HIKING ON THE WILD COAST

Walking & Slackpacking Trails on the Wild Side

With its phenomenal scenery, quite unlike any other area in South Africa, the Wild Coast is a hiker's paradise. Stretching from Port Edward in the north all the way down to Cintsa in the south; the landscape changes from the softer features of KwaZulu-Natal's south coast to that of the rugged, raw beauty synonymous with the Eastern Cape.

Historically, this 300km stretch of coast was dubbed 'wild' due to its notoriously rocky headlands that ended the voyage of many a ship. It is these same headlands, banked by brilliant green hills and sliced by deep rivers that provide the diverse walking landscape hikers so enjoy.

Unique sights such as waterfalls that drop into the sea, Nguni cattle that roam the beaches and massive caves only accessible by foot - provide fantastic spectacles along the way, with no shortage of photo opportunities. Mangrove swamps in sheltered estuaries, indigenous forests and traditionally cultivated fields extend the variety of views, thumb-tacked together by the colourful thatched rondavels of the local amaXhosa people.

Slackpacking, where one's luggage is transported or portered from one overnight stop to the next, is an appealing prospect for those not keen on hauling a heavy backpack. Active Escapes offers a 'slackpacker' hike option in all areas of the Wild Coast. In fact, if you wanted to walk the whole 300km of Wild Coast from north to south without carrying a backpack, we could organise it. This is something which sets us distinctly apart from other hiking operators.

Of course for those who prefer the traditional hiking trails, staying in more humble backpackers or even bringing along your own tents; Active Escapes can assist with logistics to ensure a well organised, hassle free trip. We provide trail descriptions and maps, local guides and return transfers to simplify your Wild Coast hike experience.