Xhora Mouth

The cottage has had a recent makeover with some great additions, including a new front deck.

The beach is just a 2 minute stroll away, with beautiful and safe places to swim. Collect shells on the beach, go fishing off the rocks, enjoy a lovely walk, or just 'chill' in the sun.

The Xora river is just below the river/sunset facing deck and a wooden staircase takes you right down to the jetty.

The cottage has four bedrooms:

• Sea view 1: One double bed
• Sea view 2:  One double bed, a double bunk, and a single bed (small lock up safe)
• River view 1: One double bed
• River view 2: One single bed

All bedding and essentials are provided, including bar fridge, kitchen fridge, chest freezer, gas stove, ice machine, kettle and microwave oven, kitchen utensils such as cups, glassware, pots & pans, etc. etc..

Separate bathroom with flush toilet and separate shower with hot water gas geyser. (Gas is included in the rate and is connected up by the house staff when required.)

There are two lounges, a dining room, and large kitchen.

The river facing deck is the main entertainment area with amazing sunset views, built-in braai area, and has a stairway access down to the jetty on the river.

Facilities include a dart board (please bring your own darts ), and two 2-man kayaks for guests use to experience the wonderful Xora River.

The cottage now has solar electricity as well as a generator set.

Staff:
Thelma and Nancy do the house cleaning and will happily make fat cakes (vetkoek) and home made Xhosa bread for you. Please bring your own flour and yeast, etc.. They can also arrange crayfish, fish and mussels as appropriate during season (sea and weather conditions permitting). Thelma and Nancy have both worked at the cottage for over 40 years and are super helpful and completely trustworthy. Tyson is Nancy's son and is available to help with any manual chores that are needed.

As this is their only form of employment we do ask that our guests please treat them well, as they are part of our happy family cottage.

Tyson is able to assist with the key for the boom gate to access the launching-site for boats at the river.

Xora mouth is unique. To say the least.

Come and sea.

RXRW+47 KuMatokazi

This much-loved family cottage is situated between the river and the sea at the beautiful Xora (or Xhora) Mouth, mid-Wild Coast. To adventure here is to step way off the beaten track. It’s where kindred spirits pause the busyness and give themselves space to regenerate.

The cottage has been in the Bennett family for close to 50 years. Over the years, it has been transformed from a basic fisherman’s shack to a comfortable home from home for a family or a few couples. But it has never lost its humble beginnings – it is still a real Transkei beach cottage (although, these days, it has electricity and an indoor bathroom).

The cottage has three bedrooms, including a hut, that can accommodate six adults and four children. Each bedroom has a double or queen bed and a few singles and bunk-beds suitable only for children. Linen is supplied, but you will need to bring your own towels.

The kitchen is equipped with a stove, fridge, chest freezer, toaster and kettle. Crockery and cutlery is supplied.

The place:

Xhora Mouth lies between Ntlonyana and Bulungula, just south of Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall. The cottages (just 12 in total) are wedged between the Xhora River where it loops around an island of mangroves, a beach still lined with milkwood trees, and the mouth of the Xhora River itself.

Here, life ticks along with the river. At low tide, you may see people and even cattle crossing the great sandbars that sweep across the breadth of the river. At high tide, watch the breeze create ripples on the water that swells to cover not just the sand, but also the mangrove swamps. Sometimes, the river is as smooth and calm as glass, reflecting magnificent sunsets. Perhaps you will take a boat up the river and wind between the fields and homesteads that have changed little over the decades. Always, listen for the cry of the fish eagle.

On the beach, wander south towards the cliffs of Nkanya, dipping into the (usually) warm Indian Ocean or a myriad of sparkling rock pools. Or cross the river and wander north along the bay to Bulungula. You’ll have indigenous Nguni cattle – big, gentle creatures – and seabirds for company. Local women and their children may be foraging for food on the rocks, as they have always done. And you’ll be enchanted by the rich shell beds. As a special treat, from June to November, the whales will put on a show for you.