The Haven Hotel
World Traveller & Professional BloggerEscape to unspoiled nature, endless activities, & the ultimate place to relax.
The Haven Hotel is a family and adventure destination located within the Cwebe/Dwesa Nature Reserves on the Transkei Wild Coast of South Africa. Blessed with sea, sun and endless things to see and do, it offers a way of life that lets you forget the rest of the world and relax in the most secluded and unspoiled surroundings.
Established over 80 years ago, the Haven comprises of 25 spacious en-suite cottages scattered within a tranquil, garden-like environment. Located at the mouth of the Mbashe River, the Haven has long been renowned as one of the prime fishing destinations in South Africa.
But that is only one of the many reasons to visit this unique Transkei Wild Coast resort. Some of the other activities you can enjoy include hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, swimming, birding, exploring, canoeing, fishing (catch & release), tennis, golf, whale and dolphin-watching, snorkeling, 4x4ing.
The favourite pastime of guests, however, seems to be ………simply relaxing.
The Legacy of The Haven Hotel: A Journey Through Time
The Haven Hotel stands as a testament to the ever-evolving history of the Wild Coast. Established in 1922 by former seaman Edward Reid, it was one of the first private hotels in the Cwebe Protected Forest, offering a seaside escape to Transkeian residents.
Over the decades, The Haven has witnessed political shifts, land disputes, and conservation efforts, shaping its story into one of resilience and transformation. From its early days as a tranquil fishing retreat to surviving the upheavals of independence, land restitution, and conservation challenges, The Haven’s history mirrors the broader narrative of the Wild Coast itself.
Today, it remains a cherished destination, where past and present converge in the heart of one of South Africa’s most unspoiled landscapes.
The Bashee Lighthouse: A Guiding Light on the Wild Coast
Standing near The Haven Hotel, the Bashee Lighthouse has guided sailors since its commissioning on December 3, 1926. Originally planned for Mendu Point, it was built in a more accessible location at a cost of £10,750. Initially powered by acetylene gas, it was upgraded to an electric lamp in 1962, vastly increasing its brightness. Now fully automated, with a caretaker overseeing operations, the lighthouse remains a vital navigational aid and a historic landmark of the Wild Coast.