Beyond the Obvious
South Africa's Wild Coast
Untamed beaches. Tropical forests. Xhosa villages. Adventure on foot.
An 11-day hiking journey along one of South Africa's wildest stretches of coastline, combining remote trails, river crossings, local hospitality and an adventure-packed finish in Cape Town.
Explore the journeyDuration
11 Days
Style
Hiking Adventure
Region
Wild Coast
Collection
Beyond the Obvious
The Adventure
Hiking where Africa meets the Indian Ocean.
South Africa's Wild Coast is exactly what the name suggests: rugged, remote and largely untouched.
The route follows dramatic cliffs, beaches, subtropical forests, estuaries and river crossings, with each day bringing a different landscape and pace.
Along the way, local village visits and traditional Xhosa meals add a cultural dimension before the journey moves south to Plettenberg Bay and finally Cape Town.
Trip Highlights
A coastal adventure with real depth
Wild Coast Trekking
Hike dramatic beaches, headlands and remote trails far from the usual tourist routes.
Rainforest & Woodland
Walk through subtropical forest and ancient woodland beneath giant Outeniqua yellowwoods.
River Crossings
Cross estuaries, rivers and bays by kayak and small boat as the trail follows the coastline.
Xhosa Hospitality
Share traditional meals and experience the culture of local communities along the route.
Cape Town Adventure
Finish with Table Mountain, Lion's Head, kayaking, seal snorkelling and Cape Peninsula exploration.
Nature & Culture
A journey designed around immersion rather than simply covering distance.
11-Day Itinerary
The Wild Coast to Cape Town
Day 1
East London & the Wild Coast
Arrive in East London and continue to the Indian Ocean coast, with time for a beach walk, dolphin spotting and a sunset briefing before the hiking begins.
Day 2
Kob Inn to Mazeppa Bay
Begin the Wild Coast hike with a shorter six-kilometre stage, including the Qhorha River crossing by kayak before reaching Mazeppa Bay.
Day 3
Mazeppa Bay to Wavecrest
Hike approximately 18 kilometres through bays and estuaries, stopping in a local village for a traditional Xhosa meal before continuing beside subtropical forest to Wavecrest.
Day 4
Wavecrest to Seagulls
Continue through forest and along the coast, with a swim in the Kobonqaba River before ending the day with a boat journey and dinner on the Qholorha River.
Day 5
Wild Coast to Plettenberg Bay
Leave the Wild Coast behind and travel south towards Plettenberg Bay, passing through dramatic canyons and forested landscapes on the way.
Day 6
Forest Hall & Salt River
Spend the day exploring tropical forest on foot, following a well-maintained route from Salt River to Forest Hall, with time for lunch and a refreshing swim along the way.
Days 7–10
Cape Town Adventure
Fly from George to Cape Town for three adventure-filled days. Explore Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, climb Lion's Head, snorkel with seals in Hout Bay, kayak near the penguin colony and enjoy a vintage motorboat cruise around the coast.
Day 11
Departure
Depart from Cape Town, either connecting via Johannesburg or taking a direct international flight home.
Why this trip?
A walking journey with real variety.
✓ Wild Coast trekking
✓ River and estuary crossings
✓ Tropical forest walks
✓ Traditional Xhosa hospitality
✓ Remote coastal scenery
✓ Plettenberg Bay exploration
✓ Three days of Cape Town adventure
Beyond the Obvious
South Africa beyond the safari.
This journey is about moving slowly through the landscape, following the coastline on foot and experiencing the Wild Coast at ground level.
It combines physical challenge with local culture, coastal wilderness and a final burst of adventure in Cape Town.
Start Planning
Ready for South Africa's Wild Coast?
If you want a South African journey built around hiking, wild scenery, local culture and real adventure rather than a standard safari itinerary, this is a very different way to experience the country.
Enquire about the Wild CoastFinancial Protection
Book with confidence through Outsyda, an independent travel agent affiliated with the Travel Trust Association.