An almost unspoilt paradise, simply rural and overlooked
by development. The Wild Coast is a rocky coast with remote
villages, numerous rivers, waterfalls, unspoilt beaches,
lots of open space and untouched forests. This is the place
for adventure - away from the crowds.
What to see and do
Traditional Xhosa and Pondo culture
The Wild Coast is still strongly rural. The Xhosa and Pondo
poeple live in bright thatched mud-brick huts that dot the
hills. Most live without electricity and running water and
farm small vegetable patches. They keep cows, goats, sheep
and pigs. Traditional customs involve ceremonies, drumming
and dancing. Sangomas, or healers, prescribe herbal remedies.
Hiking |
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Nelson Mandela Museum |
Hiking in the Wild Coast is special.
Walk where few footprints are made and even fewer
are seen. Hike between remote beaches and camp out
on the beach or in the forest. Follow cattlepaths
along cliffs to waterfalls. |
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Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo near
Mthatha in 1918 and spent his childhood in the village
of Qunu. The museum in Mthatha has a ‘Long Walk
to Freedom’ exhibition that details Mandela’s
life in his own words. |
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Where to stay
Chintsa
An idyllic beach destination flanked by an estuary and
sand dunes. Ideal for long walks on the beach and bathing
in the sun. Chintsa is the most accessible place on the
Wild Coast.
Bulungula
Village
A little seaside village that modern technology failed
to discover – no roads, no traffic, no electricity.
Little has changed in centuries. The backpackers is community
owned and villagers co-ordinate the activities.
- Bulungula - ECO-FRIENDLY
PARADISE RUN ON WIND AND SOLAR POWER
Hole in the Wall
Coffee
Bay
The one sealed road to Coffee Bay is well used. Every traveller
to visit this rural village has fallen in love with it’s
honeyed beaches, azure waters, rolling green hills and the
the modest Xhosa way of life.
Mdumbi
‘You can debate it until the cows come home, there’s
no contest, Mdumbi is the best beach in Southern Africa’
– Getaway Magazine. The surfing is spectacular and
the water is uncrowded.
Mpande
As uncomplicated and pristine as the Wild Coast can get.
Mpande is cloaked in lush and overlooks the Sinangwana river
mouth and the ocean. Hike to waterfalls or along the coast
to see a shipwreck.
- The Kraal - A UNIQUE RURAL
AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Port
St. Johns
Cameras ready for the first sighting of the mighty Umzimvubu
River winding between the imposing cliffs of Mount Thesiger.
Dense tropical forest cling to the hills. Port St. Johns
has three beaches simply named 1st, 2nd and 3rd Beach. The
town is also home to a number of eccentrics.
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