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Wild of theTranskei – Wild Coast

Discover the rugged Wild Coast of South Africa! From dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to untouched beaches. Hike from village to village, immerse yourself in Xhosa culture, and finish in Coffee Bay with a refreshing swim and a cold drink. A truly off the beaten track adventure!

The untouchable Wild Coast

As you travel through the hinterland of the Wild Coast towards the shoreline, you might think you’ve ended up in the wrong place. The rolling green hills look serene, almost inviting you to skip through the grasslands while humming and picking flowers—not exactly what you'd call wild.

So why is it called the Wild Coast? Once you reach the sea, jagged cliffs rise dramatically from the untamed waters. After numerous ships met their end along this rugged coastline, sailors decided to rename the area the Wild Coast.

The Wild Coast forms the shoreline of the Transkei, the poorest region of South Africa. It stretches over 300 kilometres of coastline between the city of East London and the village of Port St. John’s. There are no airports here, nor multi-lane highways, so getting there isn’t easy. But don’t worry—if it’s hard for you to get there, it’s nearly impossible for tour buses packed with noisy tourists! As a result, you won’t find luxurious all-inclusive resorts here, just vast landscapes with deserted beaches, dramatic cliffs, and bohemian villages.

That’s exactly the kind of place we at Charlie’s Travels absolutely love!

Spend a night with the traditional Xhosa people

The Transkei is primarily inhabited by the traditional Xhosa people, the same people whose roots trace back to Nelson Mandela. During apartheid, these people were exiled to this small piece of land. The roads are poorly maintained, and the villages consist of round huts with thatched roofs.

Despite the poverty, the traditional villages, nestled in the vast landscape, are beautiful to drive through—and to visit! The Xhosa people are warm and welcoming, greeting you with open arms. To get a glimpse into their way of life, you can stay in a homestay or at Bulungula Lodge: a backpackers’ lodge that is entirely run by the traditional village of Nqileni, where the culture thrives.

Sleep in round Xhosa huts along the rugged beaches, where you can play football with the local children (while trying not to run into one of the roaming cows).

Coffee Bay

Villages are hard to find along the Wild Coast, so Coffee Bay has become the centre of the region. Don’t expect bustling shopping malls with fast-fashion stores and all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants. Coffee Bay consists of just a few huts, one small supermarket, a surf shop, two hostels, and a campsite. Fortunately, there is a friendly, laid-back vibe, a pristine white beach, and inviting blue waves perfect for a swim.

Fenominal hiking

Got restless legs? Then hike from Coffee Bay to St. John's Port: a village that is even smaller and even more laid-back (yes, really!). After five days of walking, you'll reach the town where you can sip a refreshing cold drink and perhaps catch a few waves.

There’s plenty of walking to do along the Wild Coast! There are many other hikes you can take. The great thing is that many of them last several days, so you’ll be part of a real trek, sleeping in a different place each night. Sometimes you’ll stay in one of the simple huts or hostels along the coast, or you can simply pitch your tent. Along the way, there’s plenty to see: you’ll often come across shipwrecks, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a whale!

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1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

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