South Africa has many spectacular places to explore, and the Wild Coast is certainly one of them! This is a nature lover’s paradise with access so limited that the only way to see the majority of the coastline is to hike it – and boy is it worth it!
But, the most important thing about this fantastic route is that it is a “Hotel Hiking” route which means that you don’t have to rough it at night in camping cabins as accommodation is provided enroute at a series of coastal resorts, famous for their fantastic settings and warm hospitality!
Yes, definitely my favourite style of hiking!
Wild Coast Meander, Eastern Cape
Region: Wild Coast Trail Type:
Hiking Trail Duration: 5 Days
Layout: One way from Kob Inn to Morgan Bay
Difficulty: Moderate (distances are easy to manage)
Fitness: Good Distance: 56 km Maximum: 16 persons
THE TRAIL:
The Wild Coast Meander is a unique Trail that offers you the opportunity to walk a section of South Africa’s magnificent Wild Coast. Along this beautiful route you will encounter long lonely sandy white beaches, river estuaries teeming with marine life, unusual and prolific river fauna and majestic views to inspire you. As access is quite limited to this area, experience peaceful tranquillity that is unsurpassed!
SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Day 1
Road transfer from East London, departs at 08h30am for a 4 hour, very scenic, journey to Kob Inn, the hotel on the rocks, including a stop for lunch at a historical rural hotel in the Transkei. Enjoy a boat cruise ( tide permitting ) up the Qora River (optional extra), with good birding opportunities. Enjoy a fun evening in the pub just a couple of meters from the ocean.
Day 2 (6km)
After breakfast hikers can enjoy a forest trail alongside the river north of the resort. Enjoy lunch at the hotel or walk to Mazeppa Bay with a packed lunch to enjoy en route, depart for a 6 km walk to Mazeppa Bay Hotel. Relax in the tropical surrounds or visit the island via a suspension bridge. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 3 (22km)
Enjoy an early breakfast and depart for Wavecrest. The route takes you along grassy banks next to the coast with natural springs and long sandy beaches fringed with dune forest. Arrive at your next stop in the afternoon, those with enough energy left can enjoy a canoe trip up the Nxaxo river, renowned for magnificent bird life and the southern most natural Mangrove swamps. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 4
This day takes hikers across the Qobonqaba River (either wade, or be ferried by canoe, one by one.) Enjoy a picnic lunch at the shipwreck of the Jacaranda whose wrecking is shrouded in controversy. This is a great birding destination Dinner and Overnight at Trennery’s Hotel.
Day 5
After breakfast participate in either a visit to a Xhosa village or explore Trevor’s Trail, a three hour adventure (optional extra). Thereafter depart on the trail which includes crossing the Kei River on a pontoon (fantastic!), walking past the village of Kei Mouth, and a climb to the light house before returning to the beach to walk to the last destination Morgan Bay Hotel. Enjoy a last night at this well known family hotel, with superb cuisine.
Day 6
Transfer back to East London after breakfast.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
The hiking trail package includes your transfers by road from East London to Kob Inn and back to East London from Morgan Bay, so although the route is one way, you don’t have to worry about getting yourself back to your car. The accommodation provided each night is at top quality local hotels and resorts and all meals are included from lunch on day one to breakfast on day six. Guides and porters from local Xhosa communities accompany all hikers and this means that you don’t need to carry any more than a daypack! All you have to do is explore your fascinating surroundings!
Does this not sound like the perfect hiking trail?