have you ever tasted Umqombothi (a traditional South African beer made from sorghum malt, maize malt, water, and yeast) or considered consulting a traditional healer?
Led by the knowledgeable Siyabulela Aubrey Kema, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the locals and explore their rich cultural heritage. Enjoy local music, sample traditional delicacies, and delve into the intricacies of Xhosa life, gaining insight into customs, beliefs, and everyday practices that have been passed down through generations.
Contact Aubrey on 078 064 8487
The Yard Lifestyle Hub is a great place to hang out, whatever the weather! The outdoor jungle gym and run-through fountains provide endless fun for kids, while adults can relax with a coffee or browse the Kei Country Craft shop for unique handmade treasures.
On rainy days, head to The Yardarm bistro upstairs, where you can enjoy board and card games, or challenge friends to a game of foosball or air hockey. Alternatively, you could choose to unleash your creativity at Kei Country Crafts, where a selection of workshops and DIY kits allow you to craft your own masterpieces, whether you’re making jewellery, Christmas cards, or home décor.
There’s always something to inspire and entertain at The Yard
Another great destination for rainy days, the Motorcycle Museum is home to over 650 motorcycles and no end of other paraphernalia and collectables. Owned by Billy Nel, this private museum is jam-packed with curiosities and memorabilia that tell the story of motorcycle culture, showcasing vintage machines, rare parts, and other nostalgic artefacts. Situated at the turn-off to Morgan Bay, the museum is over-shadowed by a giant Convair 880 passenger jet – thought to be one of only two remaining in the world.
Tel: 082 769 0844 (Billy)
I realise it might be difficult to persuade some family members that a shell museum is worth a visit, but if you do manage to drag them along, they’ll get a big surprise. Housing a huge variety of shells, the museum shares the passion of a former resident of Kei Mouth – Hazel Jefferies. Her private collection forms the basis of the museum’s contents – contributing to a display that will inspire a new appreciation for the huge diversity of shells, varying in size, shape, colour and intricate patterns that showcase the remarkable beauty and complexity of marine life.
The Shell Museum is open Mon – Fri: 07:00 – 16:00 and Saturday: 09:00 – 11:00 and is situated at the Municipal offers at the four-way stop in the centre of the village.
For a great day out for all the family, book the Fish Eagle for a leisurely cruise along the ever-changing Kei River. Stop for a swim or a fish, or sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds emanating from the river valley. If you’re lucky, you might see fish eagles and kingfishers performing their aerial acrobatics or spot a mullet leaping from the water’s surface.
Pack a tempting picnic basket or braai pack, fill your cooler with refreshments, and you’re prepared for an unforgettable day of relaxation and excitement. For those seeking a hassle-free experience, the Fish Eagle also offers catered events, making it an ideal venue for celebrating special family milestones.
Book online at https://fisheaglecruise.co.za/