Cape Recife – Algoa Bay

Standing proud on the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Recife Lighthouse offers a timeless sunset and breathtaking aerial views for miles. Encircled by pristine white beaches and the stunning turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, visitors can watch in awe as the famously tall coral reef protects them from strong ocean currents. This lighthouse has been illuminating sailors’ way across treacherous waters since 1851, an enduring reminder to this day of its rich maritime heritage. In addition to its iconic setting, Cape Recife is also home to numerous local wildlife and nature reserves – making it a must-see destination for all sightseers!

Discover breathtaking harbor views, abundant wildlife, and World War 2 history in one of Sydney’s most iconic natural spaces – the Heads Reserve. In 1929, its distinctive white-and-black stripes were exposed on the dramatic cliffs of South Head, showcasing both its beauty and strategic location. From within the lookout bunker that once served as part of Sydney’s military defences during WWII, visitors can marvel at natural rock formations, explore enchanting trails through native bushland and experience a huge array of marine life. At The Heads Reserve, fascinating stories meet breathtaking scenic beauty – a must-visit for locals and visitors alike!

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Ever dreamed of being a castaway on a remote stretch of coastline, surrounded by ocean, birdsong and beauty – with no unwanted human disturbance? The elemental excitement of rhythmically crashing waves on rocks below, glorious sunrises above the sea’s horizon and golden evenings as night gently falls behind the vegetated dunes. Imagine such a place, within easy reach of a regional airport or by car, with a personal butler / chef and guide discreetly waiting to do your bidding. Our elegant, luxuriously appointed eyrie perched above the rocks beneath a stately lighthouse offers this exclusive experience for up to four people sharing the two-bedroomed Cape Recife Villa within the eponymous Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Coastal and dune hikes, prolific birdwatching, botanical biodiversity, romance and adventure come standard in this unique and unforgettable escape!

Cape Recife Lighthouse Villa (2 ROOMS)

Luxuriously fitted with a modern bathroom, dining area and kitchen, the masterpiece of the property is the second-floor lounge with sweeping views over the breaking waves on the shores of Algoa Bay with its resident dolphins, porpoises, seasonal migrating whales, and sea birds. Here, in the bottlenose dolphin capital of the world, where penguins find sanctuary and SANCCOB bases its Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, the natural beauty and diversity is nothing short of breath-taking. With a cosy fireplace against the evening sea chill, and the sweeping rhythmic beams of the guarding lighthouse, the romance of this eyrie on the promontory is something really special. And to add to the glamour, a private butler /chef is in residence to attend to guests, prepare meals according to specific dietary requests and ensure that one’s stay is superb in every way. The all-inclusive accommodation package includes a comprehensive guided tour of the lighthouse facilities and tales of the history and mysteries of these deceptive waters. Sunrise and sunset walks along the beach or dunes are part of this soul-enriching experience that brings one right up close to nature’s magic.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the rates and the villa is available as a self-catering option.

Coastal Marine Safaris – Three hour tours are open to day trippers and include either a delicious beach breakfast (morning), or an evening drive culminating in a sundowner stop with snacks and drinks from a magnificent viewpoint. This unique destination is accessible through trips by vehicle on tracks behind the dune cordon and include stretches of walking on dunes, beach and rocks. The coastal safari is a perfect way for families to enjoy and appreciate a breath-taking part of South Africa’s coastline, in the company of whales, dolphins and so much more.

Lighthouse Tours – We offer the possibility of a glimpse into another world with our tours of this fabulous piece of infrastructure. Lighthouses encompass an aura of romance, danger and legend – oh the stories they could tell! Be swept up in the drama, relive the history and feel the significance that this beacon has held for so many whose lives are spent on the ocean.
Coastal Birding Hikes – Keen bird watchers already know the avian specials that this coastline offers, with Cape Recife being regarded as one of Port Elizabeth’s/ Gqeberha’s prime birding spots. Novices will be blown away by the diversity! Four bird categories are prevalent here: pelagic, coastal, bush and freshwater birds. Specials include the Roseate tern – after which a 9km trail is named. Our great birding guides tailor birding walks, trips to the estuary and visits to bird hides and will do their utmost to help you find those lifers!
Botanical Tours – With the highly diverse flora native to this coastline, botanical tours are a sought after speciality, and our well-trained gurus cannot wait to reveal to visitors the unique and miraculous plant life in this region. Cape Recife Nature Reserve is part of a greater conservancy that protects globally important plants like St Francis dune fynbos, thicket mosaic vegetation, and endemic coastal fynbos. If you aren’t already a plant fundi – this tour will show you a new world of pleasure and nature appreciation.