Wild Coast travel and accommodation guide
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EASTERN CAPE - THE WILD COAST - SOUTH AFRICA - TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Wild Coast, South Africa
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THE WILD COAST - EASTERN CAPE TO KWAZULU-NATAL,  SOUTH AFRICA

The Wild Wild Coast  by Sandy Cosser

The Wild Coast of South Africa lies along its east coast. It is largely inaccessible and untamed, hence the wildness. This also means that it has retained most of its natural beauty and has been unspoilt by developers, which makes it a holidaymaker’s paradise. Part of its unspoilt, natural charm is that a lot of the roads are still gravel and full of potholes. It really is best to use a 4 x 4 to get by, although a regular car will suffice. If you don’t own a 4 x 4 though an option is to rent one for the duration of your holiday. That way you don’t have to risk your car getting stuck on muddy or rocky roads. It’s probably advisable to go for the insurance option on the rented 4 x 4, that way you won’t have to pay for any damage suffered on the roads.

Wild CoastXhosa is the local language in that part of the country. You will find that not many of the locals, apart from those in the hospitality trade, speak English. It would be useful to learn a few basic words to get by and to increase peoples’ general attitude towards you. A few examples are: Hello – molo; how are you? – unjani; good bye – sala kakuhle; please – enkosi; thank you – enkosi kakhulu; yes – ewe; no – hayi.

The Wild Coast has an excellent climate for holidaymakers. It is neither too hot nor too cold all year round. It varies slightly from temperate sub-tropical in the south to moderate sub-tropical further north. In the winter, which is temperate, dolphins and whales abound in the sea and the weather is ideal for a winter holiday, as it rarely gets colder than 14 degrees Celsius. In fact, the best time of year to visit Port St Johns is in April and May, as the seasons change to winter. Temperatures in the summer months stay cool and comfortable. The Wild Coast gets its rainfall in summer. You needn’t worries about the mosquitoes though; despite its tropical climate it’s a malaria free zone.

Some of the towns that you will encounter as you travel along the Wild Coast are: Viedgesville/Jojweni – a town that has 2 names depending on the language you speak. You might find either or both on a map. It’s a well travelled road and is tarred all the way. Umtata – has many roads leading from it, the most travelled one being the tarred one to Port St Johns, with beautiful countryside to look at as one drives. There is also a less travelled road to the Umtata River Mouth, which is not as good as the Port St Johns road.

Umtata is home to the Nelson Mandela Museum, which is divided into 3 sections. The central section traces his life with photos, write-ups and displays and the other 2 rooms display all of the gifts that have been given to Nelson Mandela from all over the world. There is also an open-air swimming pool and some craft projects. Thirty kilometres north of Umtata is a little town called Qunu, which has the enviable claim of being Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. You can see his “palace” from the N2. One of the improvements that he has made there is that he has had a tunnel built under the road so that the school children can cross the road safely. The Mandela Museum runs free tours of the area and if you book in advance you will be treated to a traditional Xhosa dinner.

Wild CoastIf you feel a little bohemian, or artistic or you would simply like to soak up that kind of atmosphere then Port St Johns is for you. It has the best selection of accommodation and restaurants on the Wild Coast. It has also become a haven for backpackers. It has 3 beaches, known very originally as First Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach. They are each several kilometres apart and unique in spirit and atmosphere. Quite a popular tourist attraction is the natural geographical phenomenon – Hole in the Wall. The natural movement of the sea has pounded a large tunnel through a freestanding cliff. 

The area was a good one for shipwrecks and to this day you have a very good chance of finding traces of the wrecks that occurred. Beads, coins and pottery shards are often found in rock pools. The locals have many colourful stories of their ancestors who came from the ships that ran aground there. The small community of Coffee Bay, which is not much more than a trading store, a plain camping site and an old hotel, but is also one of the most beautiful spots on all of the Wild Coast. The spectacular beach lies between rolling green hills and the sparkling sea, and the view is simply breath taking. The bay got its name when a ship full of coffee beans ran aground, some of the beans took root and started to grow but the soil was too salty and the shrubs all died. Today no trace of the coffee beans remains.

If you like your coastline rugged and wild, and your beaches pristine and unspoilt, then the Wild Coast is the place for you. If you like to work hard to reach your destination and drive for long hours in difficult conditions and have infinite patience with gravel and muddy roads, then the Wild Coast is for you. If you like mountains and rolling hills and rural scenes and dodging farm animals then the Wild Coast is for you. The Wild Coast is for anyone who likes to have fun and who likes to relax and if that is not you, then what planet are you from and where have you hidden the mothership?
 

