Umtendwe Beach Cottages

Umtendwe is a pair of thatched holiday cottages beside a small lagoon and beach on the Eastern Cape coast, about halfway between Haga Haga and Morgan Bay. They sit inside the Quko Private Nature Reserve, and the last 3 km of road runs through the reserve, where zebra, warthog and antelope are usually about. This is a place for families or groups who want a quiet beach week and are happy to cook for themselves.

What to expect

There are two cottages, Milkwood and Riverview. Each has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full self-catering kitchen, a deck and a braai, and sleeps up to eight adults. Milkwood is next to the coastal forest with one bedroom upstairs. Riverview looks over the lagoon, has an indoor fireplace and keeps all its bedrooms on the ground floor. A campsite under the trees takes overflow groups.

The lagoon is shallow enough for children most of the year, though its depth shifts with the season. Surfers get a small right-hander at the river mouth and a longer point break at Fish Bay. Coastal paths run east to Black Rock and Double Mouth, and west towards Haga Haga.

Practical details

• Bedding and bath towels are supplied. Bring beach towels, toiletries and washing powder.
• Daily cleaning is charged on top of the cottage rate and is not optional.
• Cell signal drops out once you go down the last hill, so plan calls from the top.
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control because of the wildlife.

Good to know

Haga Haga itself is reached from the N2 at the Mooiplaas turn-off, and the last 13 km into the village is gravel that can be potholed and corrugated. Winter brings the sardine run along this coast, and whales are often seen from shore. Treasure Beach nearby is known for beads and pottery fragments from an old Portuguese wreck.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Umtendwe Beach Cottages, Umtendwe Beach Cottages, Umtendwe Beach Cottages, Wikivoyage, Wikipedia.