Umngazi River Bungalows is an attractive and comfortable, away-from-it-all resort with all the modern amenities one requires for a fantastic vacation.

Add to that Umngazi's laid-back atmosphere and unique scenery and you have the formula for a memorable stay.

Here you'll be pampered in spacious thatch-roofed bungalows each with en suite bathroom and private open-air shower.

The days here are all yours to enjoy. While the more active may be tempted by beach walks and activities, simply relaxing in comfortable and private surroundings remains a substantial temptation.

Relax in our special, secluded honeymoon cottages, with spa baths and double outside showers with views to die for.

Culinary Delights

Umngazi's chefs delight in tempting the most jaded palate and the ever changing table d'hote menu is always filled with culinary delights. You may choose to enjoy some of these delectable culinary delights while sitting outside on the shady timber deck overlooking the pool and lagoon. 

Guests are at all times presented with the best in Wild Coast home cooking, seasonal fresh fruit & vegetables and mouthwatering dishes.

Our guests say - insist on a dinner in the underground wine cellar - the Green Door!

Rich In History 

According to ancient Pondo history, when Faku their legendary King executed his enemies at Mlengana (Execution) Rock, overlooking the Umngazi River valley, their blood "igazi" literally ran down the streams into the river.

In the 19th century, troops from the British Garrison in Grahamstown established a fresh water supply point at Umngazi, which still supplies the hotel today. It was originally used for the soldiers moving between Grahamstown and Port Natal. In 1842, Dick King watered his horses at Umngazi during his historic 1000km ride between Durban and Grahamstown. 

 During the Frontier Wars in the 1840s, British soldiers camped on the present hotel site, raising the Union Jack at Port St. Johns in 1871. 

In 1929 the Leach family established a trading post on the site, building a few small bungalows for visitors from the gold mines. It was this outpost that formed the nucleus of the present day hotel.

Umngazi River Bungalows was substantially re-developed in 1994 by the present owners who descend directly from 1820 settler stock. Their families have lived and worked on the Wild Coast for the past 135 years.

Bungalows

Here you'll be pampered in spacious thatch-roofed single or double bungalows each with en suite bathroom and private open-air shower. The bungalows nestle among lush gardens where frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea grow in tropical profusion, complementing the extensively indigenous landscape.

The days here are all yours to enjoy. While the more active may be tempted by beach walks and activities, simply relaxing in comfortable and private surroundings remains a substantial temptation.

We describe (and price) our bungalows according to location and categorise them as Fish Eagle (sea view); King Fisher (river view) and Sunbird (garden).

Honeymoon Bungalows

A honeymoon you'll remember for the rest of your lives.  Lazy days on 
deserted beaches – the perfect way to start your new life together.  

Relax in our special, secluded honeymoon cottages, with spa baths and double outside showers with views to die for.  With our unique honeymoon bar service and superior furnishings and fittings, we’ll ensure nothing stops you from enjoying every moment together.
And don’t let it end there.  Return to celebrate anniversaries, special occasions or simply for a romantic interlude to rekindle the glow in your relationship.

Come, we'd love you to stay with us. And remember, nothing but nothing is too much trouble at Umngazi.

Exciting Activities

Walk through mangrove swamps and discover beautiful indigenous forests with some 240 species of birds. If you prefer to, hire a boat or try out an aquavan or canoe for a jaunt up the river. If fishing is your sport Umngazi offers both river and surf options while fly-fishing is very popular. Take along one of the trained gillies to ensure you choose the best spots. 

Activites and facilities at the hotel include the following: 

Facilities
Swimming Pool
Boat Slipway
Tennis
Snooker
Table Tennis

Spa & Wellness Centre

Activities
Walking Trails
Guided walks
Rock, river or fly fishing.
Mountain-biking (bring your own bike - the trails are amazing)

Water-skiing (you'll need your own boat and skis)

Umngazi Bungalows has more than enough on offer to entertain the whole family - even a children's playroom and play area with full time nannies (to help make your stay that much more enjoyable). 

The hotel has an on-site shop well stocked with toiletries, fishing tackle and holiday-wear (should you have forgotten that essential something).