Wild Coast Bed & Breakfast
Wild Coast Game Lodges/Private Game Reserves
Wild Coast Guest Houses
Wild Coast Hotels
Wild Coast Holiday Rentals

FEATURED WILD COAST BED & BREAKFASTS,  EASTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA

Grande Vista Grande Vista, Gonubie, WILD COAST
Within 3 km from the beaches of Gunobie, Grande Vista has an outdoor pool area overlooking the banks of Gonubie River. Spacious rooms have king size beds and satellite TV. All the rooms at the Grande Vista are modern decorated and have a private bathroom that comes with shampoo and soap products. The Grande Vista hotel has a large tropical garden with palm trees that surround the outdoor pool. Guests can relax at the lounge area next to the pool or gather around a campfire in the garden. The Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, which houses all the wild animals of the Big 5, is within 30 km of the hotel.
Seas the Day Seas the Day, Gonubie, WILD COAST
Sips B&B offers you a relaxed secure stay in rural Lusikisiki with comfortable and affordable accommodation within close proximity to some of our province's best beaches and attractions in the true essence of mother Africa.  With 32 double en-suite rooms, a conference centre with free wireless internet, gardens, swimming pool, BBQ / Braai area, our home is a place you can call home. We offer single rooms, double rooms and family rooms. total of 32 rooms. Offered on accommodation including breakfast. Lunch and dinner available on request.
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WILD COAST GAME LODGES / PRIVATE GAME RESERVES,  EASTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA

Outspan Safaris Outspan Safaris, B&B, Safari Lodge, Konga, WILD COAST
With mountain views, Outspan Safaris is located in Komga and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar, garden and terrace. Complimentary WiFi is provided. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a Full English/Irish breakfast. Guests at Outspan Safaris can enjoy billiards on site, or hiking in the surroundings. The nearest airport is East London Airport, 81 km from the accommodation.
Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve, Lodge, WILD COAST
This eco reserve has a natural swimming pool and a lodge restaurant serving game. It is situated in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, a 30-minute drive from East London’s city centre. The 3,500 hectare Mpongo Private Game Reserve offers lodge and chalet accommodation, decorated in a European style with African decorations. All rooms offer an en suite bath or shower. The thatched-roof Huberta restaurant provides a charming view of the Mpongo's property with its swimming pool. There is a traditional boma, a fireplace terrace, where guest can relax in the evening with a drink. Mpongo offers a variety of recreational activities, such as game drive safaris.
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WILD COAST GUEST HOUSES,  EASTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA

Cintsa View Cintsa View, Guest House, Chintsa, WILD COAST
Located in Chintsa in the Eastern Cape Region, 29 km from East London, Cintsa View features a Jacuzzi, year-round outdoor pool, and barbecue. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free WiFi is featured and free private parking is available on site. Both living areas are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a DVD player. A balcony or patio are featured in certain rooms. Rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and bath, with free toiletries provided. You will find a kitchen and shops at the property. You can engage in various activities, such as golfing and horse riding. The nearest airport is East London Airport, 36 km from the property.
Cloud 9 On George Randall Drive Cloud 9 On George Randall Drive, WILD COAST
High quality, good value accomodation. Situated a stroll away from the beach, shops and restaurants. Nestled in large tropical gardens where birds, butterflies and monkeys are frequent visitors.  Facilities include a large swimming pool, braii area and access to internet (wi fi zone) and fax.  Rooms are all en suite and equipped with fridges, fans, safes, hairdryers, towels, ironing facilities and hospitality trays.  Full delicious breakfasts are served on the covered verandah with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop. Other meals are available on request.  Special diets are catered for.  Secure parking is provided and the property is fully walled.
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FEATURED WILD COAST HOTELS,  EASTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA

Purple Haze Eco Lodge Purple Haze Eco Lodge, Chintsa, WILD COAST
Situated in Chintsa, within 8 km of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and 4.2 km of Emerald Vale Brewery, Purple Haze Eco Lodge features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. All rooms boast a kitchenette and a private bathroom. The property provides sea views, a barbecue and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The hotel offers a sun terrace. Guests at Purple Haze Eco Lodge will be able to enjoy activities in and around Chintsa, like hiking.
Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa. Port St. Johns, WILD COAST
Set high on the Umngazi hillside, Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa offers guests breath taking views of the coast from the banks of the Mngazi River. There is free WiFi and the spa features a treatment room with a spa bath overlooking the Umngazi River and Indian Ocean. The hotel has a children's playground and views of the sea. Featuring an outdoor shower, each guest room is warm and inviting with touches of bright colours. Each bungalow has a private bathroom fitted with a bath and complete with complimentary amenities. All rooms are equipped with a ceiling fan and a safe. Guests of Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa have beach and river access and can enjoy a variety of activities in the area
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FEATURED WILD COAST SELF-CATERING/HOLIDAY RENTALS,  EASTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA

Coogee Bay Unit 12 Coogee Bay Unit 12, Holiday Rental Apartment, Gonubie, WILD COAST
Offering barbecue facilities and sea view, Coogee Bay Unit 12 is situated in Gonubie, 1.2 km from Gonubie Bird Sanctuary and 5 km from NG Church Gonubie. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free private parking. The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a microwave, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven and a stovetop. The apartment features a sun terrace. Gonubie Farmers Hall is 13 km from Coogee Bay Unit 12. The nearest airport is East London Airport, 32 km from the accommodation. 
Fairway 2 Fairway 2, Self-Catering Apartment, Gonubie, WILD COAST
Located only 2.7 km from NG Church Gonubie in Gonubie, Fairway 2 provides accommodation equipped with a balcony, garden and outdoor pool. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.8 km from Gonubie Bird Sanctuary, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi. The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a patio with garden views. A barbecue and a terrace are featured at the apartment. Gonubie Farmers Hall is 12 km from Fairway 2. The nearest airport is East London Airport, 31 km from the accommodation.
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