Silaka Nature Reserve is a hidden gem located in the Eastern Cape, just 6 kilometers south of the coastal town of Port St Johns. This protected area of land is nestled deep in a valley forest and stretches along the coastline between Second Beach and Sugarloaf Rock. The reserve covers 400 hectares of stunning coastal scenery, including towering trees, grassland, and a picturesque forest.
Silaka Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, as it serves to protect the biodiversity of the coastal forest in the region. Visitors can enjoy swimming, gentle walks, hiking trails, and exceptional bird watching opportunities. The forest is home to a variety of species, including the elusive blue duiker and bushbuck, as well as half-collared kingfishers and long-tailed wagtails. The Gxwaleni River flows through the reserve, adding to the tranquility of the area.
Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll back from the reserve to Port St Johns, a perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the late afternoon. The shoreline of the reserve is rugged, with a small sandy beach where the river meets the sea. Here, the marsh is home to the Cape clawless otter, thick-billed weavers, and yellow-throated longclaw. Just offshore, there is a huge rocky outcrop known as Bird Island, which is a flurry of seabirds. On the opposite shore, there is an interesting pebble beach surrounded by driftwood and aloes that grow almost all the way to the sea.
Birdwatching
Silaka Nature Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is birdwatching at Umzimvubu Retreat. Over 40 species of birds have been identified at Umzimvubu Retreat alone, including the rare Cape Parrot. The retreat is located in an area that provides excellent birdwatching opportunities with many other spots like the forests, the bass dam for water birds, First Beach for seagulls, fish eagles and other birds.
The retreat offers birdwatching guides and equipment for visitors to use, including binoculars and bird books. Visitors can also browse through bird books available in the dining room, or ask their hosts for more information about the different species of birds found in the area. The retreat provides an excellent base for birdwatching, with comfortable accommodation and easy access to the reserve’s many birdwatching hotspots.
In addition to birdwatching, visitors can also explore the reserve on foot, taking in the beauty of the towering trees, grasslands and the forest. The reserve offers several hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers who wish to explore the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna. The forest is home to a variety of species, including the elusive blue duiker and bushbuck, as well as half-collared kingfishers and long-tailed wagtails.
Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll back from the reserve to Port St Johns, a perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the late afternoon. The shoreline of the reserve is rugged, with a small sandy beach where the river meets the sea. Here, the marsh is home to the Cape clawless otter, thick-billed weavers, and yellow-throated longclaw. Just offshore, there is a huge rocky outcrop known as Bird Island, which is a flurry of seabirds. On the opposite shore, there is an interesting pebble beach surrounded by driftwood and aloes that grow almost all the way to the sea.
Silaka Nature Reserve offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, making it the perfect destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With the Umzimvubu Retreat as the base, visitors can explore the reserve’s many birdwatching hotspots and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Eastern Cape.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Silaka Nature Reserve offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is dolphin and whale watching. With the guidance of Rod Hastier, an experienced skipper with 20 years of experience, visitors can learn about the fascinating world of sharks and dolphins. Rod has worked for the Natal Sharks Board for many years and is an expert on the local marine life. Visitors can contact him to plan an unforgettable trip to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The best months for whale watching are May to August. Visitors can expect to see a variety of whale species, including southern right whales and humpback whales, during this time. Dolphin sightings are also common along the coastline throughout the year, weather and launching conditions permitting. Visitors can take a boat trip to see these playful creatures up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat.
In addition to dolphin and whale watching, visitors can also explore the reserve on foot, taking in the beauty of the towering trees, grasslands and the forest. The reserve offers several hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers who wish to explore the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna. The forest is home to a variety of species, including the elusive blue duiker and bushbuck, as well as half-collared kingfishers and long-tailed wagtails.
Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll back from the reserve to Port St Johns, a perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the late afternoon. The shoreline of the reserve is rugged, with a small sandy beach where the river meets the sea. Here, the marsh is home to the Cape clawless otter, thick-billed weavers, and yellow-throated longclaw. Just offshore, there is a huge rocky outcrop known as Bird Island, which is a flurry of seabirds. On the opposite shore, there is an interesting pebble beach surrounded by driftwood and aloes that grow almost all the way to the sea.
Cape Hermes Lighthouse
Silaka Nature Reserve offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, one of which is the Cape Hermes Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the perfect destination for those who love the sea and the history of lighthouses.
The Cape Hermes Lighthouse, named after the HMS Hermes that surveyed the Pondoland coastal waters, warns passing ships of the rugged rock alcoves that line this bay of danger on the East Coast of South Africa. This Indian Ocean stretch is strewn with the remains of jewel carrying treasure ships sunk in the contours of the ‘Jewel of the Wild Coast’ namely Port St Johns. These great waters are protected by a sweet stone lighthouse that’s picket fence got built and that’s dream came true.
Built in 1903, this lighthouse stands at 55 meters above the high water mark and is shaped like an octagon. The lighthouse is built from the very granite rock that it stands upon, and the light beam that burns at 5,000 CD is named after the HMS Hermes. The lighthouse is only 13 meters high, but it still has a grand name and a superlative task of protecting nautical jewels. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and enjoy the views of the intimidating mountain ranges and the river mouth that divides them from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is tended by a sweet old resident lighthouse keeper, who is perhaps the last of his kind, someone who had the duty and key passed down in his family for generations. Visitors can learn more about the lighthouse’s history, and the lighthouse keeper’s role and duty, and enjoy the wild water wash and the calming cool breeze.
The lighthouse shines its light out to sea in one flash every three seconds and is visible from 13 nautical miles. This lighthouse is a dream come true and is a must-see attraction for those visiting Silaka Nature Reserve.
Silaka Nature Reserve is a perfect destination for those looking for an escape into nature, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
The Silaka Nature Reserve is worth visiting almost all year round, except possibly October and November when it rains quite copiously. However, it is important to note that there are not many tarred roads in the area, so it is recommended to have a reliable 4×4 if you plan to explore the reserve. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Silaka Nature Reserve, a largely undiscovered gem in the Eastern Cape.
