Hluleka Nature Reserve
Hluleka Nature Reserve
4.5
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Spectacular Wild CoastHluleka Nature Reserve lies along the ancient magic Wild Coast within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This Nature Reserve is a diverse ecosystem, combining lush indigenous forests, beautiful rocky coastline, unspoilt beaches and rolling grassland.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
25 reviews
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Lesley S
Durban, South Africa73 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
It is a mission to get there but you don't have to use the car again until you leave, it is 47 km's of gravel road which is not a good road, took us an hour and fifteen minutes in a Pajero. The units are beautifully situated on a little hill overlooking the sea, takes a two minute walk to get to the beach. Each unit has two bedrooms, one downstairs and one upstairs, both have baths and showers. The water is brown but hot. It is not drinkable so take bottled water. The units are serviced but unfortunately not properly, the staff are very happy to spend their days in an empty chalet watching tv or sleeping, they took a whole day to supposedly clean a chalet which had been vacated. It would definitely benefit from a bit of supervision. It was lovely sitting one the deck watching the tides and waves. There is a built in braai but charcoal or firewood is not provided. You would need to take all your provisions with you as there is nowhere to stock up on anything. The chalets are very comfortable, the lounge furniture in number 7 is in need of a good scrub and could be better equipped. There is a microwave and gas hob but no oven. If you are looking for peace and tranquility, Hluleka will suit you. We enjoyed our week stay but the men got a bot bored as they were expecting to fish and couldn't as it is a marine protected area. The locals up the road are happy to sell you crayfish if you want. We will definitely be back and will be better prepared when we do go again.
Written March 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henning B
Kempton Park, South Africa52 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We spend a wonderful three days at this remote Wild Coast Reserve. The scenery is spectacular(indigenous forests, grass covered hills and an exquisite coastline). There are only seven chalets that are well equipped, furnished with beautiful bathrooms and a view over the ocean that is breathtaking. We saw good bird life and the zebras grazing around the chalets are a special treat. You feel as if you have the whole reserve to yourself. Getting there is difficult, because of the state of the gravel roads(potholes and stray animals galore). It is advisable to use a sturdy vehicle.
Written February 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dacabs
Winston Park, South Africa495 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Spent 6 nights at Hluleka. We were a group of 12. 2 couples per chalet. Chalets are well designed. Good beds and bathrooms- very comfortable. Places are architect designed and all have great views of the seascape. Kitchens only cater for 4 - 4 plates, knives + forks etc. ours had no dishes, missing some items .... so made meal preparation a lesson in creativity!!!!
Lovely beach at bottom of hill and other coves for swimming. Good walking trail along the headland but forest walks were rather overgrown. Fishing only out of the reserve. Out gillie showed the men the fishing spots. We expected an abundance of bird life and we're sadly disappointed- the birds are in the thick vegetation and seldom seem. The zebras were a highlight as they come right up to chalets
Road from Umtatha is very bad - lots of potholes.
Place to visit for a good rest. Area needs some tlc in terms of grass cutting, fixing paving and cutting back bush and aliens. A place to relax and unwind
Lovely beach at bottom of hill and other coves for swimming. Good walking trail along the headland but forest walks were rather overgrown. Fishing only out of the reserve. Out gillie showed the men the fishing spots. We expected an abundance of bird life and we're sadly disappointed- the birds are in the thick vegetation and seldom seem. The zebras were a highlight as they come right up to chalets
Road from Umtatha is very bad - lots of potholes.
Place to visit for a good rest. Area needs some tlc in terms of grass cutting, fixing paving and cutting back bush and aliens. A place to relax and unwind
Written April 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaco K
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia3 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
After a challenging road, we were pleasantly rewarded by a chalet with stunning views over the ocean. The unit had all that was required for longer stays. The main bedroom in the loft provided a full view of the sea, from where dolphins and whales could be seen. The ground floor opened up to a deck with stack doors that could be opened fully to enjoy the fresh sea breeze blowing in. While the unit could do with a few maintenance touches, nothing was impeding on the quality of the unit overall. The beach was a short walk, and a few other roads could be explored on foot. Not all the roads could be explored, as a 4x4 vehicle is required for that. However, there were more than enough to see in birdlife right from the chalet. There are very few animals, but the small herd of zebra are frequently seen grazing around the chalets. The place is well-suited to just park your car, and go nowhere for the duration of your stay. But do remember to take EVERYTHING you need, as there are no shops.
