Hole in the Wall Accommodation

An 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.

umThombe Guest Lodge

Umthombe is a beautiful, ocean-front lodge very close to the beaches, hotel and shop; and an enjoyable 10 minute walk from the Hole in the Wall.

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umThombe Guest Lodge

Morrow's Cottage

Self catering cottage at Hole in the Wall. Great view; 3-minute walk to Hole in the Wall.

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Morrow's Cottage

Jongamanzi

Jongamanzi is set on a hill just 100m from the beach. One of the original "fisherman's cottages" in the area, the property dates back to the 1940s.

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Jongamanzi

Hole in the Wall Hotel

Hole in the Wall Hotel and holiday village is nestled in a verdant valley on a secluded, tropical bay. Guests are offered a choice of accomodation to fit their unique needs and budget. There are self catering, fully catered, backpacker and camping options available.

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Hole in the Wall Hotel

Gigi's Pub & Self Catering

Gated complex with 5 Self catering units which sleep from 4 to 7 people each. Each rondavel is fully equipped and has a view from its deck.

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Gigi's Pub & Self Catering

Hole in the Wall Hike

The amazing hike from Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall traverses high sea cliffs and rolling green hills and is approximately 3 hours in either direction. Along the way, the hiker passes Xhosa villages and the Baby Hole and is treated to spectacular views of the coastline. A steep path up the Whale's Back provides a different view of Hole in the Wall, for those with enough energy left.

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall, near Coffee Bay, is the most photogenic landmark on the Wild Coast. Known to the locals as esiKhaleni (the place of the sound), this offshore stack of stratified sandstone, with its iconic wave-worn hole through the centre, is a geological masterpiece and a wonder of Mother Nature. You can't claim to have visited the Wild Coast unless you've seen Hole in the Wall.

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Hole in the Wall

Ski Boat Launch Site

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 Map

The 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.

"A MUST-HAVE for travellers in the area"
Janna Cooper, Strandloper Ecotourism Board.

Directions from East London:
Take the N2 towards Mthatha and drive for approximately 170km until you reach the Viedgesville turnoff (a few kilometres past Qunu). Turn right. Follow the tar road for 75 kilometres until you reach Coffee Bay. Drive south through Coffee Bay. 5km past Coffee Bay the road splits. Turn left. Hole in the Wall is 5km further down the road.

Directions from Durban:
Take the N2 south until you reach the Viedgesville turnoff (approx. 20 kilometres past Mthatha). Turn left. Follow the tar road for 75 kilometres until you reach Coffee Bay. Drive south through Coffee Bay. 5km past Coffee Bay the road splits. Turn left. Hole in the Wall is 5km further down the road.

Hole in the Wall Accommodation and Information

The Xhosa legend of Hole in the Wall:

Hole in the Wall Map