Quick Facts
E 17°56'20''
Budget Getaways Review
This sounds like the quintessential Budget traveller's beach shack.
Set on the northern point of Britannia Bay (apparently among the best sites along this stretch of coastline) and less than 50m from the curling waves, Mangochi is a typical West Coast timber beach house - that rare breed of place where crayfish diving, mussel hunting and fishing is the order of the day.
You can squeeze the most from it by coming prepared with a wetsuit and the necessary permits. Alternatively, kick off the slops, don your sarong and take a more laid back approach to your weekend - long beach walks with Fido (who happens to be welcome at Mangochi), the occasional brave dip in the freezing water, bird watching, a meal at a nearby eatery, are among the many options.
Mangochi can sleep six in a total of three bedrooms, and is fully equipped, including linen and towels. There isn't a fireplace but the shack is airconditioned for both summer and winter - a luxury Robinson Crusoe had to do without.
The general decor is casual and relaxed and befitting the setting. From the living area and deck there's a 180-degree view of the bobbing kelp and mussel-encrusted rocks below... and mom scampering about in search of dad's al fresco seafood lunch.
If it's a hangloose, sand-between-the-toes weekend you've been day-dreaming about at work lately, Mangochi fits the bill perfectly.
"We stayed for 10 days, and it was 10 days to few! The house is cosy with a brilliant atmosphere. We spent hours on the balcony with a million dollar view of the sea just a stone's throw away. Because there is no TV, we ended up actually talking to each other. Our holiday was spent in the company of our loved one's and giving them our full attention. What a vacation! Brilliant!"
(visited Jul 2017)
"The usual cliches are evoked at first: "A little gem of a place", "Pretty as a picture", "A rare find".. etc. But maybe that's the thing about cliches: they often are spot on. So it is with Mangochi. We have just returned from our third stay there, in as many years, and already I'm looking forward to a next time.This is one of the most modest places on that beautiful coastline of Britannia Bay on the Cape West Coast - not for those seeking indulgent luxury. A simple little three bedroomed wooden cottage, perched high up from a rugged stony outcrop, with sweeping beaches widening out on either side of mussel encrusted rocks, accessible at low tide - surely the best position in the entire place. From the deck one can almost not see the neighboring houses, mostly empty during the week, holiday homes most, some quite grand. But this little place is perfect for quiet getaways, where one can see the sun rise and set over the interminable sea, fall asleep and wake up to the constant surf crashing a million of shells into sand. At first I almost could not bear walking over the heaps of mussel and other shells each morning at the foot of the cement stairway leading to the beach. In fact, I still walk carefully, because every now and then, there's a washed up fragile green hull of a sea urchin to pick up and treasure. But how lovely to cook Moules Mariniere from freshly harvested mussels, in a real mussel pot from the well equipped kitchen. Mangochi is self catering, but within 10 minutes drive to a newish Spar in St Helena Bay, and about 20 kms from Paternoster for when you get tired of your own cooking. We usually stop in Vredenburg on the way in, to stock up on provisions, where a big shopping centre caters to all one's habitual city living needs. But when one opens the glass sliding doors to the deck, all city stresses fall away. A great place for quiet and long walks on beaches, and starry skies with a lighthouse far away sweeping its beam over the sea: the rhythm of a place one can synchronize one's heartbeat to."
(visited Mar 2017)
"What an amazing spot - right on the beach - even the sun sets in front of the balcony. You have to try the outside shower - best way to wake up in the morning. You go to sleep with the sound of the waves and wake up to an incredible view, as all rooms have a view of the ocean. St Helena Bay is the place to go to unwind from a hectic lifestyle. The hospitality was fantastic - we will definitely come back again!"
(visited Feb 2017)
"We went to Mangochi to celebrate my father-in-law's 75th birthday. It was the most relaxing weekend catering for everyone from the two grandparents to the children (aged 6 & 9). A great advantage was also that we could take the grandparents' dogs with. The house is literally situated on the rocks with the sound of the waves crashing in your ears. The house needs a bit of TCL, but nothing that bothered us."
(visited Oct 2016)
"We liked the cottage and absolutely loved the view. We definitely would love to visit again."
(visited Oct 2016)
"We had a fantastic weekend away at Mangochi Beach Cottage last week. The view is breathtaking, we sat on the balcony for hours and really enjoyed the elevated position and views from there. The cottage was well equipped and the free Wifi made our teenagers very happy campers! We will definitely go back again. The peace and quiet is part of the whole experience when staying at Mangochi."
