The seaside village of Kei Mouth can trace it’s roots back more that a 100 years, to the time of the frontier wars of the late 18th century. Back then, Kei Mouth was a British fort that lay at the southern end of a buffer-zone, created after the 8th Frontier War, to separate the Xhosa and the British.
In the early 19th century, farmers from the interior began making the arduous wagon trip to Kei Mouth, to enjoy their annual 2-month holidays. It was from these small beginnings that a village began to grow; a village that to this day, is still a favourite holiday destination among Eastern Cape farmers and city-dwellers alike.
Kei Mouth’s popularity as a holiday destination is mainly due to it’s location at the mouth of the Great Kei River. The river offers excellent opportunities for fishing, deep-sea ski-boat launching as well as relaxing sundowner cruises. More than this though, is the fact that the Kei Mouth ”Pont” provides adventurous travellers, easy access to the stunning and unspoilt Transkei Wild Coast across the river.
Activities & Attractions
Kei Mouth is blessed with it own 9-hole Golf Course, which was established in 1933. A clubhouse was built in 1988 and counts more than 500 members amongst it’s ranks. The well-maintained course is bordered by the forested Cape Morgan Nature Reserve and all holes have sea views.
The Hazel Jefferies Shell Museum has hundreds of varieties of shells on display and is considered to be amongst the best in South Africa. The 5-day Strandloper Trail begins nearby and takes in local sights such as Signal Hill (pictured) and the Cape Morgan Lighthouse, before heading south past neighbouring Morgan Bay and the Jikeleza Route villages, before terminating at the Gonube River Mouth. Other activities in the area include Horse Riding, Squash, Bowls, Surfing, Mountain Biking, Game Viewing and Birdwatching.
Accommodation
Kei Mouth boasts a vast array of accommodation for the holidaymaker. Many people rent out their holiday homes to self catering visitors and there is a large Municipal Campsite near the beach. Other establishments include The Thatches, Neptune’s Cove, Kei Sands, Benmore Lodge and Whispering Waves.
For more info, see: Kei Mouth accommodation
Shops, Restaurants & Services
There are two mini-supermarkets in Kei Mouth that stock most necessities. East London is a hour’s drive away, so if you need something special, it’s best to bring it with you. There is one restaurant in Kei Mouth, other eating establishments include The Kei Mouth Country Club, The Fisherman’s Takeaway, The Bush Pig and The Shed at Benmore Lodge, where you can enjoy a braai every Saturday evening.
Other facilities and services include at Church, Petrol Station, Post Office and Library.
Getting there
Kei Mouth GPS Waypoint coordinates: 32° 40′ 46″ S 28° 22′ 44″ E
Directions from East London: On the N2 from East London, take the Kei Mouth / Morgan Bay turnoff at Mooiplaas and follow the R349 for 44km to Kei Mouth.
Directions from Durban: 31km past the Kei Bridge take the Kei Mouth / Morgan Bay turnoff at Mooiplaas and follow the R349 for 44km to Kei Mouth.
