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Hole in the Wall Accommodation and InformationAn image of Hole in the Wall is what most South Africans conjure up in their minds when you say the words "Wild Coast". The iconic Hole in the Wall rock formation is a geological masterpiece. It is an offshore stack of stratified sandstone through which the power of the waves have worn an impressive hole. It is a wonder of Mother Nature and something that every visitor to the Wild Coast should see. The local tribes people call the place esiKhaleni, the place of the sound, and it's not difficult to see why. Stormy weather drives waves through the opening with an almighty roar that is audible for quite some distance. The people regard the hole with deep suspicion. From shellfish gatherers caught out by un-expected waves, to a Cape Mounted Rifles trooper attempting to win a bet by swimming through, it has tempted many to their deaths. Then there are those who have attempted to climb the wall; among them a local tribesman who, having seen a party of experienced mountaineers reach the top, decided to give it a go. On reaching the summit the following day, his nerve failed him, and he spent the next three days calling for help, unable to come down. Fortunately for him, some campers who could climb, rescued him! The small village of Hole in the Wall lies a short distance to the north, leaving the view of the hole completely unspoilt. For accommodation, visitors can choose between the local hotel, pub, backpackers or guest lodge. Coffee Bay is 10km away by road. The Xhosa legend of Hole in the Wall:Xhosa legend tells of semi-deities, known as Sea People, who resemble ordinary people. They have supple wrists and ankles and flipper-like hands and feet. These Sea People, though kind, can occasionally be quite mischievous and draw much pleasure from teasing the poor land-dwellers. A long time ago, there was a beautiful girl who lived in a village on the bank of a lagoon, which was cut off from the sea by a massive cliff. Such was her beauty that one of the Sea People fell in love with her. When her father heard of this, he became enraged, and swore that she would never leave the village to see him again. Such was her lovers desire to be with her however, that one night, at high tide, he came with a great fish which rammed its head through the base of the mighty cliff. Through the breach came Sea People, singing and shouting. The girl rushed down to meet her lover, while the rest of the villagers hid their heads in fear. The girl was never seen again. In time, the cliff began to crumble to the power of the sea, but the hole remained. The voices of the Sea People can still be heard to this day, as the waves rush through the hole, giving it its traditional name, esiKhaleni, the place of the sound. Hole in the Wall was given its English name by Captain Vidal of the Barracouta, who surveyed the coast in 1823. ![]() Hole in the Wall MapThe map seen on the right is a basic sample. The fully detailed, GPS-compatible, waterproof map of the entire Wild Coast is widely available from bookshops and sports stores in most major centers, and many Wild Coast resorts. The retail price is around R135 (around $10) and can be purchased on-line at www.slingsbymaps.com. "Your Wild Coast map - it's magnificent" "Truly an excellent map..." "The map has proved a tremendous hit" "A MUST-HAVE for travellers in the area" Retail and trade enquiries for the Eastern Cape and KZN: please contact us at http://www.slingsbymaps.com/contactus.aspx Directions from East London: Directions from Durban: |
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