Hotel-hopping on the Wild Coast
The Wild Coast, located in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, is a truly magical place. Extending from the Umtamvuma river in the north to Kei River in the south, it encompasses a landscape of green, hut-dotted hills interspersed with forested and deeply incised river valleys rolling down to a breath-takingly beautiful coastline of precipitous cliffs, long sandy beaches, secluded bays and rich, fertile estuaries.
Because of historical neglect as well as terrain and access problems from the interior there has been little or no infrastructural development or access points for 'fly-in' tourists. Most of the extensive 200km coastline can only be visited by those prepared to hike along it! You will see little evidence of anyone else having been on on the beaches, just footprints and the occasional small boy herding cattle. The rural scenes have remained this way for ages so that you feel that you have stepped back in time.
Hiking the Wild Coast
Eastern Cape Nature Conservation used to operate a hutted trail along the entire coastline, but this has (for a variety of reasons) not been adequately maintained over the years and very little of the original infrastructure remains. Ccompounded by communication and logistic problems along this 'wild' and sparsely inhabited coastline, it is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to hike the Wild Coast on your own, particularly if you are a tourist or unfamiliar with the region.
Rather be guided by one of the independent tour operators who arrange hikes and other adventure activities along various sections of this coastline. Their network of local knowledge and connections, and many years of experience, will ensure that overnight stopovers, meals, guides, transfers and other matters are arranged that would be difficult or impossible for private parties to organise .
Active Escapes uses 'SA Adventure Trails' whom have been running guided hiking trails along the lower half of the Wild Coast for a number of years and are able to arrange trails for hikers and nature lovers to accommodate a wide range of abilities and requirements.
Trail Options
1. Hotel-Hopping (lower Wild Coast): The standard, well established and completely secure hiking trail is the lower Wild Coast 'hotel-hopping' trail running south from Mazeppa Bay or Kob Inn. Click here for detailed itinerary.
2. Pondoland Explore (northern Wild Coast) : Discover the most ruggedly remote section of the Wild Coast on a 5-day walking tour from Msikaba to Mbotyi (Pondoland). From self-catered hiking to 4x4 fully-supported walking & fishing safari, we have a tour to suit your needs and pocket. Click here for more details.
3. Coffee Bay to PSJ: A more recent development has been the opening up of 3-4 day trail starting in the Coffee Bay / Hole in the Wall region walking north. Chose between hotel and guest lodge accom or a more budget backpacker-option on this trail. Click here for more details.
If you have Google Earth installed on your computer and would like to get a birds-eye view of the places you'll be hiking through, click here
If you are interested in doing a Wild Coast Hiking Trail send us an an Email enquiry here