Bordered by Port Edward in the north and Cintsa in the south, the Wild Coast is one of the most stunning coastal regions in Southern Africa.
The Wild Coast is part of the former Transkei, which means the area beyond the Kei River. The Transkei was a so-called Bantustan in the Apartheid years in South Africa. Bantustans (coming from the word "Bantu" meaning "people" in the Bantu languages and "-stan" meaning "land" in the Persian language) were twenty territories that served as tribal reserves for the indigenous black inhabitants of South Africa and South-West Africa (now Namibia), as part of the racial segregation policies of apartheid.
One of the most known sons of the former Transkei is the first democratic president of South Africa - Mr Nelson Mandela. He is still owning a home in Qunu, close to Umtata. |
Where to stay?
From a backpacker perspective Coffee Bay is defo THE spot in the Transkei that everyone who is travelling in Southern Africa has heard about. And, hell yeah, it is a great little place nested right at the beach. A simply stunning place. But places like Port St. Johns or the FTTSA (Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa) certified backpackers Bulungula are absolutely worth a visit! Check it out!
Travellers preffering B&Bs or Hotels will also find amazing places to stay at - check it out!
How to get there/around?
Getting around along the Wildcoast isn't that easy. Well, it is if you have got a car, but if not, you must make plans to get around. BazBus is surely the easiest way of getting there. The Bus is stopping in Mthatha (or Umtata) on its way between Durban <> Port Elizabeth. From Mthata most backpackers are running shuttles to pick travellers up. Greyhound is stopping there as well, so even the mainliner is an alternative for travellers without cars.
| Southern Africa Overland |
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| From spectacular wildlife spotting to dramatic scenery and camping under the stars, this 52-day journey is our ultimate Southern African Overland adventure. |
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| South Africa Discoverer |
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| Explore South Africa's fascinating cultural diversity on this exciting journey through the "Rainbow Nation". This trip takes in so much of the African experience, from the beaches of the wild coast, to the wildlife of Addo Elephant Park, to the vibe of Cape Town and everything else along the way. |
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| The Coastal Explorer |
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Start: Cape Town | Finish: Durban | Duration: 10 days
Cold Atlantic currents, storm battered rocks, and pristine white beaches around Cape Town, we will move northward through to the crystal clear, warm Indian Ocean and unspoiled sandy beaches of Durban. On this tour we endeavour to explore the area thoroughly and to enjoy the many nature reserves and activities encountered en-route. The tour is designed for active participants who wish to make the most of the time available; we cover vast distance, but also include walks and other activities. Bungalows, Inns and hotels are used, some basic but always comfortable, all are chosen for their location. A certain amount of fitness and flexibility will be required; more suitable for those looking for adventure. |
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