South Africa
Wild Coast
Region
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.
by Felix Gillen
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.
This rural, little-developed region for tourism is exactly what makes it appealing. The most important places are Coffee Bay with the Hole in the Wall and Port St. Johns at the mouth of the Umzimvubu. Many travellers hike with local guides from village to village along the coast, staying in simple backpacker lodges or with host families. The access roads from the N2 are long, partly unpaved, and full of potholes; cattle often roam the roads. Drive only during daylight hours and allow plenty of time. For current safety information, check the link to the Foreign Office on the country page.
Xhosa Country
The Wild Coast is in the former Homeland Transkei, deemed formally independent during Apartheid. Mainly Xhosa live here, farming livestock and small fields. Nelson Mandela grew up in nearby Qunu, and the Nelson Mandela Museum has sites in Mthatha and Qunu. Out of respect, ask permission before photographing people and homesteads.
