Wild Coast Travel Guide
Explore the beauty of Wild Coast with our comprehensive guide. Get tips on places to visit, things to do, hiking trails, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Wild Coast
- List of Places to Visit in Wild Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Wild Coast
- Best Things to Do in Wild Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Wild Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of Wild Coast
- Where to Stay in Wild Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Wild Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Wild Coast
- Best Time to Visit Wild Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Wild Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Wild Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Wild Coast
- Where to Go Next from Wild Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Wild Coast
Wild Coast is one of South Africa’s unspoiled regions, located in the Eastern Cape Province. Its untouched wilderness, dramatic coastline, and pristine beaches make it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture seekers. The Wild Coast stretches for around 360 km, from the Kei River Mouth in the south to the Mtamvuna River in the north. The region is characterized by a subtropical climate with mild temperatures, making it a worthwhile destination to visit year-round. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit, hiking routes, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay and a lot more.
List of Places to Visit in Wild Coast
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Nongqawuse Memorial: Commemorates an 1856 Xhosa prophecy of a cattle-killing that caused a social, economic, and political disaster
- Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square: Monument in Mthatha, honoring one of South Africa’s struggle heroes, Solomon Mahlangu
- Port St. Johns Museum: Displaying the history of the area including the stories of the area’s ancient inhabitants, colonial explorers and the local people
- The Nelson Mandela Museum: Learn about the incredible life and legacy of the father of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, in his former home
Natural Attractions of Wild Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Hole in the Wall: A natural wonder created by the erosive and relentless action of waves on a rock over millions of years
- Silaka Nature Reserve: A beautiful reserve with rolling hills, indigenous forests, and tranquil streams with popular birding sites
- Coffee Bay: A beautiful beachfront resort with great surf, beautiful scenery and opportunity to explore the beautiful Bomvu River
- Magwa Waterfall: A majestic waterfall that cascades onto the rocks below, a great attraction spot for photo lovers
Hiking/Biking Routes of Wild Coast
- The Strandloper Trail: A five-day coastal trail that traverses 60 kilometers of beach and rocky shoreline from Kei Mouth to Gonubie
- Amatola Hiking Trail: A six-day trail traversing the mountains of the Amatola region with guided hikes through lush forest growth, dramatically steep ascents, and plenty of waterfalls
- Wild Coast Jikeleza Route: A mix of hiking, culture, and nature combined into a five-day hike from Coffee Bay to the Bulungula River Estuary
Best Things to Do in Wild Coast: Activities and Tours
- Beach hopping: Discover the beautiful beaches of Wild Coast from Coffee Bay, Hole in the Wall, Second Beach, and Mdumbi Beach
- River safaris at Mkhambathi: Experience the serene Mkhambathi River from the boat with opportunities to spot rare birds, crocodiles, and hippos.
- Surfing: Discover the best surfing hotspots in the region, including Coffee Bay and Bulungula
- Fishing: Wild Coast holds some of the country’s best freshwater and saltwater fishing grounds. You can charter a boat or fish from the banks
Week-Long Itinerary for Wild Coast
| Day 1 | Mthatha to Coffee Bay – 3-hour drive |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Enjoy coffee Bay`s beach and the amazing Hole in a Wall rock formation |
| Day 3 | Drive to Port St Johns; Explore Lwandile and Second Beach |
| Day 4 | Enjoy some adrenaline activities like Zip-lining and Blackwater tubing |
| Day 5 | Visit the historic Nongqawuse memorial and Magwa Waterfall |
| Day 6 | Experience the best of the Wild Coast beach at Mdumbi |
| Day 7 | Drive back to Mthatha |
Food and Drink Scene of Wild Coast
Must-Try Dishes
- Local seafood cuisine: Oysters, crayfish, calamari, prawns, and a variety of fish dishes are served at most restaurants in the region.
- Biltong: A popular crispy dried meat snack, mostly made from beef
- Braai: South Africa’s traditional BBQ-style meal, cooked on an open fire barbecue, includes chicken, steak, lamb, and sausage
Local Beverages
- Traditional beer: Made from sorghum, it is a must-taste while in Wild Coast
- Wine: South Africa produces some of the best wines globally, and Wild Coast is no exception.
Where to Stay in Wild Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Coffee Shack: A backpackers offering affordable rooms and services
- Bulungula Lodge: An eco-lodge that offers excellent tours, scenic views, and a comfortable stay
- Areena Riverside Resort: Offers self-catering accommodation with river views and onsite activities like fishing and horse-riding
What to Buy in Wild Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Xhosa Beadwork: Jewelry, belts, and bags with intricate Xhosa beadwork designs make vibrant and long-lasting souvenirs.
- Local Artwork: The area has a rich artistic scene, mostly influenced by the Xhosa traditions.
- Pottery: The region produces beautiful traditional pottery work.
Local Culture and Customs of Wild Coast
Wild Coast has a rich culture, primarily driven by the Xhosa people’s way of life. Visitors should observe and respect cultural practices such as covering shoulders when entering sangoma’s homestead, removing shoes during ceremonies, and greeting people politely.
Best Time to Visit Wild Coast
The best time to visit Wild Coast is during the dry season, from May to September. The temperature during this season is mild, making outdoor activities more comfortable.
Do’s and Don’ts of Wild Coast
Do:
- Wear comfortable and well-covered shoes, as the terrain can be rough, especially during hikes
- Respect local customs and beliefs
- Experience the local culture by shopping at local markets and trying traditional food
- Take insect repellent while exploring the reserve
Don’t:
- Wear flashy jewelry or bring out large amounts of cash while exploring the region
- Drink tap water without boiling it
- Pick, collect or touch the local flora and fauna
Safety and Health
Safety in Wild Coast
Wild Coast is a relatively safe region when exploring, but visitors should exercise caution in the cities and towns. Using common sense such as traveling in groups, locking valuables in hotel rooms, and avoiding unlit and secluded areas increases personal safety.
Health in Wild Coast
Visitors are recommended to take anti-malaria precautions, especially during the rainy season. Pack sunscreen and insect repellent, apply it regularly, and protect against the sun’s harmful rays.
Getting to Wild Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Wild Coast
- East London Airport: The closest airport, about 300 kilometers from Wild Coast, approximately a 3-hour drive.
- Durban International Airport: Located about 400 kilometers, less than a 4-hour drive.
Bus Stations Near Wild Coast
- Mthatha Total Filling Station: Located in Mthatha town, serving various bus companies, offering intercity services to major cities in the region.
Other Options
- Rental Cars: Available at East London Airport, Durban International Airport, and Mthatha for self-driving adventure enthusiasts.
How to Get Around in Wild Coast
Hiring a car or traveling with an organized tour is the best option for getting around the Wild Coast. If traveling on a tight budget, using public transport via minibus taxis and buses is an option, but ensure to check local regulations and timetables.
Where to Go Next from Wild Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Garden Route: for a more relaxed and sophisticated safari experience with numerous scenic drives and hiking trails
- Kruger National Park: for an immersive safari experience that is home to Africa’s Big Five wildlife species
- Cape Point: The southernmost part of the African continent, steeped in history and home to a lighthouse offering breathtaking views
Conclusion
Wild Coast is undoubtedly an exquisite destination, characterized by wild beauty and natural adventures, waiting for visitors to explore. The region offers a unique cultural, historical and natural experience that you will never want to forget. Get out of your comfort zone and explore the beauty of Wild Coast by making it your next travel destination.
