Treasure hunting? Mountain biking? Rock climbing? Take your pick. Morgan Bay is the perfect place for a seaside break. Along the Wild Coast, this family-friendly town is brimming with adventure. With its perennial warm waters and coastal forests, exploring the diverse region is a thrilling journey of its own.
Swimmers and sun tanners flock to the main beach throughout the year. Even pods of dolphins drift near the shore, joining surfers for a ride on the waves. Down the coastline is an idyllic tidal pool, and a path nearby leads through the trees to the Cape Morgan Lighthouse. Four kilometres out of town, historic gems are hidden throughout Bead Beach at Double Mouth Nature Reserve. Believed to be the site of a centuries-old Portuguese shipwreck, artefacts such as Ming porcelain, carnelian beads, and money cowries can still be found buried in the sand.
Lined with dramatic cliffs beaten by the sea, Morgan Bay is also one of the Eastern Cape’s best climbing spots. There are over 500 routes along the dolerite crags, some of which reach heights of 50 metres. To teeter above the water, tackle the rocks by climbing and abseiling with Morgan Bay Adventures.
Further inland, enchanting activities await. Visit the food and craft markets at the Yellowwood Forest to admire the work of local artisans. Here, kids have the freedom to wander, play on the jungle gyms or have their faces painted. Follow the short, 700-metre Bushbuck Trail to see the monkey swings, a giant fig tree, and the mystical fairie grotto dotted with figurines. Along the way, keep an eye out for the hundreds of bird species that populate the region, including the elusive African finfoot.
Past the forests, the serene lagoon is ideal for water sports. Grab equipment from Morgan Bay Hotel and canoe or stand-up paddle board down the channel. Mountain bikes are also on hand, giving you a good set of wheels to try out the area’s numerous trails, which wind along the clifftops, through the trees, and all the way to the beach.
Just an hour’s drive north from East London, this small town is filled with an abundance of fun. From ancient riches and coastal delights to fairies even, you’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for. In Morgan Bay, there’s an adventure for everyone.
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