Wild Coast – Hotel Hopper
Walk the lower section of the magnificent Wild Coast, along some of the most unspoilt and picturesque sections of our coastline. Long sandy beaches, rocky points and cliffs, beautiful lagoons and coastal forests, characterise this section of the Eastern Cape, north of East London. This iconic and popular trail ends each day with a comfortable hotel stay, so no need to carry anything but your daily clothing and overnight requirements. Porterage offered as an add on option.
Trail Details
Trail location
Lower Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape
Nearest city
East London – (Buffalo City)
Transport options
Self-drive of fly in packages from East London, with shuttle collection. Car hire from East London where required.
Trip Duration / Options
Full Trail: Kob Inn to Chintsa (85 km)
Option 1. Meander Trail – Kob Inn to Morgan Bay (55 km)
Option 2. Sunshine Trail – Wavecrest to Chintsa (58 km)
Option 3. Mini-break – Morgan Bay to Chintsa (30 km)
Start / Finish
Option 1 – Full Trail (Meander Trail)
Start: Kob Inn
GPS: 32˚26’44.60 S / 28˚ 40’37.80 E
Finish: Cintsa
GPS: S 32° 82' 90.12 / E 28° 11' 54.99
Option 2 Sunshine Trail
Start: Wavecrest – Finish: Chintsa
Option 3 Mini-Break
Start: Morgan Bay – Finish: Chintsa
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: 6km
Day 2: 21km
Day 3: 13km
Day 4: 15km
Day 5: 14km
Day 6: 16km
Variations available – see Options above
Trail Grading
On a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous
Terrain – Easy
Distance – Moderate
Physical Fitness
The trail can be walked by anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys rambling.
Hikers from 8 to 80 have enjoyed this trail
Technical detail / Terrain
Mainly sandy beach walking. Some headlands where you follow grassy paths. No technical sections other than the odd river which must be waded. When river levels are up after heavy rains, a ferry will be arranged for these crossings. On the third day you will ford the Kei River by means of the last operating pontoon in the country.
Accommodation
Small family owned hotels at approx. 15km intervals.
Food Supply / Catering
All meals provided.
Dinner, bed and breakfast and a packed lunch are provided at the hotels
Logistic support / Guiding
For each daily section you are accompanied by a guide provided by the hotel.
Porters are used for transferring your bags in the Transkei (north of Morgan Bay) otherwise vehicles are used to transport bags around
Highlights
Long empty sandy beaches. Pristine lagoons with coastal forests
Rural African scenery with rondavels scattered over grassy hills.
Dolphin and whale watching in season
Other Activities
Stop along the way for dips in the ocean.
Nature based river cruises at the hotels.
Horse riding and other activities at the hotels.
Fauna & Flora
The trail is mainly on or adjacent to the beach. The inland vegetation is grassland. There are often domestic cattle (Nguni breed) on the beaches, but except for sea birds, not a lot of wildlife to be seen.
Climate
Rainy season extends from November to March.
Winter months are usually dry and clear.
Temperate conditions for most of the year
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Best time to walk are the spring and autumn months
(March to June; September and October)
Group Size
Can be organized for just 2 people but group sizes of 6+ are more cost effective
Price P/P
Depending on group size and package, price on application
From R 13000 pp sharing for a 5 night tour
Price Includes
Shuttle from arrival point to start hotel (fly-in or self drive packages)
Dinner, bed and breakfast at overnight hotels
Packed lunch and guide on hike days
Vehicle transfer of bags from Morgan Bay south (before that use porters at own cost)
SA Trails & Underberg Hideaways
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Wild Coast – Hotel Hopper
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