Umngazi Hotel & Spa
Sugar Loaf Hike
The Sugar Loaf hike is one of our most scenic and spectacular hikes. The hike takes you along the mountain parallel to the Indian Ocean This hike can be a self hike or you are welcome to book a guided hike.
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Umngazana Mangrove Hike
The Umngazana estuary is home to one of the few remaining pristine mangrove forests along the South African coastline.
This is one of the popular hikes where guests leave at 7:30am after breakfast and walk along the coastline until dropping into the Mangroves. They then jump into waiting canoes and paddle up the river to the Umngazana river mouth. The guests then walk back to the hotel along the beach to the hotel in time for mid morning tea.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 8 pax
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Port St John's Hike
This three hour hike is not for the unfit. Nevertheless, it is the most popular. Hikers set off from Umngazi after an early 7am breakfast and hike the 11kms to Second Beach, Port St Johns.
The good news is that you don't have to walk back to the hotel. The Umngazi bus will be waiting for the guests at Second Beach. Guests will arrive back at the hotel in time for lunch and an afternoon siesta.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 14 pax
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Tea at Alice's House Walk
This is an easy walk for the whole family.
After crossing the river, you will start climbing up the hill on the opposite bank. Looking back you will see incredible views of the Umngazi Hotel and the extensive estuarine river complex. You will be invited to have a cup of tea at Alice's house while you learn a little bit about the Pondo culture.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 14 pax
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Boat Cruise and Forest Walk
This is an ideal excursion for those who are interested in trees and plants and enjoy relaxed bird-watching. Take the ferryboat up the river, where on the way you are sure to spot a couple of Kingfishers scanning the water for a snack, or watch little fish tantalising the anglers on the riverbank by popping up just out of hook's reach. On a warm summer's day, look out for the Leguvaans sunning themselves on the rocks.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 10 pax
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Bird Walk
The indigenous forests of the Umngazi Valley are home to a myriad of bird species - ranging from a host of LBJ's to the more elusive Knysna Louries and shy Narina Trogons. The African Fish Eagle's plaintive cry often echoes across the river, so watch out for this majestic bird.
A comprehensive list of all the birds sighted over the years at Umngazi is available at reception.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 12 pax
All guided hikes need to be booked at reception one day before.
Don't forget to take along good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bottle of water, insect repellent and camera.
Sunset Cruise
These are a regular and popular occurrence and a particular favourite with the guests.
In the late afternoon, just before dusk, your guide will take you on a gentle sojourn up the Umngazi River, which meanders through the valley between lush green hillsides. Guests can completely unwind to the sound of lapping water and the call of the resident African Fish Eagle.
Guests can place their drinks order at reception on the day of their cruise. This will be charged to their rooms. Snacks will be served on the cruise.
Please speak to reception should you wish to book a private cruise for adults only.
The sunset cruises are for both adults and children.
Maximum of 19 pax per cruise.
Summer Time: Cruise leaves at 17:00
Winter Time: Cruise leaves at 16:00
Don't forget to take along a sweater and a camera.
Flat Rock
This is a beautiful 1km walk enjoyed by the whole family. Jump on the ferry and cruise across the river to the beach. Head right, over the dunes and carry on along the shoreline until you reach Flat Rock, a popular fishing spot. It is especially wonderful to do this walk at low tide, when the sand is hard and easier to walk on, and the tidal pools are bursting at the seams with sea urchins, shy crabs and darting rock fish.
It is a good idea to ensure you have adequate shoes for walking on the rocks, as you can spend hours exploring this treasure cove of tidal pool delights, not to mention the Cowie shells you can find hiding in the sand around Flat Rock.
Fishing
The Wild Coast is famous for it's rugged scenery, good fishing and abundant sealife.
Rock Surf Angling & River and Estuary Angling available
A bait room is available in the parking area where your bait can be stored. There is also a fish cleaning station at the Slipway. You can also purchase some lures and flies at the shop.
Outdoor Activites
Hiking
Tug Boats are available to hire - please bring your own motor - max 9hp/electric
Fishing
Picnics - these are available at an extra charge
Trail Running - Sugar Loaf, Beach, River Trail
Sundowner Cruise
Community Engagement
Bush Breakfast - min 10 pax, extra charge. Guests cruise or canoe up the river to the bush breakfast site where they get to enjoy a delicious meal in nature.
Mountain Biking Trails - guests to bring their own mountain bikes
Dune Sledding
Tennis
Kayaking
SUP Boarding
Boules (ask the Entertainment Team for a set)
Birding
Outdoor Activites
Hiking
Tug Boats are available to hire - please bring your own motor - max 9hp/electric
Fishing
Picnics - these are available at an extra charge
Trail Running - Sugar Loaf, Beach, River Trail
Sundowner Cruise
Community Engagement
Bush Breakfast - min 10 pax, extra charge. Guests cruise or canoe up the river to the bush breakfast site where they get to enjoy a delicious meal in nature.
Mountain Biking Trails - guests to bring their own mountain bikes
Dune Sledding
Tennis
Kayaking
SUP Boarding
Boules (ask the Entertainment Team for a set)
Birding
Children's Activities
Our enthusiastic entertainment team have plenty of tricks up their sleeve to keep children occupied. See the daily activity notice board located outside reception for the day's scheduled entertainment.
Most popular kids activities:
Dune Sledding
Snail Feeding
Slippery Slide (weather permitting)
Marshmallow Braai
Cupcake Decorating
Fishing Competitions
These activities can change depending on the weather.
Indoor Activities
Umngazi's facilities include a number of well-appointed lounges and decks, ideal for board games and reading in a peaceful setting away from urban distractions.
Sports TV
Adult Lounge
Spa
Snooker Table
Gym
Darts
Quiz Evenings