Coffee Bay – Bulungula Backpacker Hiking Trail, Wild Coast

For backpackers using the Baz bus, or hikers keen on a landmark trail that can be packed into a long-weekend (3 Nights / 2 Hike days) or an extended 3-4 Day/ 4-5 night trail, this is the trail for you. Starting at Coffee Bay - or Mdumbi for a longer hike option - this trail allows walkers to pack in some of the most scenic and iconic Wild Coast 'scapes' on a tight schedule and budget.

This is a fully guided trail, overnighting in funky backpackers with tasty, hearty meals all included. We will also arrange for the bulk of your luggage to be safely transferred to the hike finish, so you get to hike with just your daypack.... as all you really need is a change of clothes, a sarong and your toothbrush!

So come get your 'flickR' moment at the fabled Hole in the Wall and end your experience at the fair trade eco-lodge, Bulungula – voted one of the world's Top 25 Ultimate Ethical Travel Experiences by Rough Guide and Worldwide Runner-up in the Guardian 2009 Ethical Travel Awards.

HIKE - AT A GLANCE

Trip Duration	Standard Trail: 3 Night / 2 Hike Days. Trail can be extended to 3-4 Hike Days/ 4-5 Nights with as many 'lay' days as you wish.
Daily Distances	Standard 2 Hike Day Trail: Day 1: 16km Day 2: 13km Extended Trail: Extra Days - 11km & 8-10km
Trail Grading
Physical Fitness	Grade 3.5: the section between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall has some of the steepest hills on the Wild Coast. The relatively long hike distances require that participants have a good level of fitness. However, you only need hike with a small/light backpack.
Technicality	Grade 3: the hiking path on Day 1 contours along steep-sided hill slopes where persons who suffer from vertigo may feel a bit exposed. However, there are no dangerous sections.
Trail Terrain	Coastal Trail – on one of SA’s most dramatic and beautiful coastlines. Sandy and rocky beaches, lagoons, jutting cliffs, steep hillsides, iconic rock formations, rock pools & interesting intertidal life, good birdlife & fishing
Accommodation	Backpackers & Community-Owned Fair Trade Eco-Lodge.
Logistic Support	Fully guided and catered hiking trail with transfers included to/from Mtata. Main luggage transfer to end-point, so you need only hike with a small daypack and the basics you require for the trail.
Tour Highlights	Packs some of the most iconic Wild Coast landmarks onto a whistle-stop hike and offers an authentic cultural experience. The famous Hole in the Wall, sugar-loaf hills around Coffee Bay, breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, secluded bays, stunning estuaries, Lubanzi vibes, Rock & Surf fishing at Umbolompo point, Bulungwini beach and estuary, the rocket showers and colourful mosaics at Bulungula, supporting a Fair Trade eco-lodge. Visiting Bulungula Incubator projects: local food gardens, schools & clinics. Eating banana-and-caramel pancakes at the local community restaurant. Hiking Green.
Other Activities	Canoeing, rock & surf fishing at the famous Umbolompo point (near Lubanzi), visiting a local herbalist and other community projects around Bulungula. Lunch at a local community restaurant.
Fauna & Flora	Expansive grasslands, indigenous forest patches and forested ravines, endemic flora species.
Climate	Mild sub-tropical climate with small seasonal temperature variation. Summer months (Nov – Feb), avg max daily temperatures of around 27-29 degrees celsius whilst winter months (June – Aug) avg 21 deg C. Night temps seldom drops below 10 deg C in winter and average around 15 deg C in summer. Most rain is received from summer thunderstorms (avg of 150mm/month in Nov – Feb), whilst the driest months, June-Aug produce an average of 40mm/month.
Seasonality & Best Time Year	Due to its temperate climate, the Wild Coast is good for hiking all year round. Summer rainfall is usually in the form of quick thundershowers which pass quickly. Summer is also best for birdlife. The mild weather, sunny days & low probability of rain during winter also make this an excellent time (& a welcome retreat from the biting cold of an interior winter). Spring & Autumn months generally combine the best of all conditions. Availability: All year round, but best to avoid very busy Easter & Christmas holiday periods.
Group Size	Minimum 2 persons - maximum 14 persons per guide. If you are a larger group, extra guides will be allocated.
Price / PP	Dependent on group size and customised quote will be provided as per customised itinerary, but the Std 3 Night / 2 Hike Day Long Weekender Trail , priced as follows: 2 Persons – R2500/ pp 3 Persons – R2300/ pp 4 Persons – R2100/ pp 5 - 7 Persons – R2000/ pp 8 - 11 Persons – R1900/ pp 12 Persons or more – R1800/ pp
Price Includes	3 Nights Accommodation (Backpackers & Eco-lodge) All Meals: 3 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts & 2 Packed Trail Lunches 2 Full Hike days accompanied by a Local Guide Pick-up and return shuttle to Mtata (to coincide with Baz Bus schedules)