Wild Coast Eastern Cape

As its name suggests, the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, extends between the Mtamvuna River in the north and the Great Kei River to the south, is an untamed natural and rural wilderness. The Wild Coast journey begins at Mzamba, just south of Port Edward and the Umthamvuna River, at the popular casino and top end luxury resort, Wild Coast Sun.

It is an incredible, unassuming combination of breath-taking coastline, wild and desolate beaches, secluded bays and green rolling hills that rush headlong into deeply etched river valleys. It is possible to travel the Wild Coast by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, car, or even horseback. Mostly, however, to travel from one holiday destination to another, it is necessary to detour back to the main roads inland, as there is no coastal road that connects these untouched destinations.

Included in the Wild Coast is what used to be known as the Transkei, which, largely due to lack of infrastructure, past neglect, and the fact that it isn’t easy to ‘fly in’ for a weekend, has ensured that the well over 200 kilometre coastline is virtually inaccessible to all but those prepared to take an adventure.

This Wild Coast area acted as a border for much of the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was rife with conflict between British colonists from the South and the rural Xhosa people who lived a colourful and rich cultural existence in this beautiful region. The birth place of Nelson Mandela is an effortlessly unspoiled land that claims to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The Wild Coast Region, Eastern Cape, has weather which is almost always mild, and there are only a few days in the year when the sun doesn’t shine. Protected forested areas include prehistoric cycads, sneezewood and yellowwood trees, and areas thick with vegetation. The sky is often filled with the call of the fish eagle, and a chorus of bird calls are a combination of sea, coastal and inland birds.
Explore the traditions and customs of the local Xhosa people, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, Mvezo and where he grew up in Qunu, and learn about the astonishingly uplifting life of the man who lead South Africa into her modern democracy at his museum located in Mthatha.

OUR TOURS WHICH INCLUDE THE WILD COAST

6 Day Wild Coast Tour

8 Day Luxury Wild Coast Tour

Recommended Wild Coast Hotels

Crawfords Cabins Lodge (Cintsa)

Prana Lodge (Cintsa)

 Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa (Umngazi)