(visited Oct 2016)
"Wonderful wonderful views. The house really is on the water. there are no roads between you and the most spectacular views. Everything that you can possibly think of is in the house. Just bring your clothes and food. The outside shower is very good. The best was that the pooches were also welcome. Sunset and sundowners on the stoep with the fire crackling are just what the doctor ordered."
(visited Jul 2016)
"We loved it. You have sea views throughout the house. It is perfect for either families or couples as there are two double beds and the dogs can come! Oh yes, and my favorite is the outside shower. Well worth it - and affordable too."
(visited May 2016)
"We had such a wonderful weekend at the cottage. The setting is incredible and the sunsets are simply just breathtaking! And the silence and star gazing is what made it extra special. The house is fully equipped so you just need to bring food, drinks and clothing. Our 2 Retrievers had the time of their life on the unspoilt long stretch of beach. We will definitely be back and recommend Mangochi to friends."
(visited May 2016)
"One of the best places to forget about your everyday life and just get energised again. With a 180 degree view of the sea and the most beautiful sunsets there is no other place you want to be. Nothing obstructs your view. The house is fully equipped just needs a build in outside braai. Will definitely be going back soon."
(visited May 2015)
"Our whole family enjoyed the stay tremendously, from watching the sunset from the deck to walks on the beach to fishing from the rocks. Very good value for money in an excellent setting."
(visited April 2015)
"This was one of our best weekend getaways by far! The setting is just breathtaking and the stars at night and the moon just leaves you speechless. No better place to see the sunrise and sunset right from the deck and the ocean from every angle. Will definitely be back."
(visited February 2015)
"Lovely place, will be back."
(visited January 2015)
"A delightfully rustic little cottage on the rocks in St Helena Bay. It has everything you need for a relaxed getaway."
(visited January 2015)
"Very pleasant stay. Basic facilities but amazing 180-degree view."
(visited January 2015)
"It's all about the views and direct access to the beach, shells and rocks. We had very hot, clear weather for August which was lovely but I reckon it must be baking hot in that little wooden house in the summer. If you can handle the heat go in February! Our dogs had a blissful time, our children thoroughly enjoyed the beach and we sat on the balcony and planned our next visit. Thanks so much to Carin and Peter."
(visited January 2015)
"This was the second time staying at Mangochi cottage and it was wonderful. The cottage is so welcoming, it has everything one wants (I love the fact that there is no TV). The view stupendous, you feel as if you are the only ones on earth, specially at night. Sitting on the verandah sipping sun-downers, lighting the braai, so relaxing, all your worries washed away by the crashing of the waves against the shore. They have this awesome outside shower, completely private, but to shower outside ...wow... I love this place, and will definitely be back."
(visited November 2014)
"We were really looking forward to staying at Mangochi Beach Cottage, but have found that the owner is very unresponsive to booking detail enquiries. The one response we did receive, after several emails and SMS requests (and a prompt from info@budget-getaways) was flippant, scarce on details and didn't answer all the questions. A follow up request for further information has been ignored although the email request has been resent almost daily for a week or so."
(visited August 2014)
"Was a wonderful experience. Will definitely go back."
(visited July 2014)
"Awesome location."
(visited May 2014)
"Absolute beautiful setting! You can see the ocean from nearly every window. A wonderful place to relax. Loved the braai on the stoep and outdoor shower. Would recommend Mangochi for sure."
(visited April 2014)
"This place was just what the doc ordered. We were met by Annami (the agent) who showed up around. From the minute we arrived I fell in love with the cottage and the little shell beach just below. The cottage was absolutely fantastic, clean, friendly and comfortable. We spent most of our time on the balcony looking over the sea. On the Saturday morning i woke up at sunrise and walked onto the balcony with a cup of coffee, and was greeted by a whole lot of dolphins frolicking in the sea. There was also a sea otter. Magic! What I loved most is that there was no TV! On Sunday when we were packing it was with a very heavy heart, I would love to have stayed there for ever. Good weekend away, loved it."
(visited March 2014)
"We wanted to getaway to a spot where all you want is to look at the West Coast sea, walk through the rockpools, sleep with the fresh air filtering in and no distractions. It was all that and more. One feels like no one else is nearby, as if it is merely you and the sea. There is a TV but we never touched it. There's no need. We loved it and am very eager to book it again in the future!"
(visited April 2011)
"What a superb setting: endless views, whales frollicking in the bay and unforgettable sunsets. Thoughtfully equipped in order to ensure a really comfortable stay. A second bathroom would definitely turn this into my favourite holiday getaway!"
(visited August 2010)
"Perfect getaway with breathtaking views. You can't help but relax with km's of beautiful beaches! Definitely will be going again in the near future!"
(visited April 2010)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland