Why GweGwe

GweGwe is proudly all-inclusive, crafted so you can fully unwind and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Mkambati without a single hidden cost. From chef-prepared meals and guided nature walks to beach picnics, swims in secret rock pools, and evenings around the fire, it’s all part of your stay. The only optional extras are spa treatments—perfect for a little added indulgence—and gratuities, should you wish to show appreciation for our dedicated team. With nature on your doorstep and every detail thoughtfully taken care of, GweGwe invites you to reconnect, recharge, and experience the Wild Coast at its most soulful.

In 1922, local amaMpondo communities were forcibly removed from Mkambati. Decades later, their descendants, represented by the Mkambathi Land Trust, reclaimed 18,000 hectares through South Africa’s land restitution process.Today, the community owns the land, while Mkambati remains a protected provincial reserve. The Trust benefits from revenue-sharing, job creation, and community initiatives - including a mobile health clinic, an organic farm, and the all-women Green Griffons conservation unit.GweGwe is proud to be part of a model rooted in restoration, equity, and long-term local impact.

Mkambati Nature Reserve lies at the heart of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot - one of only 34 in the world. This extraordinary stretch of South Africa’s Wild Coast is home to over 2,200 plant species, including 196 endemics, and remains one of the few untouched coastal reserves in the country.

Named after the rare Mkambati palm and a local clan, the reserve’s unique leached sandstone soils and warm climate have shaped a landscape of exceptional ecological richness. Rivers rise within the reserve’s pristine boundaries, feeding clean streams, sparkling rock pools, and dramatic waterfalls, all waiting to be explored. As a cornerstone of conservation in the region, Mkambati offers a rare window into wild, undeveloped coastline - rich in culture, biodiversity, and natural wonder.

GweGwe offers a meaningful window into the rich traditions, stories, and daily life of the amaMpondo people. From the warmth of local hospitality to the rhythms of traditional song, dance, and craft, guests are invited to engage with a living culture that is deeply rooted in this land.