Wild Coast Region

城市概覽

The Wild Coast encompasses the coast between the Kei River Mouth and Umtanvuma River along the Indian Ocean. During the former Apartheid regime the Transkei (the Wild Coast and adjacent interior up to the border with Lesotho) was one of the so called "homelands" and officially politically and economically independent. It is still one of the poorest regions of South Africa.

如何抵達

By bus Public transport to the Wild Coast is sparse but some of the main bus companies stop in Mthatha and Port St Johns. Citiliner has one trip a day between Mthatha and Port Elizabeth R190-270, 3hr 20min), as does Greyhound (R220-310, 3hr 55min) (Aug 2017). The Baz Bus runs along the Wild Coast on its way from Port Elizabeth to Durban making it one of the best options in this part of the country. The Baz Bus services Buccaneers Backpackers at its door before heading to Mthatha for its links via a separate shuttle to Coffee Bay and Bulungula. From this point the bus heads to the South Coast, so anyone needing to go to Port St Johns needs to arrange for a shuttle to pick them up at Mthatha.

By car The N2 and R61 highway go through the Wild Coast and have been upgraded, but driving is still an experience, as cows and goats routinely cross the roads. If possible, avoid driving at night, especially off the main routes, as livestock can leap out of the dark unexpectedly, and potholes are endemic. Most major bus companies travel through this route.

By train This no train service in the Wild Coast.

By plane The closest International Airport is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, although you can fly in to Mthatha (UTT IATA) from Johannesburg and possibly other major cities. Depending on which part of the wild coast you are visiting, East London Airport can be closer than Durban Airport. Mthatha is the closest airport but only provides flights to and from Johannesburg.

當地交通

Public transport is limited.

By car The N2 highway, which travels far inland for the entire length of the Wild Coast, is tarred. Other tarred roads include the Jikeleza Route, the R349 to Kei Mouth and Morgan's Bay, the R61 to Port St Johns and the severely pot-holed R349 to Coffee Bay. All other roads leading from the N2 to the coast are gravel and are usually in a poor state of repair. Many are accessible by offroad vehicle only It is advisable that you phone ahead and enquire as to the state of the roads before you travel and that you take a good map. Hazards on these rural roads include potholes and animals, such as cows, goats, donkeys, sheep and geese. Always carry water and tools with you as roadside assistance can be hard to come by here.

By offroad vehicle You will need a permit to travel to cottages that are not on proclaimed or designated roads. (E.g. the road to the Jacaranda.) If you do not have a permit for these routes you may be charged by the Green Scorpions and given a spot fine of R2500.[1] If you are a cottage owner and your cottage is not on a proclaimed road you will need to present your PTO (Permission To Occupy) at the Environmental office and acquire a permit to travel on the track to your cottage. No permits will be awarded to anyone without a valid PTO. Cottage owner permits are valid for one year. If you are travelling to a cottage that is not on a proclaimed road you will need a letter from the PTO holder which you can present at the offices to acquire a temporary permit. There is no charge for the permit. The permit is valid for one month. This applies to anywhere within 1 km from the high-water mark along the Wild Coast from Kei Mouth up to Port Edward. You may not drive a motor vehicle in this exclusion zone without a permit. This includes quad and motor bikes, etc. If a proclaimed road goes all the way down to the sea you can then walk left or right to your angling spots from that point. If the road stops 1 km before the sea an

必看景點

"The Kraal": Dylan's 'chill village' in Mpande (20km from Port St Johns on the wild coast. Xhosa villages, See the round huts, meet the friendly people, maybe chat with a Sangoma (witchdoctor). Visit a shebeen (local bar). Beer and food available for hikers. These people have no cash; don't tempt them by flashing yours. Hluleka game reserve, Black and Blue wildebeest, 2 kinds of Zebras, raptors, pristine forest, butterflies in season. No lions! Hiking trail huts on a lonely beach at the south end. Silaka game reserve, South of Port St Johns beach 3, beaches, breakers, bush to butterflies. Pay fee here for the Wild Coast trail, at HQ in the middle of the reserve. Hiker's hut on the north end.

體驗活動

Wild Coast Trail. One of the world's great hikes, 5 days (Port St Johns - Coffee Bay). Every night on a bed in a hut. Costs about R45 for all; or the old, full 26 days (most other huts are in ruins) all the way down the Wild Coast, beaches and bush and sunshine, spirit and locals' smiles. Game reserves, few roads, fewer automobiles. Be prepared to ford estuaries! Wear sandals when crossing in case of stings. The moment the tide starts in is least dangerous. Rumours of sharks are overstated. Fresh water streams at least once a day, use iodine. Firewood sufficient. Guides not needed. Beware of undertow when swimming! People have walked solo 42 days, no worries. A hat suitable for strong winds is a must. Wild beaches, clothing optional, sunblock a must, cover up for conservative locals, beware of undertows. Beach fishing, kilometre after kilometre of undeveloped, unexplored shores Surfing, go to the Kraal for the best Wild Coast Surf experience Spearfishing, go diving and catch your supper

住宿

Morgan's Bay: Seaside village with magnificent cliffs that plunge into the sea. Kei mouth: Southern gateway to the Wild Coast via one of South Africa's two remain pontoon car ferries.