The Nahoon River in East London, South Africa forms a glorious estuary at its mouth before spilling out into the Indian Ocean. Parts of Nahoon Mouth falls under a conservation area, the pockets of riverine forest and high dunes kept pristine. And palatial homes with private jetties line sections of the river mouth.

Residents of Nahoon Mouth have magnificent sea and river views, the large beach is protected by tree covered dunes (and patrolled by lifeguards) and the sea is warm and inviting. The river offers water sports and fishing, while the short drive into East London city centre is 12km on a regional road.

The area is also the location of an important archaeological site, a thriving mangrove swamp and unspoiled nature reserve. The Sardine Run travels along the coast during early winter and is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles.

Visitors wanting a relaxed seaside vacation are sure to have their expectations met during a stay at Nahoon Mouth.

Top 6 reasons to visit Nahoon Mouth

1. Hire a canoe for a leisurely paddle up the Nahoon River. You will pass small sections of natural forest for a possible glimpse of curious monkeys and the goliath heron roosting on the islands. Note that the river is part of a tidal system, avoid launching during outgoing tides.

2. The East London Golf Club is ranked amongst the top 15 courses in the country and has in the past hosted the South African Open. The fairways run the length of the Nahoon coastline and golfers are treated to wonderful sea views. 

3. The 2km Dassie hiking trail in the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve passes through interesting wave-battered caves. Discover insect and animal life on the forest floor and amongst the mangrove mudflats. Be sure to look up in the trees for the striking Narina Trogon bird. Excellent lookout points along the boardwalk for whale and dolphin watching.

4. Spend a day at the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve for game viewing and an opportunity to interact with an elephant. The elephant is used for education purposes. The reserve hosts the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), several antelope species, monkeys and prolific birdlife.

5. Surfers love the strong reef break and long waves at Nahoon Reef, regarded as one of the top surfing spots in the country. Recommended for experienced surfers only. Gentler waves can be ridden at Nahoon Corner.

6. Travel into the city to visit the 1880-built stone Lock Street Gaol Complex, South Africa’s first prison for women. The prison was closed down 100 years later and much of the complex is now a commercial centre, however, the gallows and death cells have been fully restored.

Transport

International flights arrive via Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg at the East London Airport 14km from Nahoon Mouth. Various car rental agencies operate out of the city centre and East London Airport or you could book a rental online. Traditional taxi companies are available throughout East London. If you have the Uber app, book a ride using your mobile phone.

Did you know?

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the 2nd wife of Nelson Mandela, was once incarcerated in the East London Lock Street prison.

The oldest human footprint, dated at 124000 years old, was discovered close to Bat Cave in the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve. The footprints are those of a child and the find included prints made by two antelope and a bird. The fossil footprints are on view at the East London Museum.