Explore
local customs and lore Experience
traditional tribal life Visit
Port St. Johns See
the Hole in the Wall Hike
in unspoiled natural beauty Fish
for your supper Relax
at a luxury resort Eat
lots of fresh seafood Visit
the Nelson Mandela Museum Discover
Waterfall's Bluff
The Eastern Cape's Wild Coast stretches
from East London in the south to Port Edward in the north
and is undoubtedly
the
most pristine and untouched coastline
in
South Africa. This historical land beckons
travelers looking for an African eco-experience far
from the main tourist routes and attractions.
The Wild Coast
holds a special magic and mystery steeped in the lore of
the Xhosa people who have made this their home for many centuries.
Traditional
stories weave tales of the People of the Water, sorcerers,
witchdoctors, love snakes and beautiful girls borne away
by
the spirits of the forest. Today, you will still experience
this feeling of magic as you pass a village nestled
in the hills, discover a secret waterfall or stumble on a hidden
cove.
The rugged coastline, craggy peninsulas and wild
waves that constantly pound
the shore gave the Wild Coast its name. Many sea captains
have lost their vessels and trusty crews in these waters,
and the seabed is strewn with wrecks of ships that
have never
been recovered because of the shear difficulty of salvage
operations.
But this coast also has a gentle side, and the
white sandy beaches, rolling green hills and warm,
lazy lagoons make it a haven
for hiking, fishing, water sports and relaxing family
holidays. The Wild Coast Meander and Wild Coast
Amble are both hiking trails
that overnight at hotels. You can organise to have your
baggage moved each day and enjoy
the walk with just a daypack. Other hiking opportunities
are offered by the Strandloper and Amadiba Trails.
The coastal waters and estuaries carry a rich variety of
marine species for excellent rock, surf and spear
fishing.
Fishing licenses are required and can be obtained from
your local post office. If you're visiting in July, the
Wild Coast experiences the world famous sardine run, which
is
the greatest
marine
migration on earth in terms of
biomass. Literally millions of fish migrate north up to warmer
waters and these shoals are followed by large game
fish, sharks, rays and dolphins.
Numerous hotels and resorts offer
the traveler an opportunity to experience luxury and local
cuisine while exploring the solitude of secluded
bays
washed by whispering Indian Ocean waves. Most of these
resorts are accessible by road from the
N2 national route, are reasonably priced, and offer beautiful
surroundings and
fantastic views. Fresh seafood is always
on the menu and nightly feasts of crayfish, mussels,
oysters and fresh cob will please
your palate and your pocket.
No visit to the Wild Coast is complete without stopping in
at Port St. Johns to enjoy the laid-back
atmosphere and colourful mix of fishermen, hippies, artists,
students and world travelers.
Head up to Second Beach for good swimming and camping.
Further
south, the village of Coffee Bay is home
of the famous Hole
in the Wall. Legend tells of how the Water People
brought a
great
fish
to ram a hole through the shear cliff in search of a
young girl so fair that all were forbidden to set eyes on
her. The girl disappeared that night, never to be seen again.
Local tribesmen say that even today, on certain nights, the
voices of the Water People can still be heard, as they stream
through
the hole in search of the beautiful young girl.
Explore
local customs and lore
Freestate 
