Wild Coast Walk- unspoilt coastline South Africa

Overview-Wild Coast Walk

Wild Coast Walk is for those wishing to experience the Wild Coast on foot but wants to spend each evening in the best hotels or lodges along the route, selected for quality and convenience. The Wild Coast of South Africa is one of the country’s most remote and beautiful coastlines. It is a prime hiking area with dramatic landscapes, unspoilt beaches, high dunes, wave-lashed rocks, shipwrecks, rolling hills and meandering rivers.

Type	Guided hike, with porter service
Location	Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Group size	2 – 19 persons
Duration	5 nights / 6 days
Grading	Easy
Day Stages	Between 6 km and 22 km
Distance	56 km
Terrain	Beach and coastal trails
Accommodation	Hotels and lodges
Meals	Breakfast, packed lunches and dinners
Cost	R10 370 per person sharing for 4-5 persons plus porter charge
Dates	Best time March-June & Sep-Nov. Not available 15 Dec-15 Jan and certain holiday periods.

Trip details

The Wild Coast Walk is in an unspoilt natural environment- magnificent coastal setting, beaches, bush and sunshine. Enjoy whale and dolphin watching, birding, swimming, canoeing, fishing and excellent accommodation. Guides and porters from local Xhosa communities accompany hikers.

Highlights

Scenery

The area is a nature lover's paradise, with access so limited that the only way to see some parts of the coastline is to hike. The scenery is spectacular. Empty white-sand beaches are separated by steep green hills, dramatic cliffs and rocky headlands. Sunrises and sunsets of breathtaking beauty. Experience peaceful tranquillity that is unsurpassed. Not only is the scenery unbelievably beautiful but this remote area of the country remains relatively untouched by the trappings of civilisation

Activities

A variety of activities compliment the hiking program : Pristine beaches offer secluded and quiet spots for swimming or to visit and enjoy. You will also have opportunities for birding, fishing, canoeing, whale and dolphin-watching and to explore shipwrecks and some traditional Xhosa villages along the way. In addition the lodges/hotels offer some free activities.

Attractions

The suspension bridge linking Mazeppa Bay mainland to an island. It is a favourite fishing spot. The Jacaranda shipwreck near Trenney’s Hotel The boat pont river crossing at Kei mouth.

Sardine run

Every year, between May and July, many millions of sardines travel north from the cold southern oceans of South Africa as they make their way up along the coastlines of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in what is commonly known as the annual Sardine Run. The sardines come close enough to be seen from shore or even washed up on the beach. It occurs nowhere else on earth and can be witnessed from the beaches of the Wild Coast.

Accommodation

Spend every night in the comfort of coastal resorts, known for unique settings and warm hospitality.

Culture and history

The Wild Coast (formerly Transkei) is an area of historical and cultural significance. It is the traditional home of Xhosa-speaking people and was an independent homeland until 1994. It is a very distinct part of South Africa, full of tradition and local colour. Nelson Mandela is its most famous son. Guides and porters from local Xhosa communities accompany hikers every day, sharing their local knowledge, customs and culture with you.

The standard Wild Coast Walk package is 5 nights but it is flexible. It can be extended to 8 nights or additional time can be spent at each or any resort thus turning it into a real holiday. An alternative 5 night itinerary is also available

5 nights standard option

The walks are slow, spending time to enjoy the beaches and to take a closer look at the unspoilt coast and rivers. You can stop and enjoy what is of interest to you or your group. A community guide will assist you with timing of walks to coincide with the tides and show you the best place to cross. The guide will also point out the marine- and wildlife, birds and ecology of the area. The walk starts north of the Kei River at Kob Inn. You will spend the first 4 days in, what was formerly known as, the Transkei. After crossing the Kei river the trail ends at Morgan Bay

Day 1: East London to Kob Inn (Drive 215 km- 4 hrs)

You will arrive in East London and meet the Route Manager. Road transfer from East London, departs at 08h30am for a 4 hour, very scenic, journey. Refreshments on the bus and lunch at Kob Inn, the hotel on the rocks. Afternoon at leisure, retire to the bar for evening drinks and snacks before enjoying dinner, a few meters from the ocean. Optional extras:
Canoe quietly on the river taking in the prolific bird life. Quad bikes are available for hire.

Day 2: Mazeppa Bay (6 km)

The first day is an easy introduction to the trail. It is a scenic walk between towering sand dunes and along fisherman paths. You can either enjoy lunch at Kob Inn or walk to Mazeppa Bay with a packed lunch- swimming and sunbathing en route. The Hotel to be informed the previous night, which option you, prefer. Arrive Mazeppa Bay in the afternoon. Relax in this beautiful tropical setting and enjoy the interesting sights such as the island attached to the mainland via the suspension bridge, or a beautiful forest walk. Social, dinner and overnight

Day 3: Wavecrest Hotel (22 km)

After an early breakfast depart for Wavecrest. This day takes you along grassy banks adjacent to the coastline with many natural springs and long sandy beaches fringed with palms and many indigenous trees. Although the route is long, the terrain is flat, with lots to see at low tide. Enjoy the many swimming beaches along the way. Social, dinner and overnight. Optional extras: Enjoy a cruise or paddle a canoe up the Nxaxo river, renowned for magnificent bird life and the southern most natural Mangrove swamps. Unwind at the Wavecrest spa.

