The Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is a section of the Eastern Cape between East London and Port Edward, named so because of the rugged nature mostly untouched by humans. Many ancient rivers empty into the Indian Ocean along the Wild Coast. The rivers are popular for swimming, as are the beautiful, natural beaches.
Roads are poor, cell signal is poor, and the area is mostly home to small villages with cows, goats, and sheep. The area is part of the former homeland of the Transkei during the Apartheid era. You’ll mostly hear greetings in Xhosa, not English, as you traverse the Wild Coast.
The Wild Coast is popular for hiking and road trips. It’s definitely “off the beaten path” and an incredible adventure for both tourists and locals.
How to get to the Wild Coast
Via Car
Many people drive from around Cape Town and other areas. The roads are not good and have a lot of potholes but it’s possible to do. It is highly recommended to do this in a 4×4, and have knowledge of 4×4 driving in case you get stuck. Also, make sure you have a spare tire and know how to change it. That said, we met at least 2 drivers who drove in small sedans and managed (poorly, and one even got stuck). There was a section of the road being paved between Hole in the Wall and Coffee Bay so there is hope.
There will not be good cell service so if you get stuck, you’ll have to wait it out until another car passes. Do this option with caution.
Via Mthatha Airport
Flights to Mthatha from Joburg are frequent and fast, with the flight time being about an hour. We opted for an early morning 6am flight so that we would spend the full day at Bulungula Eco Lodge. You will likely be a 2–4-hour car ride from the airport to your lodging.
Getting from Mthatha Airport to your lodge
Some areas like Coffee Bay will be serviced by minibusses. However, to save on time, I highly suggest booking a private transfer. Your accommodation will be able to organize this with a reliable driver. A private transfer will cost you around R1200 to R1400 one way. Please consider that the drivers are coming 2+ hours just to pick you up so this is a reasonable price. Bring the full amount in cash for your drivers if you are requesting a private transfer. If you forget cash, get some at the Mthatha airport ATM.
How long should you stay?
The shortest amount of time you should spend if you’re hiking is 5 nights. This is what we did and I would have loved to add on 2 additional nights to fully experience the coast.
That said, many people do spend just 3 nights or so in one lodge. Check out my hiking guide for two itinerary options if you’re planning to hike the Wild Coast.
When should you visit?
The weather in autumn (February – April) and winter (May – July) is the best to visit the Wild Coast. Autumn has little rain and warm weather.
Sometimes nature has its own plans through. We visited in April 2022 and although this was supposed to be the dry season, an unprecedented storm came across the week before our arrival. This increased the mud on the trails, the high water in the rivers, and the small rivers we had to cross on the trail.
If you want a spectacular natural experience, visit in June or July for the annual Sardine Run. Sardines take an epic journey from the Eastern Cape coastline to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal and are chased by whales and dolphins. Check with a lodge on the Wild Coast for the best time to visit.
Wild Coast Accommodation
Hiking the Wild Coast
The coastline has some of the most stunning views in South Africa and features a (once in a lifetime for me) multi-day hiking trip. With the assumption that we’d be hiking along desolate beaches and secluded bays, Wilhelm and I planned our Easter break for a 5-night hiking journey along the Wild Coast. Check out how to self-hike from Bulungula Eco Lodge, to Wild Lubanzi, to Coffee Bay, and finally to Mdumbi Backpackers. This covers just over 40km.
