The Wild Coast Amble
To feel more relaxed, focused and rejuvenated
Distance: 55km
Location: Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
Duration: 5 Nights, 6 Days
Guided: partially (2 days guided 2 days unguided)
This hiking trail along moderate terrain, starting on the Transkei Wild Coast continues along the picturesque Wild Coast. The 5 night trail covers a distance of 55 km and includes either a wonderful Xhosa cultural visit or Trevors Trail, a guided walk and boat excursion, a trip up the mighty Kei River and a night in luxury tented camps in a private game reserve as well as a game drive. Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and a host of all antelope, if Game option is chosen.
Max Capacity: 18
Minimum Capacity: 2
Start point -Trennery’s/Seagulls
End point- Areena River Side Resort/ Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve.
Trail can be shortened to 3 or 4 nights.
Trail Features
Daily distances
Day 1 – 0km
Day 2 – 14km
Day 3 – 14km
Day 4 – 16km
Day 5 – 11km
Accommodation
Each night is spent in 3 star hotels along the route.
Night 1- Trennery’s Hotel or Seagulls Hotel
Night 2 – Morgan Bay Hotel or Mitford Hotel
Night 3 – Haga Haga Hotel
Night 4 – Crawfords Beach Hotel
Night 5 – Areena River Side Resort or Inkwenkwezi Private Game reserve
About the Wild Coast Amble
Sleep in 3 starhotels, this hiking trail covers 55 km of the southern region of the Wild Coast of Southern Africa. The terrain is moderate and magnificent in its isolation and natural splendour. Accommodation is provided nightly in one of the famous old coastal resorts, known for unique settings and warm hospitality. Guides from local Xhosa communities accompany hikers every day, sharing their local knowledge, customs and culture with you
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from East London at 09h30 am. Travel to Trennery’s, the trip takes two and a half hours and includes crossing the Kei River on a pontoon. After a light lunch at the hotel, hikers will be taken to a local Xhosa village for a wonderful experience with a large extended family and the medicine woman (Sangoma) or Trevors Trail. Social, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 (14km)
After breakfast, depart for a 6 km walk to the Kei River, cross the Kei River via the pontoon. On the southern bank you will board a barge and enjoy a boat trip up the Kei River with a finger lunch on board, cash bar will be available. The afternoon section of the trail goes past the village of Kei Mouth. Optional extra here, can be a horse ride from the river to Morgan Bay. In the evening enjoy the wonderful cuisine and hospitality of Morgan Bay Hotel. Social and overnight.
Day 3 (14km)
The first section takes the hikers along the top of majestic cliffs, affording magical views. A river crossing awaits you, wade at low tide and a short swim at high tide During dry seasons the river is blind. The next 8 km allows time to admire shells, pieces of Ming pottery and carnelian beads from an ancient shipwreck. En route today you encounter sandy as well as rocky sections. Arrive at Haga Haga Hotel late afternoon. Social, dinner and overnight.
Day 4 (16km)
This day is a gem including stretches of beach, small headlands, river estuaries and many rock pools to explore. The night will be spent in cottages at a private resort in Cintsa East, with meals provided on site. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the people of the Eastern Cape.
Day 5 (12km)
This day provides you with a choice. The Coastal Option or the Game option.
Coastal Option: 11km
Allows for a relaxed late start and lots of time for swimming, sunbathing and exploring along the sandy coastline. Continue past the village of Glen Gariff to the Kwelegha River Mouth, here you will be met by a guide who will have your canoes and paddles waiting. The day ends with a gentle 4km paddle to your last overnight destination Areena River Side Resort. Enjoy the wonderful hospitality provided by Ed, Karen and their friendly team.
Game Option 13km
For this option hikers leave be transferred to Inkwenkwezi Private Game reserve. From reception hikers will leave with their guide for a route through the reserve to arrive at the luxury, en suite tented camps, each with its own privacy in the bush. Late afternoon game drive and a delicious meal in the Lapa will conclude a very special trail.
Day 6
After a last breakfast in the bush, we transfer you back to East London.
Wild Coast Meander
Your Hiking Trail Includes
Transfers
Transfers from East London to start and return to East London.
Refreshments on bus for journey to the Wild Coast.
Accommodation
Accommodation and all meals from lunch on day one to after breakfast on day six.
Bed levies and vat.
Guides
Local guide from Trennery’s to Morgan Bay, thereafter unguided.
Specialized game guide for game option.
Daily luggage transfers.
Excursions
Xhosa village trail or Trevor’s trail
Canoe trail or game drive, depending on which option you choose on the last day.
Suggestion
If your clients have time available, turn this into a holiday trail by spending more than one night at some or all of the hotels. Many hikers have expressed their regret at not spending more time on this magnificent coast, enabling them to partake in more of the activities on offer at each resort
