Wild Coast Villages & Towns

The coastal village of Morgan Bay lies nestled between the famous Morgan Bay cliffs and a mile-long stretch of unspoilt beach, bordered by the untamed Cape Morgan Nature Reserve. Morgan Bay is an ideal destination for adventurous family holidays with an excellent swimming beach, patrolled by lifeguards during the festive season, and lagoon in pristine natural surroundings. During the day you can gaze at passing ships on the horizon or lie on the beach with a book. At night you can lie relaxed in comfortable accommodation while being hypnotised by the dull roar of the sea, glorious stars and the intermittent beam of the Cape Morgan Lighthouse across the bay.

Kei Mouth lies on the south bank of the Kei River, beyond which, lies adventure in the rural former homeland of the Transkei. The subtropical climate, unpolluted beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean make Kei Mouth ideal for bathers, surfers and sunbathers throughout the year. The new tar road has significantly shortened travelling time from East London to only 1 hour. Visitors need not worry about the lack of facilities. The shops are well stocked with foodstuffs and other necessities. Fresh bread, milk and newspapers are delivered daily. There is a post office, library, petrol station, garage and hardware store.

Port St Johns lies on the banks of the Mzimvubu River (home of the hippos), where it reaches the sea between "the Gates" of Mount Sullivan and Mount Thesiger. It is the laid-back capital of the Wild Coast and is a major tourist attraction with a climate that is perfect for holidays year round. Here you can meet the interesting characters and experience the Xhosa culture, visit the sulphur springs and mud caves or enjoy the sunrise from the top of Mount Thesiger, go fishing for the big one, learn to surf, explore the forests or simply chill out on the secluded beaches.

The rustic town of Coffee Bay, near Hole in the Wall, is a popular Wild Coast destination, offering laid-back accommodation with an African vibe. Regarded by many as the Wild Coast's "second town", Coffee Bay attracts visitors from all over and is especially popular with backpackers from abroad, who come to experience the alternative lifestyle and get a taste for rural South Africa.

Coffee Bay sits in magnificent surroundings at the mouth of the Nenga River (meaning river of the whale). The town looks out over a kilometre-long stretch of beach, backed by gentle hills and steep cliffs, crisscrossed by a network of trails that lead through nearby villages to secluded spots. Not only is the beach safe for swimming, but the area off the bay's southern point offers one of the few consistent surfing waves on the Wild Coast.

This small village lies a short distance to the north of the famous "Hole in the Wall" rock formation and is 10km away from Coffee Bay. 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.

Mazeppa Bay is a small seaside village, situtated halfway along the coastline between Kei Mouth and Dwesa, that is well-known for its island and excellent game and shark fishing. Mazeppa Bay is blessed with wide-open beaches, interesting trails, good fishing and friendly, relaxed and affordable holiday accommodation.

The pretty villages of Cintsa East and Cintsa West are situated 25 minutes north of East London on the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route, an area marked by sandy bays and peaceful estuaries. The two villages sit on opposite banks of the Chintsa Lagoon, and offer expansive views of the bay, estuary and 17km long beach. Cintsa East is the larger of the two seaside villages. It is situated on the northern bank of the estuary and is a popular holiday spot with accommodation catering for both budget and executive travelers. For backpackers, Cintsa West is a popular Baz Bus stop.

Named after the isiXhosa expression "To go around" the Jikeleza Route is East London's premier tourism route and also its best-kept secret. Situated just 10km northeast of the city, the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route runs along the old Schafli Road (East Coast Resorts Road) and stretches from Sunrise on Sea to Cefane. The Jikeleza Route is now the official start of South Africa's Wild Coast, a stretch of rugged coastline sprinkled with some of the best beaches in the world. Accommodation can be found all along the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route and ranges from bed and breakfast and self-catering establishments, to backpackers and caravan parks. All offer well situated, quality accommodation, with many having excellent views of the beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The pristine seaside village of Haga Haga is situated 60km from East London on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast. Haga Haga is small and unspoilt by major developments, consisting of only about 70 houses, which makes it an ideal location for a quiet, peaceful holiday, in comfortable accommodation. It's the perfect place for you to build some special memories for yourself and your family.

Qolora Mouth is a small seaside hamlet that offers wide-open beaches, interesting trails, good fishing and friendly, relaxed and affordable holiday accommodation to boot. The Qolora (meaning steep place) River takes its name from the gorge it has carved on its way to the sea. The river forms a pretty lagoon at the mouth as it is held back by a wide beach, frequented by herds of cattle that go there to sleep, relax and chew the cud. Towards the south, a series of rocky fingers point out to sea and provide ideal spots for fishermen to cast out their lines. Qolora is the first seaside village that is reached after crossing the Pont at Kei Mouth.

Much is made of the long, dusty, pot-holed road to Bulungula, but it's all worth it when you crest the hill to see an idyllic paradise stretched out before you. Rolling grass-covered hills, dotted with thatched roofed rondavels look out over a beautiful beach, sparkling lagoon and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.