1 2 3 4 5 6 The Wild Coast Meander

This unique 5 night / 6 day trail offers you the opportunity to walk a section of the magnificent Wild Coast in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The area that the hike covers is a nature lover's paradise, with access so limited that the only way to see the majority of the coastline is to hike. You will encounter long lonely beaches, river estuaries teeming with marine life, river fauna & majestic views.

Day 1

Transfer by road to Kob Inn stopping en route for lunch. Time permitting, enjoy a cruise up the Qora river - the relaxing cruise takes about 2 hours.

Day 2 (6km)

Today you can take your time, swimming & sunbathing en route, before arriving at Mazeppa Bay in the afternoon. Relax in this beautiful tropical setting and enjoy any number of the interesting sights. Visit the island attached to the mainland via suspension bridge or explore the coastal forests.

Day 3 (22km)

After an early breakfast depart for Wavecrest. This day takes you along grassy banks adjacent to the coastline with many natural springs and long sandy beaches fringed with palms and many indigenous trees. Although the route is long the terrain is flat. Enjoy a 'booze cruise' up the Nxaxo River. Bird lovers might consider paddling up the river in one of the many canoes to view the wonderful bird life for which Wavecrest is renowned.

Day 4

Today's hike is about 14 km and entails a river crossing. Around lunchtime you should reach the wreck of the Jacaranda. This is a good spot for a picnic lunch and bathing. Overnight at the Qolora River Mouth and spend the evening relaxing and exploring the area.

Day 5

After an early breakfast a visit to the scenic gates on the Qolora River can be included (there is an extra charge for this trail). A 6km stretch along the beach will bring you to the Kei River which used to be the border between the Transkei and South Africa. The river crossing is made on the pontoon, which is one of the last remaining working pontoons in the country. The Trail then takes you around the village of Kei Mouth to Morgan Bay, arriving late afternoon.

Day 6

After a late breakfast you will be collected from the hotel and transferred back to East London.

What you need to know

This trail allows you to walk, swim and explore the coastline during the day & spend each night in relative comfort at one of the Wild Coast Hotels. Carry only your personal items (clothing and toiletries, etc.) and a picnic lunch, which will be provided by the hotels. The trail covers a total distance of about 55km. The trail is adaptable and can be extended or shortened to suit your requirements - for example there is a 3-night version. The trail itself offers some interesting and challenging aspects with river crossings, hiking over headlands, beach walking and crossing the Kei River on a pontoon. As the daily distances are very average and the terrain relatively easy, no great fitness is required . Anyone reasonably fit and able can do this trail. Locally trained guidesare used, all of whom are friendly and eager to share their knowledge and love of the land with you. This provides a valuable source of income for the rural areas.

Includes; road transfer to / from East London - approx. 4 hours (please note departures from East London are mornings only); Accommodation in the following hotels - Kob Inn, Mazzepa Bay Hotel, Wavecrest, Trennery's / Seagulls, Morgan Bay; all meals; the services of a local guide.

Please note

You can carry your own backpack or porters can be hired on a daily basis to carry your pack - hikers are encouraged to use porters as this provides much needed employment. 

'' . . we were reminded that sometimes it’s even better to switch off the engine, get out and explore at a slower pace, up close to the land and the people who live there'' Geoff Dalglish, Africa Geographic magazine