By Gugulethu Tshabalala
There’s a certain magic to Morgan Bay, a seaside village on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, where rugged cliffs meet golden beaches and time seems to drift with the tide. Just 90km north of East London, along the R349 off the N2 toward Durban, lies this coastal treasure. Officially renamed Gxarha in 2022, it is still affectionately known as Morgan Bay or simply Morgs.
Where to Stay
For generations, travellers have made the Morgan Bay Hotel their base, a family-run gem overlooking both the cliffs and the beach. Its mix of comfort, history, and ocean views makes it more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the Morgan Bay story. Add to that a variety of self-catering cottages, campsites along the Ichara Lagoon, and cosy guesthouses, and you’ll find accommodation to suit every kind of Xplorer.
Endless Adventures
Morgan Bay isn’t the kind of town where you wonder what to do—it’s the kind where you wonder how you’ll fit it all in.
● The Beach & Lagoon: A 2km stretch of soft sand, perfect for long walks, beach
games, and bodyboarding. The Ichara Lagoon curves around the campsite,
offering safe shallows for toddlers and calm waters for canoeing and stand-up
paddling.
● The Cliffs: Climb 70m up the dolomite cliffs to be rewarded with jaw-dropping
panoramas. These paths wind all the way to the Double Mouth Nature Reserve,
a favourite lookout for spotting dolphins and whales during the famed Sardine
Run (May–July).
● Outdoor Thrills: Sandboarding, abseiling, mountain biking, horse riding, kite flying—Morgan Bay is an outdoor playground. Surfers can chase perfect right-hand barrels rolling into the bay, while anglers cast their lines for kob, garrick, and white steenbras. The estuary at Double Mouth is legendary for light-tackle fishing, even recording rare river snapper catches.
● Birding Paradise: With 325 recorded species, the area is a birdwatcher’s dream. From the lagoon to grasslands and coastal forests, every habitat is alive with calls, colours, and flight.
Food with a View
The Deck Restaurant and Bar at the Morgan Bay Hotel is the heartbeat of local dining, serving fresh seafood and hearty family meals with sweeping ocean views. Beyond the hotel, visitors can enjoy The Pink Lady, a quaint coffee shop, or head to Bay Farm, which occasionally hosts evening entertainment. Since most accommodation in the area is self-catering, it’s best to bring supplies from East London, or stock up at the nearby Kei Mouth supermarket and Kei Mouth butchery for a wide selection.
The Scenery and the Spirit
It’s not just about what you do here, but how it makes you feel. The sunsets paint the horizon in hues of fire and gold, the cliffs stand tall like ancient guardians, and the village hums with a laid-back warmth. Morgan Bay feels alive with both adventure and serenity—a rare balance few destinations achieve.
Why Xplorers Need to Go
Morgan Bay is more than a holiday spot—it’s an experience, stitched together by
history, nature, and community. It’s where families build memories, adventurers find challenges, and dreamers find peace. Whether you come for the cliffs, the surf, the fishing, or simply to breathe in the Wild Coast air, Morgan Bay promises a story you’ll never forget.