Written September 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph G
Herts UK182 contributions
Aug 2015 • Business
Where to start about this little piece of 'Heaven on Earth'. Well it is quite a drive from Mthatha, along pretty rough roads, but for us, was a convenient and very lovely place for our base for three days and nights, whilst we visited a local school (as part of a UK-RSA school link programme). However, it is very much worth the drive, for the stunning and unspoilt location together with the peace and quiet. Our party occupied 3 of the 7 chalets (each sleeps a max of 4), which all had magnificent views across the ocean. Everyday, we saw humpback whales from our balcony as well as a pod of dolphins who ventured closer to the beach on one occasion. We also saw an array of beautiful birds as well as zebra and plenty of cute vervet monkeys during our stay. It is possible to explore the reserve by foot as well as paddle on the picturesque, deserted beach - we didn't swim as the rollers looked awesome but too forbidding for us! The chalets were clean, comfy and well equipped and we self catered with no problems. It is great that there are spaces outside for a 'braai'. Our bedroom had the most stunning view (see pic) and we drifted off to sleep to the sound of the ocean's rolling waves - so relaxing! Our en-suite bathroom was modern and clean. The kitchen was pretty basic, but served our needs without problems.
Written August 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick
Pretoria, South Africa5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Quiet, Peaceful and Tranquil. Beautiful beach, well kept accomodation facilities and extremely affordable for what is on offer. I dare you to try. Thank you Hluleka.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen S
22 contributions
Feb 2016 • Business
A really long awful gravel road, but worth it! Once we got there, the stunning cabin with amazing sea views made up for the road. Architect designed cabins set in natural Transkei settings on a small hill with incredible sea views. We had Zebra come up to the cabin while grazing. They stayed as long as we were quiet and did not go too close, but they were literally 10m away. Too beautiful.
Written September 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
242nadiner
Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa81 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
An awesome stunning place. Road to Hluleka Reserve is terrible so be aware of that. Take all your food and proviands needed with you cause there is nowhere a shop in sight. Remote and beautiful. Chalets are stunning and very comfortable. If you want to be away from hustle and bustle this is it. Lovely beach in front of the chalets...short walk. Lots of rocks to explore....lovely place!
Written December 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory S
Johannesburg, South Africa22 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Absolutely idyllic location with lush, thick green forests and the most beautiful swimming beach. The water was clear and warm and we swam a lot - there were lifeguards on duty (only over Dec/Jan I think). The chalets are the greatest surprise: well kitted out with everything you need. TV, if you are so inclined. More plug points than my home! Hot water showers, comfortable couches. Kitchen more than adequate. Braai facilities. A great place to walk and chill. Don't know whether I would try getting there in my sedan and borrowed a 2x4 with good clearance. Also if it rains, the roads can turn to muck quite quickly, so didn't think it worth risk.
Will keep going back again and again...
Will keep going back again and again...
Written January 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew G
Cape Town Central, South Africa15 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
An amazing rural location - many many miles from the nearest tar road. Be prepared for a LONG journey. But it's worth it if you're going to stay a few days. The accomodation was great but is not being well maintained unfortunately. The self catering is occasionally short on vital utensils etc and the cleaning service is not great either.
There are beautiful beaches, I recommend going over the rocks and finding yourself a private spot on the next beach. There's some lovely views and the local zebras are very tame. There's also plenty of monkeys and smaller wildlife and we saw dolphins and whales passing each day (October).
There are beautiful beaches, I recommend going over the rocks and finding yourself a private spot on the next beach. There's some lovely views and the local zebras are very tame. There's also plenty of monkeys and smaller wildlife and we saw dolphins and whales passing each day (October).
Written October 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Which chalets are the safest at Hluleka? Are there any that are better guarded than the one where the young pregnant mother was killed and her husband so severely injured or the chalets where the thefts took place most recently. Also, given the severe risk of life threatening attacks, would it be at all safe to go fishing or even to walk around?
Written December 30, 2019
Frans R
Modimolle (Nylstroom), South Africa
Which chalet numbers at Hluleka lodge had the best views?
Written March 7, 2019
For anyone who has been to Hluleka recently, can you get to the reserve with a standard sedan eg. honda jazz?! Thanks for your help.
Written April 16, 2017
Need to know about fishing at Hluleka please...... we believe we can't fish in reserve.... how far do we have to go?
Written April 11, 2017
It is situated in a protected area so unfortunately no fishing is allowed but if you go out of the gates you can.
Written June 18, 2017
Laetitia V
Kimberley, South Africa
Where do I make a booking from 17 to 21 march 2017
Written February 11, 2017
Andre A
Namibia
Hi, we will be visiting the Hluleka Nature Reserve in 2 weeks' time. I am very keen on angling and although various websites mentions that fishing is allowed, I cannot get accurate information on whether it is allowed in designated areas in the reserve itself. Or close enough for walking from the reserve cabins. Can someone give me some insight on this? Also, I would like to know if fishing bait and gear is available for purchase nearby the reserve?
Written December 9, 2016
Hi,
Can I please have your contact details...email and phone number.I have been tryng to contact Hluleka Nature Reserve for 3days now but no one is picking up the phone.
Written October 31, 2016
simontJ7729IZ
Nord, France
I will be visiting over new year and was wondering about the condition of the roads at this time of year. Any idea on what kind of vehicle I should rent to get in and out?
Written December 16, 2015
We used a 4 x 4 as the roads are sandy and at times quite bumpy..There were however folk that were in ordinary sedans
Written December 17, 2015
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