Day 4: Trennery's Hotel (14 km)

The walk to Trennerys Hotel is timed to arrive at Kobanqaba River at low tide. This makes wading across easier. Soon thereafter you will pass the wreck of the Jacaranda. This is an interesting lunch stop and from here it is a short walk to the hotel. At the Qolora River you arrive at Trennery’s Hotel where you overnight. Spend the evening relaxing - exploring the area and enjoy a mouth-watering dinner.

Day 5: Morgan Bay Hotel (14 km)

After breakfast you can participate in either a visit to a Xhosa village or Trevor’s Trail, a three hour adventure (optional extra). Thereafter depart on the trail which includes crossing the Kei River on a pontoon, walking past the village of Kei Mouth, and a climb to the light house before returning to the beach to the last destination, Morgan Bay Hotel. Enjoy a last night at this well known family hotel, with superb cuisine.

Day 6: Day of departure

After breakfast we transfer to East London airport, for departure

Standard package

Kob Inn Hotel	Mazeppa Bay Hotel
Wavecrest Hotel	Trennery's Hotel
Morgan Bay Hotel

Other accommodation

When extending the standard package, or for booking an alternative 5 night program, the following accommodation may be included, together with all, or some, of the standard hotels above.

Haga Haga Hotel	Crawfords Cottages
Areena Riverside Resort	Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

R 11 050 per person for 2-3 persons (R12 300 from 2023) and R9 350 per person for 4-5 persons (R10 370 from 2023), sharing, excluding porter service R730 pp (R1 020 from 2023). Reduced rates determined by the number of persons, for groups up to 19, available on request. The trail can be booked 15 Jan- 15 Dec, except during school holidays- March/Apr, Dec/Jan and Easter weekend.

20% deposit in order to secure the booking and the balance 6 weeks before the start of the walk.

Included

Transfers from East London to start of trail and back to East London

5 nights accommodation in lodges or hotels

All meals from lunch on day one to breakfast on day six

Daily local guide from Kob Inn to Morgan Bay

Not included

Items not mentioned above, eg :

Flights or transport to and from East London

Porter service to carry 12 kg backpack from one lodge to the next. The porter fees of R730 pp to be paid in cash to different porters.

Snacks and drinks

Ferry fees (currently R10 per person per ferry, which includes the fee for the porter)

Travel Insurance.

Porter service

The porter service provided by local community members is optional. Should you decide to use it your backpack must have shoulder and waist straps and not exceed 12kg. Seven different porters will be employed and R100/R110 per porter will be payable in cash- total amount R730 (2022). Please ensure that you have the necessary cash amounts available.

Other rates

Rates for the following alternative options of the Wild Coast Walk available on request:

To extend the standard 5 nights to 8 nights (96-100 km)
To spend more time at some of the hotels included in the standard 5 night program
An alternative 5 night program (54-57 km)

Grading

The Wild Coast Walk can be done by anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys rambling. There are no serious challenges other than the river crossings. When river levels are high after heavy rains, a ferry will be arranged. Overall rating: "Easy". You do not need to be ultra-fit but if you choose to do the walks you should be able to walk between 10 and 20 km per day. The route takes you along the coast and on paths.

See Walking grades for more details about "Easy" rating.

When to do the Wild Coast Walk

Bookings can be made throughout the year between 15 Jan and 15 Dec but not during school holidays March/Apr, Dec/Jan and Easter weekend. The best time is from March to June and from September to November. The weather on the Wild Coast is very variable but during winter it is usually better from a rain perspective but cold fronts are possible. Be prepared for hot as well as cool and wet conditions throughout the year.

Climate

The area has a comparatively high average rainfall, with the coastal and mountain regions receiving over 1 000 mm per annum. Snow is not uncommon at high altitudes in winter, but the remainder of the country is temperate with high sub-tropical temperatures along the coast in summer. The summer rainy seasons are sub tropically warm and pleasant, while the winters are mild and fine (and pleasant). High temperatures in January (mid summer) reach about 28 degrees C, and in June (winter) about 21 degrees, with lows of 17 and 9 degrees respectively.

Getting there

Getting to East London

For international visitors:

Fly to East London Airport.

By car:

Route from Johannesburg: 970 km with N1 and N6 via Bloemfontein

Route from Cape Town: 1 050 km via the N2 along the coast

Route from Durban: 660 km with N2

What to take on the Wild Coast Walk

Comfortable, well ventilated clothes as well as a thick windbreaker/jacket, raincoat, swimming costume, comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to waterproof your day-pack as well as ziploc bags for wet weather and river crossings as protection for electronic equipment, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle/camelback, personal first-aid kit, camera, batteries, binoculars, torch and headlamp, and mosquito repellent.

Luggage

Please note that a porter will carry the luggage and that it is not transferred by vehicle. Luggage will therefore have to be in a backpack and a weight restriction of 12kg applies. Backpacks must have shoulder and waist straps. Ensure that you have the correct change for porter fees. Refer to "Rates"

Insurance

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Availability and booking

To reserve a date, forward: Availability request

To book- Go to How to book,

or email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za

Tel.: +27 (0) 21 852 5937, Fax.: +27 (0) 86 618 3448

Map

Gallery

Pictures can be viewed in Wild Coast Gallery

Attractions

Mazeppa Bay bridge	Kei Mouth ferry
Jacaranda shipwreck	Sardine run

Reviews

For details, go to Reviews

Area information

Wild Coast Walk is a high quality guided walking holiday in an unspoilt natural environment. For more information about the area, go to Read more

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