WILLOWVALE – Tucked away on the unspoiled 800 hectares of land in the Wild Coast, near Dwesa Nature Reserve with the Central Business District(CBD) Williowvale, in Mbashe Local Municipality lies a hidden gem known as Nqabara Eco River Lodge.
This community owned facility represents a dream come true for the Nqabara Tourism Trust and the surrounding community, who were granted funding by the Sustainable Rural Development in the Eastern Cape (SURUDEC) through the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier and the European Union.
Nqabarha Eco River Lodge was not always a gem, there were challenges to get it up and running, “When I got there 14 years ago with no enough funding the establishment had eco-toilets now we have installed flushing toilets along with Jojo tanks to help with running water and we fixed geysers and installed solar panels,”said the Operator of the lodge Tim Hammond.
Nqabarha Eco River Lodge offers an array of exciting activities and attractions that cater to the needs of adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can embark on exhilarating boat cruises along the two rivers that meet at the mouth, the lodge offers variety of activities like fishing gives guests an opportunity to catch a variety of fish species in the tranquil waters, hiking and birdwatching, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
The lodge, ‘is a remarkable underdeveloped destination,’ according to Hammond and it provides a tranquil and scenary environment for guests to unwind and connect with nature. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, with an array of flowers and animals that are unique to the region. Visitors can explore the nearby forests, wetlands and grasslands, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Nqabarha Eco River Lodge is a community driven initiative that aims to promote sustainable tourism and contribute to the economic development of the Eastern Cape.
The lodge provides employment opportunities for local residents, and the revenue generated from tourism is invested back into the community. This commitment to sustainable tourism and community development makes Nqabara Eco River Lodge an exemplary model for responsible tourism practices.
Hammond expressed that the community needs to understand that they can not have crime or people to feel threatened when coming to the establishment because of all that impacts on them, and Eastern Cape Park and Tourism Agency has to realize that the start of an experience of wild coast starts when you enter from Kokstad or East London.
“If there was an arm government of funding we can get I will really appreciate it because there is still more to do like getting a staff room, managers house, to bulletproof the property from the rains and weather we get from the area is extreme and a shop where guests can get supplies they need,”Hammond added.
In addition Nqabarha Eco River Lodge is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable experience for those who seek adventure.
