At Cremorne Estate we offer a variety of different accommodation options and services. Choose between our cosy log cabin hotel rooms, doing your own thing in our luxury self catering cottages, or for the outdoor type – choose between our riverside fisherman’s cottages or pitch your tent on one of our fully serviced camping or caravan sites

Cremorne Estate was build by captain Sidney Turner in the late 1800's and is linked to important maritime events of days gone by.  It is situated on the banks of the awesome Umzimvubu River in Port St Johns on the Wild Coast and is easy to find. Hosts Steve and Chris will give you a warm welcome.

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]]> 29.53240013122558594,-31.59819984436035156 Set in the heart of the Pondo region. On top of a mountain with the indigenous bushes, trees and magnificent views, Faranani Guesthouse comprises of five en-suite bedrooms.

All bedrooms are equipped with the following:

  • Telephone;
  • Alarm clock radios;
  • Coffee/Tea facilities;
  • Ceiling fans;
  • Hair driers; and
  • Separate entrance for your convenience.

They also offer:

  • Laundry services;
  • Baby Sitting services; and
  • Safe Parking and services;

 

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]]> 29.54050064086914062,-31.62490081787109375 This small but beautiful coastal reserve lies in a forested valley south of Port St Johns, and stretches from Second Beach to Sugarloaf Rock.  Trails lead to evergreen forest and provide the opportunity to view elusive birds such as Knysna loerie, Cinnamon Dove and Grey Cuckoo Shrike.  The Gxwaleni River flows through the forest and you should look out for the Half-collared Kingfisher and long tailed Wagtail at fast flowing stretches.

Giant forest trees are clad in mosses, lichens and epiphytic orchids, while lilies bloom on the forest floor.  Blue Duiker and Bushbuck are indigenous to the forest but are secretive and seldom seen.  Facing the sea are grassy hills where the stately Aloe Ferox blooms in winter. The Natal Red Rock Rabbit lives among boulders and introduced Blue Wildbeest and Burchell’s Zebra graze the palatable grasses.

At the reserve, there is a rest camp that consists of fifteen thatched bungalows, each with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and braaiplace.  The fifteen bungalows accommodate six people and each has a view of either the forest or the ocean. You should bring your own provisions, although the shop nearby at Port St Johns will have almost everything you need.

 

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]]> 29.50769996643066406,-31.65349960327148438 Lily Lodge started as a restaurant in January 1996 and later the owner became interested in expanding to a lodge because of demand. Set in the dune forest at Second Beach, it is an idyllic venue for enjoying the Transkei Wild Coast.  From the restaurant you may see schools of dolphins surfing and gliding away the late afternoon.  Fruits of the ocean are served, complemented by wines from the Cape.

The chalets nestle amongst the trees where you can listen to exotic birdcalls and watch monkeys at play.  In the evening, relax with a cocktail in Ben’s Bar, named in honour of Ben Dekker, the legendary strandloper of Port St Johns.

The lodge is owned and run by Mbuyie O’Mahony, a Pondo lady married to an Irish doctor. It’s a local venture, fully licensed, staffed and operated by people from Pondoland.

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]]> 29.52179908752441406,-31.64730072021484375 The Pont is nestled between the mighty Umzimvubu River and Mount Thesiger, a convenient 4km from the centre of Port St Johns and the sea. The Pont was originally a government property until the new owners took over.  It is situated right on the side of the Pondoland Bridge, on the highway from Umtata.

The Pont has self-catering accommodation chalets with caravan and camping space available, offering:

Accommodations types:

  • Four rustic self-catering riverside chalets;
  • Three en-suite self-contained family rooms;
  • A fully equipped communal kitchen;
  • A riverside braai (barbeque) boma; and
  • Camping and caravan sites.

Activities:

  • Slipway and jetty with estuary, surf and rock fishing;
  • Walking trails.

All of these, plus peace and serenity in the majestic surroundings with good security.  Jenny or Brian will be there to welcome you.

 

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]]> 29.52680015563964844,-31.59519958496093750 Looking back at Umngazi:

According to legend, when Faku, famed king of the Pondo, executed his enemies at Mlengana (Execution) Rock overlooking the Umngazi River valley, their blood igazi literally ran down the streams into the river.

In the last century troops from the British garrison in Grahamstown established a fresh water supply point at Umngazi, which still supplies the hotel today.  During the final Frontier war in 1841 British soldiers camped on the present hotel site.  Later they also occupied Port St Johns, raising the Union Jack in 1871.

In 1842, Dick King watered his horses at Umngazi during his historic 1000km ride between Durban and Grahamstown.

In 1929 the Leach family established a trading post on the site. Two years later they erected three guest bungalows, which formed the nucleus of the present hotel.

The present owners, who descend directly from 1820 settler stock, their families having lived and worked on the Wild Coast for the past 135 years, substantially redeveloped Umngazi River Bungalows in 1994.

There is a tennis court, swimming pool and children’s playroom (videos/full time nannies). Cosy conference facilities, mountain biking and water-skiing are some of the activities that can be undertaken at Umngazi River Bungalows. There are also guided walks to mangrove swamps and through beautiful indigenous forests with some 240-bird species. There is also an on-site shop well stocked with toiletries, fishing tackle and holiday-wear. Secluded honeymoon bungalows are also available.

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