Wild and deserted, the sumptuous Wild Coast stretches north of Eastern Cape, between East London and Port Edward for some 350 km along the Indian Ocean. Its shores of wooded dunes, green hills, cliffs and beaches (where Nguni cattle roam) invite both exploration and relaxation. Follow the hiking trails to discover the coastal villages and traditional Xhosa settlements where you will undoubtedly be warmly welcomed.
Its nature reserves Hluleka, Dwesa, Mkambati and Silaka offer a whole range of activities (diving, canoeing, hiking, boat cruises, quad biking, climbing, mountain biking,…)
A little history:
The Eastern Cape Province has played a major role in the history of South Africa since the pre-colonial era and suffers from a rather bloody past. Xhosa territory, it was land of clashes against the British and Boers for a few years, until the settled in the early nineteenth century. Nelson Mandela was born there in 1918 in the small village of Mvezo, which perhaps foreshadowed the role of the region as a bastion of the anti-apartheid struggle in the 1960s. But this resistance could not prevent its transformation into a bantustan (ghetto for the black population during apartheid), taking the name of Transkei in 1976, today become the fantasized "Wild Coast".
East London, located in the majestic setting of the Buffalo River estuary, is known for its beaches and keeps remnants of the British, Dutch and Germans presence.
Coffee Bay
Rustic little Town on the Wild Coast, offering beautiful swimming beaches, excellent fishing and breathtaking hikes. The name of the city comes from beans scattered during a shipwreck that would have given hundreds of coffee trees. Visit the famous "Hole in the Wall"
Port St Johns
Dramatically located at the mouth of the Mzimvubu (or Umzimvubu) River and framed by towering cliffs covered with tropical vegetation, the laid-back town of Port St Johns is the original Wild Coast journey’s end. Largest town between East London and Port Edward, it has a colonial past and is home to Xhosa culture. In June and July, Port St Johns attracts divers and snorkellers from all over the world who come to experience the annual sardine run.
Port Edward gives access to large expanses of tropical greenery typical of KwaZulu Natal.
Bordered by the Indian Ocean, Eastern Cape, which extends from the snow-capped peaks of the southern Drakensberg to the lush forest of the Tsitsikamma on the Garden Route, is unsurprisingly considered a land of extremes. Its natural diversity remains unmatched and also has 820 kilometers of wild coastline (Wild Coast). The province is steeped in culture and history: the Xhosa warriors, the Boers and the first British settlers fought each other there, later this province where Nelson Mandela was born, supported the fight for democracy in South Africa, but could not prevent the "creation" of 2 Bantustans under the apartheid regime (ghetto for the black population).
Advice:
- If you have a wild spirit, you will not miss the trails and beaches of the Wild Coast but you should keep in mind that this area really deserves its name of Wild Coast: you need to stay at least a week to soak up its special atmosphere
- The sunset at Cambedoo National Park with the city of Graaf-Reinet below is a unique experience!!! To do absolutely in good company!
- The Garden Route is beautiful all year round but if you choose to go the month of February, not only the weather and the heat are still almost guaranteed but you can enjoy even better as peak season (its flow of tourists and its high prices) is now over ...
South Africa, the 'rainbow' nation.
South Africa is so diverse you feel like you are visiting several countries in one trip!
With grandiose and various landscapes (mountains, « bush », beaches, forests, plains, desert), a pleasant climate in all seasons, an abundant and diversified fauna and flora including the “Big Five”, a population with the most composite ethnic groups, South Africa accumulates important natural wealth. Also note among its assets: quality of the hotel sector, services, road network, means of transport, rich and varied gastronomy, excellent wines, favourable exchange rates, 21 national parks and many private reserves, a multitude of activity throughout the country…
When to go?
South Africa has this peculiarity of presenting a wide variety of climates: Mediterranean, subtropical or temperate depending on the region with a high rate of sunshine everywhere (watch out for sunburn!)
South Africa can be visited all year round with more favourable periods depending on interests:
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June, July and August (South African winter) for animals and therefore preferably the North of the country.
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September and October: best times for flowers (Namaqualand) but very good for game drives as well.
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From November to March (South African summer): best time to enjoy the South and East of the country, beaches of the Cape and the Indian Ocean. The Garden Route is particularly appreciated in February: the weather is nice; the temperature of the water is pleasant.
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April and May: very pleasant autumn with always nice days in Cape Town and the resumption of the animal season.
Formalities:
The passport must include two blank pages and still be valid for 30 days after the expected date of exit from South Africa.
French nationals are exempted from prior visas. A 90-day residence permit will be issued at the border on entry into South African territory.
For other nationalities, inquire on a case-by-case basis with the competent authorities of their country of origin.
For any minor child: a multilingual extract of birth certificate (or an unabridged birth certificate translated into English - certified translation) is required to enter and leave South Africa (in the case of a child traveling with his 2 parents). Please consult the official sites for more information about all the requested documents according to your case.
Health:
No vaccinations are required for entry into South Africa. However, it is advisable to check the updating of your usual reminders and vaccinations as for any country.
Anti-malarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor).
Currency:
The Rand is the official currency of South Africa (symbol: ZAR). Credit cards are accepted everywhere and distributors are easily available for cash withdrawal. Travellers’ checks in euros are also accepted in banks and some hotels.