The Wild Coast region of South Africa offers some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in South Africa, and the hike from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is a popular route for those seeking an adventurous trek.

The route covers a distance of approximately 65-80km (depending on the exact route taken) and typically takes around 3-7 days to complete, depending on your pace and how many stops you decide to make along the way.

It is up there with the Otter Trail and the Whale Trail in terms of difficulty, popularity and beyond beauty. The trail is set in the Transkei Wild Coastal region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa involving days of wandering rich indigenous reserves complete with river crossings, rolling mountains, mountain fynbos, wildflowers, and water – in the form of ocean, rivers, and pools.

The average day’s hike is 10 km to 18 km, and your evenings are spent in either backpackers or homestay rondavels – most of which are set in along the villages on the Wild Coast area with water through a bucket shower system when there is a power failure (load-shedding), and clean toilets to flush.

Weather in the Wild Coast is variable throughout the year. All-weather clothing is essential as you can face anything from intense heat to freezing cold rain.

Cost: R4900 pp

Solo hikers are welcome to join an existing group but for the hike to take place, a minimum group of 3 or 4 persons is required.

What’s Included:

– Venue will be communicated after your booking is confirmed
– Certified Professional Guide
– Accommodation (5 nights: 1 night before the hike and 4 nights during the hike)
– Feeding (Breakfast & Dinner offered)
– River Crossing fees
– Shuttle from Coffee Bay to Mthatha
– Coffee Breaks
– A Special Xhosa Bread for the group on the last night

What’s Excluded (Not Included)

– Transport from Mthatha – Port St Johns (We can book the shuttle at R4500 for 1 – 15 persons) or R2500 for a group of 3 person only

– Luggage Transfer/Porterage (Available at a fee)
– Car/Vehicle Drop offs aren’t included but can be arranged if you intend leaving your car at Mthatha.
– Alcohol
– Equipment (We however have hiking gear to rent)

If you need transport from Mthatha or East London to Port St Johns and from Coffee Bay to Mthatha, that could be arranged. Just send us an email or shoot us a message on WhatsApp: +27 78 949 6008

But you are free to use your own transport.

𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙚: 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩.

          𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄.

          𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙧.

The hike is scheduled on a monthly basis and selected dates depending on group size. Arrival is a day before the hike commences and the night is spent at Amapondo Backpackers.  If you choose to stay back for a night in Coffee Bay after the hike ends, we could arrange accommodation in Coffee Bay.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬

Here’s a sample itinerary for hiking this section of the Wild Coast in 5 days with stops at Umngazana, Tsweleni village, Hluleka, Ndumbi, and Coffee Bay:

Day 1: Port St Johns to Umngazana (17.5 km) | 560m elevation | Time: 6 hrs

• Start early in the morning from Port St Johns, heading south along the coast.
• The trail passes through scenic coastal forests and villages, with opportunities to swim in the ocean and explore the local culture.
• Overnight at Ngazana, enjoying the peaceful setting and ocean views.

Day 2: Ngazana to Tsweleni village (11 km) | 404m elevation | Time: 4 hrs

• Depart Ngazana early in the morning and hike south towards Tsweleni village, passing through picturesque coastal terrain and crossing rivers.
• The trail includes some steep climbs, descents, rocky terrain, and beach walks.
• Overnight in Tsweleni village, enjoying the stunning ocean views and natural beauty of the Wild Coast.

Day 3: Tsweleni village to Lucingweni (Hluleka) (18 km) | 522m elevation | Time: 6 hrs

• Continue hiking south from Tsweleni village towards Hluleka, passing through rolling hills and a rugged coastline.
• The trail includes some challenging sections, including steep ascents and descents, as well as river crossings and beach walks.
• The highlight is game at Hluleka Nature Reserve
• Overnight in Hluleka, enjoying the peaceful setting and stunning ocean views.

Day 4: Lucingweni to Tshani Village (Ndumbi Beach) (17.5 km) | 422m elevation | Time: 5 hrs 30 mins

• Depart Hluleka early in the morning and hike south towards Tshani Village (Ndumbi beach), passing through picturesque coastal villages and forests.
• The trail includes some moderate climbs and descents, river crossings, and beach walks.
• Rolling Hills
• Overnight in Tshani Village, enjoying the peaceful setting and stunning ocean views.

Day 5: Tshani Village (Ndumbi) to Coffee Bay (11.7 km) | 215m elevation | Time: 3 hrs 30 mins + Drive to Hole In The Wall

• Hike south from Ndumbi towards Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall, passing through scenic coastal terrain and villages. 
• Stop at Mthatha River Mouth & Mapuzi River Mouth (depending on weather and route availability)
• The trail includes some steep climbs and descents, river crossings, and beach walks.

OPTIONAL: If you opt to stay an extra day to hike from Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall, an extra Fee will be charged.

Day 6: Coffee Bay to Hole In The Wall (10 km)

• On the final day of the hike, hike approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) along the coast to Hole in the Wall, a famous landmark on the Wild Coast.
• Take some time to explore the area and relax on the beach before heading back to the accommodation and continuing your journey.

Note: This itinerary is just a sample and can be adjusted based on the hiker’s fitness level, experience, and interests. It’s also important to note that weather and tides can impact the itinerary, so it’s essential to plan accordingly and be flexible. Hikers should also be prepared for river crossings, which can be challenging and require appropriate footwear and gear. Be sure to check local conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on your hike and always prioritize safety.

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