 An almost unspoilt paradise, simply rural and overlooked by development. The Wild Coast is a rocky coast with remote villages, numerous rivers, waterfalls, unspoilt beaches, lots of open space and untouched forests. This is the place for adventure - away from the crowds. What to see and do Traditional Xhosa and Pondo cultureThe Wild Coast is still strongly rural. The Xhosa and Pondo poeple live in bright thatched mud-brick huts that dot the hills. Most live without electricity and running water and farm small vegetable patches. They keep cows, goats, sheep and pigs. Traditional customs involve ceremonies, drumming and dancing. Sangomas, or healers, prescribe herbal remedies. Hiking | | Nelson Mandela Museum | Hiking in the Wild Coast is special. Walk where few footprints are made and even fewer are seen. Hike between remote beaches and camp out on the beach or in the forest. Follow cattlepaths along cliffs to waterfalls. | | Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo near Mthatha in 1918 and spent his childhood in the village of Qunu. The museum in Mthatha has a ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ exhibition that details Mandela’s life in his own words. | | | | |
Where to stay ChintsaAn idyllic beach destination flanked by an estuary and sand dunes. Ideal for long walks on the beach and bathing in the sun. Chintsa is the most accessible place on the Wild Coast. Bulungula VillageA little seaside village that modern technology failed to discover – no roads, no traffic, no electricity. Little has changed in centuries. The backpackers is community owned and villagers co-ordinate the activities. - Bulungula - ECO-FRIENDLY PARADISE RUN ON WIND AND SOLAR POWER
Coffee BayThe one sealed road to Coffee Bay is well used. Every traveller to visit this rural village has fallen in love with it’s honeyed beaches, azure waters, rolling green hills and the the modest Xhosa way of life. - Bomvu Paradise - NOT JUST A BACKPACKERS, BUT A REAL AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Mdumbi‘You can debate it until the cows come home, there’s no contest, Mdumbi is the best beach in Southern Africa’ – Getaway Magazine. The surfing is spectacular and the water is uncrowded. MpandeAs uncomplicated and pristine as the Wild Coast can get. Mpande is cloaked in lush and overlooks the Sinangwana river mouth and the ocean. Hike to waterfalls or along the coast to see a shipwreck. - The Kraal - A UNIQUE RURAL AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Port St. JohnsCameras ready for the first sighting of the mighty Umzimvubu River winding between the imposing cliffs of Mount Thesiger. Dense tropical forest cling to the hills. Port St. Johns has three beaches simply named 1st, 2nd and 3rd Beach. The town is also home to a number of eccentrics. | 
