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    Port St. Johns

    South Africa

    Port St. Johns

    CityCulture

    Port St. Johns lies at the mouth of the Umzimvubu on the Wild Coast, flanked by two tall, wooded mountains forming a gateway over the river.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. South Africa
    7. Wild Coast
    9. Port St. Johns
    Port St. Johns lies at the mouth of the Umzimvubu on the Wild Coast, flanked by two tall, wooded mountains forming a gateway over the river. The small, somewhat sleepy town is a starting point for beaches, coastal hikes, and excursions into rural Pondoland.

    City walks in Port St. Johns

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Port St. Johns: River, Market & Ocean – A Coastal Walk

    Experience the relaxed atmosphere of Port St. Johns on this pleasant walk. From the impressive Umzimvubu Bridge to the picturesque beaches and the dramatic mouth where the river meets the Indian Ocean, discover the highlights of this Wild Coast pearl. Immerse yourself in local life and enjoy breathtaking coastal panoramas.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
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    Stops (5)

    Essen & Trinken

    19Th Hole

    Restaurant in Golf Course Dr.
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    Steve's Pub and Restaurant

    Restaurant in Port St Johns.
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    The Outpost Pub & Grill

    Restaurant in ERF 398 Main Street.
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    Pondoland

    Port St. Johns is located in Pondoland, the territory of the amaMpondo, who speak isiXhosa. In the 19th century, a small trading port developed here, but it never grew large due to the sandbank in the river. In the surrounding villages, round huts and cattle farming define life. Ask for permission before photographing people and homesteads.

    On the Go

    A rental car is the best option; access is via the R61 from Mthatha. You can walk in the village and to the first beach, but for Second Beach and Silaka, you'll need a car or a taxi arranged by your accommodation.

    Accommodations in Port St. Johns

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    Nearby

    Wild Coast

    Wild Coast

    The Wild Coast is a roughly 250 km stretch of Eastern Cape coastline from East London to the KwaZulu-Natal border. Green hills dotted with Xhosa rondavels reach cliffs, secluded bays, and river mouths. Most famous is the rock arch Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay.
    Coffee Bay

    Coffee Bay

    Coffee Bay is a small town on the Wild Coast, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Mthatha. Backpackers, surfers, and hikers come for the bays, the Xhosa villages on the hills, and the Hole in the Wall rock arch a few kilometers to the south.
    Hole in the Wall

    Hole in the Wall

    Hole in the Wall is a mighty rock arch off the Wild Coast, approximately eight kilometers south of Coffee Bay, at the mouth of the Mpako River. The surf has carved a large archway into the offshore rock island. In isiXhosa, it is called esiKhaleni, Place of Sound, after the thunder of the waves.
    Mthatha

    Mthatha

    Mthatha is the largest city of the former Transkei and the gateway to the Wild Coast. Here stands the Nelson Mandela Museum, and nearby are Mandela's birthplace Mvezo and his childhood village Qunu.
    Port Edward

    Port Edward

    Port Edward is the southernmost town on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, right on the border with the Eastern Cape. Quiet beaches, the Umtamvuna Gorge, and the Red Desert make it a relaxed stop on the South Coast.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI