The Reserve
A Private Sanctuary
Perched atop a valley, Sandcastle overlooks the boundless Indian Ocean, with thick ancient coastal forest rolling down the hills to the dunes.
The Gqutwa, Ngculura and Fresh Water Port rivers flow through the reserve, bringing fresh water to the coast and offering lagoons to swim in, away from the waves that South Africa is so famous for.
This hidden gem of the Eastern Cape offers a rare sight: giraffe strolling across the lawns while whales and dolphins breach offshore. Encompassed by kilometres of privately accessed and secluded beachfront, it is the ideal spot for windswept walks, ocean dips and bush hikes.
- 275Hectares of private game reserve
- 25Kilometres of secluded beachfront
- 275Bird species recorded on the property
- 22Giraffe at home on the land
A giraffe sanctuary along the beach
Teeming with nyala, zebra, kudu and over twenty-two giraffe, one guest called us a giraffe sanctuary along the beach, which just felt right. It is not uncommon for the animals to join you on the lawn for evening sundowners.
Our position along the coast brings a remarkable selection of birds, with over 275 species spotted on the property - most notably the most southern ground hornbill in the world.
Marine Sanctuary
Offshore lies a marine sanctuary, stage for nature’s grand spectacle. Here the annual sardine migration begins, drawing in countless predators - one of Earth’s most massive feeding frenzies.
Water, from the hills to the sea
Privately accessed, the rivers carry endangered cycads - plants older than the dinosaurs - down through the forest to the beach, where the freshwater meets the tide.
Above them, the coastal forest rolls unbroken to the dunes. Trails leave the villa and run straight into it, in either direction, without ever crossing another gate.
Situated on the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast, 75km from East London, Sandcastle is best known for its breathtaking views, rich biodiversity and unspoilt beaches. A sanctuary unto itself, with a private game reserve and secluded beachfront at its door, adventure and exploration await you.
With its mild, sunny climate, and a malaria-free setting, it is a year-round destination for sun-seekers.
A mediterranean climate makes the area a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
A day, shaped by you
Nothing is scheduled. The reserve, the shore and the rivers are yours, and the house arranges whatever you feel like doing in them.
- An introspective walk with the resident guide, exploring the reserve and the ancient artefacts scattered amongst the dunes
- Destination dining experiences, laid where the view asks for it
- Paddling up the Gqutwa river for the birds, a crisp drink in hand
- Fishing along the coastline while the kids explore the rock pools teeming with ocean life
- Running and walking trails that begin at the villa and lead straight into the reserve
- A massage, to let go of your everyday reality
- The waves, or a paddle, in the warm Indian Ocean
- Dune boarding down pristine sandy dunes
Reserve the Coast
Tell us your dates and party size - we’ll shape the stay around you.
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Stories from the reserve, a few times a year
Seasonal rates, new offers and life on the Sunshine Coast - sent quietly, never often.