Visitor Information
The Eastern Cape Tourism office in Umtata/Mthatha can give you information on the Wild Coast. Call tel. 047/531-5290 or visit www.ectourism.co.za (office hours are Mon-Fri 8am-4pm). Alternatively, contact Wild Coast Holiday Reservations (tel. 043/743-6181; www.wildcoastholidays.co.za; meross@iafrica.com) in East London, or Ukhenketho Tourism Port St Johns (tel./fax 047/564-1187). For information on Wild Coast nature reserves (of which Mkambati -- also spelt Mkhambathi -- is recommended; don't miss the Horseshoe Falls), contact central bookings at tel. 043/742-4451.
Getting There & Around
By Car -- The N2 runs the length of what used to be called the Transkei, with roads to the coast leading southeast off it. Most roads to the coast are untarred, some are badly marked, and all are time-consuming. Look out for livestock on the road, and don't travel at night. You can also charter a flight from Durban to Umngazi River Bungalows, the Wild Coast's best lodging.
By Bus -- The Baz Bus travels from Port Elizabeth to Durban, with stops at Coffee Bay and Port St Johns.
On Foot -- Wild Coast Meander (tel. 043/743-6181; www.wildcoastholidays.co.za) offers a 6-day hike that covers 55km (34 miles), from Qhorha Mouth to Morgan Bay, accompanied by a member of the local community. Hikers ford rivers and traverse isolated beaches, but each night is spent in a hotel. Six days, including accommodations, meals, and transfers from the East London airport, costs R4,820 per person for a group of four, R6,120 per person for just two people. Prices decrease for larger groups.
On Horseback -- The 3-to-6-day Amadiba Trails (tel. 039/305-6455; fax 039/305-6538) is a camping trip completed on foot or on horseback and canoe. You will be accompanied by a local guide, and meals may be enjoyed with members of the local community. Trails (R1,120-R1,650 for 4-6 days by foot, or R2,240-R3,300 for 4-6 days on horseback) start at the Wild Coast Casino, on the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
