|
|
|
Eastern Cape : Wild Coast
|
Overview
The Wild Coast is treacherous stretch of coastline between the Mtamvuna River just
south of Port Edward and the Great Kei river, north of East London. With its ruggedly
beautiful wilderness of green hills, deeply incised river valleys and lagoons this is a paradise that is fairly unpopulated and remains relatively untouched by demands
of a fast growing tourism industry.
|
Things to do and see
With its rugged coastline, rivers, waterfalls and lagoons, there are water based activities for everyone visiting the area. The Wild Coast is the place to be for
anglers! Winter and spring bring game fish but all year round there is good fishing.
Deep-sea charters are available as well as rock, surf, fly and spear fishing.
|
The Wild Coast is renowned for its fantastic surfing and snorkelling and scuba diving
can be done at many sites along the Wild Coast. Divers and treasure hunters find
endless excitement in searching for coins, crockery, cannons and other relics from
numerous old shipwrecks along the coast.
Hiking along the Wild Coast is something special and the entire Wild Coast is ideal
for walking, with many caves, bays, shipwrecks, cliffs and capes to explore. The
entire coastline can be traversed on foot on what has become known as the Wild Coast
Hiking Trail.
|
 |
|
Tramp down sandy beaches where the only footprints are your own or
catch a glimpse of the way of life of a people that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Experience lush forests, shimmering waterfalls, spectacular nature reserves and
wild life and the friendly people which makes the Wild Coast the perfect destination
for the discerning traveller.
|
|
Everywhere you go on the Wild Coast you will find numerous craft sellers offering
all sorts of South African goodies from foods to clothes. The clothing made here
is unique and very distinctive. There are wooden sculptures, baskets and bead jewellery.
This is one of the very few outlets in South Africa were there is an array of traditional
Xhosa arts and crafts, ranging from beaded bags and belts, traditional clothing,
baskets, mats and blankets.
|
|
The Wild Coast is an eco-haven where waterfalls tumble into the sea and the beaches
remain pristine and virtually untouched. An escape to the unspoilt Wild Coast with
its dramatic and savagely beautiful landscape is truly and unbelievable and unforgettable experience.
|
Climate
The Wild Coast shares its climatic characteristics with the coast of KwaZulu/Natal.
There are perhaps some accommodations made to the proximity of the temperate regions,
but the area is part of the summer rainfall region and generally enjoys warm to
humid, sub tropical conditions. Annual summer rainfall regularly exceeds 1000mm,
with summer temperatures between late November and March averaging highs of 28°C
to 32°C.
Average winter highs between June and late September reaching a very agreeable 23°C
to 25°C.
Accommodation
Although there are a couple of luxury hotels on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, the
hotels in the area seem to cater more for family holidays, with the focus on family
comfort and pleasure. There are a couple of high quality camp and caravan sites
as well as bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and self catering chalets and houses.
There are also a couple of family resorts on the Wild coast offering both self catering
and camping facilities.
Towns and cities in the area
The following towns are well-worth a visit :
Bisho
Butterworth
Cintsa
Coffee Bay
Gonubie
Haga Haga
Kei Mouth
Lusikisiki
Mazeppa Bay
Morgan’s Bay
Umtata / Mthatha
Port St Johns
Qunu
|
|
|