Traveling the Wild Coast

**Killarneyracer** · 2020/12/14, 03:23 PM

Hi All

In our younger care-free days we did the odd trip along the Wild Coast (is it still called that?) of the E Cape. There is so little tourism promotion in the E Cape that I have often wondered if anything still exists along that wonderful part of the world.

So the question is the following. Is there anything to behold in Port St Johns, Coffee Bay, Mazeppa Bay, Wave Crest, Trenery's, Kob Inn, etc? What is the accommodation (not camping), prices and roads like? Most important, are there any safety issues?

I remember it being an exquisite part of the world, us having a real couldn't care less type of holiday. Assuming there is still life at these places, are provisions available? Or is is just a run down part of the world that we see so often?

I'd appreciate comments from those in the know. Thanks

**Rebel 4x4** · 2020/12/14, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Killarneyracer

Hi All

In our younger care-free days we did the odd trip along the Wild Coast (is it still called that?) of the E Cape. There is so little tourism promotion in the E Cape that I have often wondered if anything still exists along that wonderful part of the world.

So the question is the following. Is there anything to behold in Port St Johns, Coffee Bay, Mazeppa Bay, Wave Crest, Trenery's, Kob Inn, etc? What is the accommodation (not camping), prices and roads like? Most important, are there any safety issues?

I remember it being an exquisite part of the world, us having a real couldn't care less type of holiday. Assuming there is still life at these places, are provisions available? Or is is just a run down part of the world that we see so often?

I'd appreciate comments from those in the know. Thanks

Road to Trennery’s have been tarred. I think they are fully booked for the festive season.

**Ian.McM** · 2020/12/14, 06:23 PM

Avoid Port St John's, it has become a third world dump.

During November, I stayed at Mbotyi, Coffee Bay, Kobb Inn and Trenerys. All lovely. The last 20km or so of gravel to Kobb Inn was not great, but it would probably my choice to stay at.

**4eTouareg** · 2020/12/14, 06:39 PM

IMHO the best hotel on the Wild Coast is Uhmgazi River Bungalows.

Other good choices are
Kobb Inn
Mazeppa Bay
Trenneries
Ocean View (Coffee Bay)
Wavecrest

(I only list places I have stayed at)

**K-9** · 2020/12/15, 11:47 AM

"Road to Trennery’s "...….

If you go via the pont - yes its tar. if you go via centani - there is 10 kms of very rough gravel. (Via the pont is 84kms shorter to my farm, I don't go that way due to always having a full open trailer.) it's a short bad section.

As above - Most hotels are good, kobb is my favourite.

**Groenman** · 2020/12/15, 11:51 AM

This is what we've booked for March:

Day 1 Nottingham Road
Day 2 Bushman's Nek Resort (If open, drive up Sani Pass)
Day 3 Ntafufu Eco Lodge
Day 4 Ntafufu Eco Lodge (explore Waterfall Bluff, Magwa Falls, Magwa Tea Plantation, Cathedral Rock etc)
Day 5 Umngazi River Bungalows
Day 6 Umngazi River Bungalows
Day 7 White Clay Resort (Coffee Bay)
Day 8 White Clay Resort - visit Hole in the Wall etc.
Day 9 - Coffee Bay to La Riviera (outside Aliwal North)
Day 10 - Back home.

See link to thread: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/335558-Wild-Coast-Transkei-trip-2021-input-required-please

Also looking for more input & feedback

**Daniek** · 2020/12/19, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Groenman

Day 4 Ntafufu Eco Lodge (explore Waterfall Bluff, Magwa Falls, Magwa Tea Plantation, Cathedral Rock etc)

Waterfall Bluff and Cathedral Rock alone will take up a whole day. It is about a 8km hike there and then the 8km back again. I suppose you can rush it, but I would not suggest it. And it WILL be a day well spent....take my word for it. We have done it a number of times and if I could, I will do it tomorrow again.

**Killarneyracer** · 2020/12/21, 11:31 AM

What is the safety and security like along this part of the world - ie getting to and staying at the various resorts? I read somewhere the "car guards" can be a pain in the butt and a bit intimidating.

And if one stays in self catering establishments are provisions easy to obtain en route?

Thanks

**Peter1949** · 2020/12/21, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Ian.McM

Avoid Port St John's, it has become a third world dump.

During November, I stayed at Mbotyi, Coffee Bay, Kobb Inn and Trenerys. All lovely. The last 20km or so of gravel to Kobb Inn was not great, but it would probably my choice to stay at.

I can second this.
Apart from that the Wild Coast is still beautiful - just not quite as wild anymore.
Safety anywhere in RSA is always a concernjust take care and not chances.

If going on walks / hikes, hire one of the locals to look after your vehicle.
When appropriate, use a local guide.

All shoulkd be good.
Enjoy !