Double Mouth Nature Reserve: Hiking for Treasure on the Wild Coast

Double Mouth Nature Reserve offers a wild and immersive experience along South Africa’s rugged Eastern Cape coastline. Located just outside Morgan Bay, this scenic stretch of coast forms part of the larger East London Coast Nature Reserve. With its unspoilt beaches, coastal forests, and proximity to shipwreck history, Double Mouth is one of the most rewarding day hikes on the Wild Coast.

This section of coast is as beautiful as it is dramatic, marked by rocky cliffs, grassy slopes, and sheltered sandy coves. The hike from the reserve to Bead Beach takes visitors through a pristine marine landscape rich in birdlife, wildflowers, and coastal views. But what truly sets Double Mouth apart is its treasure-hunting appeal. The beachcomber’s dream of finding centuries-old Carnelian beads and fragments of Ming porcelain draws curious adventurers eager for a tangible connection to the region’s maritime past.

Adventure Highlights

About Double Mouth Nature Reserve

Double Mouth Nature Reserve lies within the East London Coast Nature Reserve and is managed by Eastern Cape Parks. Its name comes from the twin rivers that share a common estuary – the Quko and Kumqotwane Rivers. These rivers and the surrounding landscape form a lush, biodiverse haven of coastal forest, grassland, and sandy bays.

The reserve is located between Morgan Bay and Haga Haga, just north of East London. This region is part of the famed Wild Coast, known for its untamed beauty and cultural richness. Historically, the Wild Coast presented treacherous conditions for ships navigating its shores. Dozens of shipwrecks occurred here, and with them came tales of survivors, lost treasures, and enduring legends.

One such shipwreck is the Santo Espírito, a Portuguese trading vessel believed to have gone down near this part of the coast in 1608. Though its exact location is unknown, beachcombers continue to find fragments of its cargo – including Carnelian trade beads and pieces of Ming porcelain – on the southern end of Bead Beach. These discoveries have made the area a magnet for curious explorers.

The reserve is not only about history and treasure. Its diverse habitats support an array of bird species, marine life, and indigenous flora. Birders can expect to see fish eagles, kingfishers, and waders, while coastal vegetation includes aloe, strelitzia, and dune grasses.

Hiking to Bead Beach

The trail to Bead Beach begins at the campsite reception inside Double Mouth Nature Reserve. It’s a short and mostly flat hike, perfect for families and casual walkers. From the start, the trail quickly joins the beach and continues south along the sand and rocky ledges.

After rounding a small headland, hikers arrive at the Quko River mouth. The crossing here is easiest at low tide, when the river is shallow and gentle. Be prepared to get your feet wet – water is typically ankle deep, but tides can vary. On the opposite side, continue following the beach towards the far headland.

The real excitement begins near the southern end of the beach. Thanks to coastal currents and wave action, fragments of the shipwrecked Santo Espírito are occasionally washed up and deposited among shells and rocks. Search carefully in this area, especially at low tide. Keep an eye out for small reddish-orange Carnelian beads and delicate shards of blue-and-white porcelain. These items are centuries old and a rare reminder of the Wild Coast’s seafaring history.

While the hike itself is short, it’s well worth taking time to explore the river estuary, relax in the shade of coastal bush, and slowly search for historic treasures.

Map of the Double Mouth Nature Reserve

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