Wild and unspoiled, the Wild Coast stretches over approximately 350 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, between East London and Port Edward. Its landscapes combine secluded beaches, wooded dunes, rolling green hills, and rugged cliffs, where Nguni cattle can often be seen roaming freely. The region invites both relaxation and adventure: coastal hikes, visits to traditional Xhosa villages, and warm encounters with locals are all integral parts of the experience.
Nature reserves such as Hluleka, Dwesa, Mkambati, and Silaka offer a wide range of outdoor activities: diving, canoeing, hiking, boat cruises, quad biking, climbing, and mountain biking. The Wild Coast thus reveals itself as an ideal playground for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
The region also has a rich historical past. A Xhosa territory, it was the scene of numerous conflicts against the British and the Boers before their permanent settlement in the 19th century. Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, marking the region as a historical bastion of the anti-apartheid struggle. During apartheid, the Wild Coast was part of the Transkei, a former bantustan now accessible again and captivating for its landscapes and culture.
East London, on the banks of the Buffalo River estuary, attracts visitors with its beaches and traces of British, Dutch, and German colonial presence. Coffee Bay, a small rustic town, is renowned for its beaches, fishing, and panoramic hikes; don’t miss the famous “Hole in the Wall” and the history of the coffee trees linked to a shipwreck.
Port St Johns, at the mouth of the Mzimvubu River, is surrounded by high cliffs covered with lush vegetation. This laid-back town combines colonial heritage and Xhosa culture, and in June–July it becomes a gathering place for divers from around the world coming to witness the spectacular sardine run.
Finally, Port Edward provides access to vast tropical expanses, gradually leading into the green, lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal. Between sea, cliffs, tropical forests, and authentic villages, the Wild Coast is a wild and unforgettable region where adventure, culture, and nature meet at every step.
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.
SOUTH AFRICA NAMIBIA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA KENYA TANZANIA MOZAMBIQUE MAURITIUS REUNION