Perched atop a valley, Sandcastle overlooks the boundless Indian Ocean, that borders the property, with the Gqtuwa, Ngculura and Fresh Water Port rivers flowing through the reserve, bringing in fresh water to the coast and offering lagoons to swim in away from the waves that South Africa is so famous for. Thick ancient coastal forest rolls down the hills to the dunes that are teaming with zebra, giraffe, kudu and Ayala which you will often see from the villa with the ocean in the background. 

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​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.

Teaming with Nyala, Zebra, Kudu and over 22 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 allows Sandcastle to have a fantastic selection of birds, with over 275 different species spotted on the property. Most notably, the most southern Ground Hornbill in the world! 

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Offshore lies a marine sanctuary, stage for nature’s grand spectacle. Here, the annual sardine migration begins,  drawing in countless predators, creating one of Earth’s most massive feeding frenzies.​

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