Wild Coast

On the "wild coast" between East London and Durban, you can experience an authentic South Africa. This is why the Wild Coast is one of the country's highlights, even though - or perhaps precisely because - the tourist infrastructure here is still in its infancy. There are only a few and generally very basic accommodations and the coast is usually only accessible via dirt roads. For this reason, the area of the Xhosa tribe, to which Nelson Mandela also belonged, was long reserved for adventurers. Nevertheless, the main traffic arteries of the Wild Coast, the N2 and R61, are now in relatively good condition. However, they wind their way over many hills and through many villages. You should allow considerably more time for this route than for overland journeys in other areas of South Africa. We therefore recommend at least two, preferably three overnight stays to explore the beauty of the Wild Coast.

Chintsa to Great Kei River

Chintsa, just north of East London, is one of the best developed places on the Wild Coast, a good compromise between nature and infrastructure. The approach is entirely on paved road, the beaches at the mouth of the Chintsa River are endless and mostly deserted. The small resort of Morgan Bay is located at the mouth of two rivers with a beautiful sandy beach. A beautiful hike leads to the 50 meter high Morbay Cliffs west of the village. From there you can enjoy a unique view over the coast and the green, hilly hinterland. With a bit of luck, you can even spot dolphins and, depending on the time of year, whales. Key Mouth is another typical vacation resort that you usually have all to yourself outside the South African vacation season. Visitors can expect extensive, clean beaches lined with wooded dunes. There are some beautiful hiking trails and one of South Africa's last pontoon ferries across the Great Kei River.

Coffee Bay to Mthatha

Coffee Bay is one of the best-known places on the Wild Coast, about 80km from the N2 via a paved road. The bay is well protected, so swimming is possible without any problems even in heavy swell (caution: no shark nets). Nearby is the natural stone bridge "Hole In The Wall", an attraction in the region, which you can also hike to from Coffee Bay. By car, you have to accept a 20 km drive on a dirt road; guided 4x4 tours can be booked locally. Along the way, it is worth stopping at the Nelson Mandela Museum, which consists of three complexes. In Mvezo, the birthplace of Mandela, you can visit the ruins of his birthplace, among other things. In Qunu, the place of his childhood, there is his baptistery, the ruins of his high school and the newly built Nelson Mandela Youth & Heritage Center. His grave is also located here on the family plot. The Bhunga Building in Mthatha displays, among other things, the gifts he received from all over the world after becoming South Africa's first freely elected president.

Port St. Johns to Mkambati

Port St. Johns is the largest town on the coast and can be reached via the tarred R61. This jewel in a spectacular location on the Mzimvubu River offers unique beaches and subtropical forests in the hinterland. Various hiking trails lead through nature. A boat trip on the river is a more leisurely experience. An insider tip is the Mkambati Nature Reserve, which is home to wildebeest, bucks, antelopes and some rare bird species. The beaches of nearby Port Grosvenor are a paradise. Near Mboyti there are various waterfalls that lead directly into the sea. Apart from Port St. Johns, these attractions can only be reached via unpaved roads, for which you need at least an SUV or, better still, a four-wheel drive vehicle.