I took this photo earlier this year, from a farm situated several kilometres upstream from the river mouth.

Boarding the Pont

The Pont can carry up to two vehicles at a time and with lots of space for passengers on either side. The fare is currently R60 per vehicle in either direction, R50 return per motorbike and 50c each way for foot passengers.

Kei River viewpoint

Take the 3rd road on the left when you enter Kei Mouth and you’ll find this viewpoint where the road ends at the bottom of a cul-de-sac. The river usually flows brown with topsoil from upstream, but every now and again during a dry spell, a spring high-tide will come along and push clean sea water in to make the river look so blue.

The Pont

This photo was taken on the same day as the one above. The Pont can be seen carrying a Land Rover to the other side, while a car and some horse riders patiently wait their turn.

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.