Travel from the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve to Mbotyi
The Wild Coast, also once known as The Transkei, is a stretch of 250 km coastline stretching northeast from East London. In part 3 of our blog we will continue our Wild Coast road trip from the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve to Mbotyi via Hole-in-the-Wall, Coffee Bay & Port St Johns.
1. HOLE-IN-THE-WALL (113 KM FROM DWESA-CWEBE)
The Hole-in-the-Wall is an extraordinary natural arch that takes the form of a hole pierced through a wall of sandstone and shale by the waves of the sea located at the mouth of the Mpako River.
The local Xhosa inhabitants call it esiKhaleni or 'Place of Noise'. According to a Xhosa legend a beautiful maiden who lived in a village on the shores of a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a sheer cliff, fell in love with a man of the legendary sea-people. On hearing of the unnatural liaison, her angry father forbade her to see her lover or leave the village. One night her lover came to the cliff with his people and rammed a gaping hole through the cliff using the head of an enormous fish. Through this breach they streamed to the village singing and shouting; all the villagers hid, except the maiden, who rushed into the arms of her lover. She was never heard of again. Under certain conditions the waves slap the rocks with a resounding crack, and the hole roars during storms. Tribesmen believe that these are the sounds of the sea-people singing and shouting, hence the name of the place, esiKhaleni.
PLAY AT WILD COAST WALKS
Wild Coast Walks offer the opportunity to explore this pristine landscape and has tailored a selection of trails to suit all types of hikers. The more rugged north with its rocky cliffs and deep river valleys will attract the more adventurous traveller who are prepared to carry their own bags and stay in backpackers and community homestays. The flatter terrain and sandy beaches of the south will appeal to the those wanting a more gentle hiking experience and comfortable overnight accommodation.
2. COFFEE BAY (10 KM FROM HOLE IN THE WALL)
Coffee Bay is a small village on the Wild Coast near the mouth of the Mthatha River. One of the arguments is that the town was named Coffee Bay in 1893 after a shipwreck lost its cargo of coffee beans near the coast of Coffee Bay, although there may no longer be any coffee trees or beans in the Coffee Bay area.
SLEEP & PLAY AT COFFEE SHACK BACKPACKERS & SURF SCHOOL
Explore, discover and enjoy a unique taste of rural Africa! Coffee Shack is a backpackers’ tropical paradise, located on the beach at the Bomvu River mouth on the Wild Coast of South Africa, where you will experience a way of life far removed from Western Culture. Coffee Shack offers accommodation in traditional, thatched-roof huts, ranging from private rooms to dorms, as well as camping facilities in the garden next to the beach. Choose between self-catering options or try their delicious meals and fresh seafood dinners, with a free ‘potjie’ meal every Sunday night.
SLEEP AT KAMNANDI COTTAGES
Kamnandi Cottages comprises of two beautiful self catering units, right on the beach, near the iconic Hole in the Wall on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Secluded beach frontage with wonderful views and a private and secure garden, these cottages are the perfect place for an escape.
SLEEP AT OCEAN VIEW HOTEL COFFEE BAY
Nestled virtually on the beach in a small magnificent bay between great towering cliffs and the sparkling Indian Ocean, the Ocean View Hotel is a treasured Wild Coast coastal-country hotel. The hotel is a hundred footsteps away from the shoreline, which makes it the perfect spot for sea lovers.
3. PORT ST JOHNS (111 KM FROM COFFEE BAY & 362 KM FROM DURBAN)
Port St. Johns lies at the mouth of the Mzimvubu River, a river flowing through a gorge known as the "Gates of St John" into an estuary located on the Indian Ocean. On both sides of the river ravine are high sandstone mountain peaks: Mount Thesiger (342 meter above sea level) and Mount Sullivan (304 meter), named after two British Military officers.
SLEEP AT UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA
Umngazi Hotel & Spa is an award-winning, unique, beach hotel and spa 20kms from Port St Johns. The area offers its visitors a temperate climate, long walks on unspoilt beaches, Nguni cows lazing on the beach and grazing on the rolling hillsides, colourful Xhosa huts, prolific and plentiful birdlife, delightful and friendly locals, breath-taking cliff hikes/walks and great expanses of undeveloped wilderness – not to mention the incredible sunrises and sunsets.
4. MBOTYI (66 KM FROM PORT ST JOHNS)
Mbotyi is situated at the mouth of the Mbotyi river and the literal translation of Mbotyi is Place of Beans. This is because the rich climate and fertile soils are conducive to the production of excellent beans. Mbotyi is roughly 4 hours drive from Durban.
SLEEP AT MBOTYI RIVER LODGE
Pondoland’s best kept secret is situated at the mouth of the tidal Mbotyi River nestled between the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and the warm Indian Ocean. This unique Wild Coast hotel is the perfect place for a peaceful, tranquil holiday or for the more adventurous traveler wanting to experience the many amazing natural treasures like waterfalls and forests this coast has to offer.
HOW TO GET THERE: Fly or drive to East London and travel north or to Durban and travel south.
WHEN TO GO: The hottest months are January to March.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Rent a car to explore the whole area, but drive slowly and during the day - there are cows and goats often cross the roads and potholes are common.
CURRENCY: ZAR
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