- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Lover’s Lane offers a chance to walk through Kei Mouth’s ancient tertiary barrier dune system and coastal dune forest. The return journey via the beach will take you along ancient mudstone rocky shores.
DIRECTIONS
Park at the side of Neptune’s Cove. Walk to the start of Lover’s Lane, behind Neptune’s Cove. Look out for the post box at the Lovelock Heart on your right. Keep walking along Lover’s lane until you get to the picnic area and car park. From there you may either return the way you came or return via the beach. Via the beach walk towards the sea and then turn right, with your back to the river, along the ocean until you find yourself back at Neptunes. This walk may also be approached from the car park at the river end of Lover’s Lane.
Tides: If Returning by the beach, avoid spring high and storm surges.
What to look out for:
Tertiary dune and coastal forest As you walk, you will be through a tertiary dune system and coastal forest, home to a rich variety of plant and animal species. Look out for milkwood, wild bananas or maybe a clivia, which is naturally occurring in this area. Plants may not be removed.
Love Lock Heart Love locks are padlocks that couples attach to bridges, fences, and public monuments as a symbol of their love and commitment. After fastening the lock, they often throw the key into a river or nearby water, representing an unbreakable bond. Love lock hear is Kei Mouths symbolic sculpture representing the idea that love is both protected and unlocked through trust.
Inniskilling Rocks The distinctive rock formation beyond the mouth of the Kei River is both a landmark and a protected area in Xhosa culture. It is recognised by the distinctive two-pointed rock formation that is reminiscent of a Viking helmet.
Marine Life and Sardine Run These shores are home to an abundance of marine life. Birds include the African Oystercatcher, (add more). You may be able to spot dolphins at any time of year. At the right time of year (usually May to July) you may be lucky enough to see tail slaps, spouts or even a whale breaching and even evidence of the annual sardine run, one of the most spectacular marine wildlife experiences in the world. Look out for dark, moving patches in the water (the sardine shoals), diving seabirds, or splashes that indicate feeding frenzies.
Mudstone Rocky Shores In front of Neptune’s Cove, before you turn off the beach, take a look at the flat rocks found there. The rocks that look like hardened clay are mudstone rocks. They are fine-grained and often smooth-to-the-touch. You may even see evidence of plant fossils in the rocks.
