Press Room

Catch up on the latest news and press coverage about GweGwe Beach Lodge. From conservation efforts to community partnerships, this is where we share our journey and milestones, as well as insights from the media on what makes GweGwe Beach Lodge a truly unique choice of destination. Explore stories that highlight our commitment to the environment, the local community, and an unforgettable guest experience.

GWEGWE MEDIA KIT

Dffe • April 2026

Mkambati Nature Reserve to be Declared a Ramsar Site in Eastern Cape Event

An official event will take place on 15 April 2026 to mark the designation of Mkambati Nature Reserve as a Ramsar Site. The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh, will lead the official celebration. The event marks a major conservation milestone for the Eastern Cape and South Africa. It will highlight the importance of wetland protection, the biodiversity value of Mkambati, and the role of conservation in supporting local communities and sustainable development along the Wild Coast.

Daily dispatch • february 2026

Move Over, Black Mambas, here come the Wild Coast's Green Griffons

The Green Griffons are inspired and mentored by the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching unit of the Kruger Region. Drawn from one of South Africa’s most economically marginalised regions, these women are entering professional conservation roles historically closed to them. Their work extends far beyond patrols. They conduct ecological monitoring, build local awareness, and serve as visible symbols of community-led stewardship.

House & leisure • february 2026

Nurturing Nature

In her feature for House & Leisure, Cassandra Twala captures the essence of GweGwe Beach Lodge not just as a destination, but as a model for meaningful travel. Her experience reflects a place where luxury is grounded in purpose—where every stay contributes to the protection of the Mkambati landscape and supports the surrounding communities.

ORDER A COPY

Financial times • february 2026

On South Africa's 'Wild Coast'

A road trip through the Eastern Cape takes Sophy Roberts far from the tourist trail - and to a former leper colony reborn as a dreamy retreat

Pondoland times • january 2026

Education Through Conservation

The recently upgraded Mkambati Primary School is a shining example of how conservation empowers a local community. This is the first of several planned upgrades to schools around Mkambati.

Chief Wandering officer• November 2025

South Africa's Best Beach Lodge?

Ron Mackenzie, Chief Wandering Officer of The Safari Guys, founder of Embassy Direct and creator of Small Town South Africa created this visually stunning escape into Mkambati Nature Reserve & GweGwe Beach Lodge.

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Michelin guide • october 2025

One MICHELIN Key for GweGwe!

We are honoured that GweGwe has been recognised with a Michelin Key. For over a century, the Michelin brand has been a global benchmark for excellence in dining, setting the standard for what it means to deliver truly exceptional experiences. To see this heritage extend into the lodge and hotel space—and to be part of this inaugural wave of recognition—is incredibly meaningful for us. It is important to clarify that being awarded a Michelin Key does not mean that GweGwe has a Michelin Star restaurant. Rather, the Michelin Key recognises outstanding hotels and lodges that offer exceptional stays, defined by character, service, and a sense of place—values that are deeply aligned with the GweGwe experience.

Condé Nast Traveler • December 2024

Conde Nast’s Jen Murphy writes about GweGwe Lodge’

‘Set within a private concession of a reserve on one of the wildest sections of the Wild Coast, you’ll feel miles from civilization yet have comforts such as wood-burning fires and South Africa’s top wines waiting after a day of epic adventures like paddleboarding to hidden waterfalls and rock scrambling through gorges.’

John Maytham, Cape Talk 567 • 14 October 2024

John Maytham goes on Wild Coast adventure to GweGwe Beach Lodge

‘The sardine run was in full swing, the sea and the weather conditions were perfect and a swim under the waterfall was waiting – and that was only the beginning of our fabulous visit to GweGwe Beach Lodge.’

Business Live • 13 June 2024

Go wild at GweGwe

‘We weren’t 30 minutes out of Virginia Airport, flying a few thousand feet above the coast, before the Wild Coast rolled into view. Gone was the industrial sprawl of Durban, and the Gatsby-esque seaside mansions of the south coast. No more manicured golf estates. Even the seafront railway line, built in the late 1800s to serve the sugar mills, had petered out by the time we reached the Mtamvuna River.’

Jim Freeman, The Citizen 24 • 25 February 2024

Hidden Gem – GweGwe Beach Lodge

‘Thank you for including me in last week’s group to GweGwe Beach Lodge. It was a wonderful experience!’

We’d love to share our story—please get in touch for any media or press opportunities

marketing@gwegwelodge.com

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