2 Persons
Port St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
The 60km stretch of Wild Coast from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is well suited to the fitter hiker looking for an authentic Wild Coast Experience. On this 5 day guided walking trail you can chose between friendly village homestays, chilled-out backpackers, private holiday cottages, or a mixture of all.
From the lush coastal forests of Silaka to the rolling hills of Mpande, the PSJ to Coffee Bay hiking trail traverses grassland, rocky shores, mangrove-clad estuaries, sandy bays, nature reserves and passes through many colourful rural villages.
- Trip Duration5 Hike Days / 6 NightsExtension day to Hole-in-the-Wall
- Daily DistancesDay 1: 18km Day 2: 14km Day 3: 18km Day 4: 21kmDay 5: 10km
- Trail Grading4 / 5 - Fitness. This is the most 'undulating' stretch of Wild Coast with a number of steep ascents and descents and long beach stretches.3 / 5 - Technicality. Hiking paths sometimes contour along steep-sided hill slopes where persons who suffer from vertigo may feel exposed.
- Trail TerrainCoastal Trail – on one of SA's most dramatic and beautiful coastlines. Sandy and rocky beaches, lagoons, jutting cliffs, rock formations in the sea, mangrove swamps, rock pools and interesting intertidal life, good birdlife and fishing.
- Accommodation1-2 nights in Village homestaysFriendly BackpackersPrivate Holiday Cottages (for larger grps)Optional upgrade: to more upmarket B&Bs or hotels in Port St Johns, Mdumbi and Coffee Bay.
- Logistic SupportHiking Guide for all daysPartially catered trail: village homestays provide simple dinner and breakfast inclusive in rate. Dinner inclusive at backpackers & other meals for own account* Optional: Porter-support
- Group SizeFrom 2 persons - max 14 pax / per guide.
- PricingOn a group of 6 persons: R4000/pp
At a Glance
You'll pass some impressive natural phenomena along this undulating stretch of Wild Coastline. From the fascinating table mountain sandstone cliffs of Port St Johns, to the arched bays of Mpande and Mdumbi (voted in the top three of South Africa's most beautiful beaches and a surfing hotspot); the impressive dolerite intrusion at Brazen Head and the fabled landmark, Hole in the Wall, where the roar of ocean through this hollowed cliff gives rise to its Xhosa name 'esiKhaleni' - place of sound.
On this 5 day guided hiking trail you can chose between overnighting at friendly village homestays, chilled-out backpackers, private holiday cottages, or a mixture of all.
The village homestays provide dinner and breakfast as part of their inclusive rate. We include dinner in the backpacker option, and they are also well equipped for self-catering. We provide a shuttle back to your vehicles left in Port St Johns, or to and from Mtata.
- Day 1Arrival Day
- Day 2Hike Day 1: Hike from 2nd Beach PSJ – Mngazana Estuary (18km/6-7hrs walk)
- Day 3Hike Day 2: Hike from Mngazana – Mpande (14km/ 4-5hrs walk)
- Day 4Hike Day 3: Hike Mpande - Hluleka (18km/6-7hrs walk)
- Day 5Hike Day 4: Hike Hluleka - Mdumbi (21km/8hrs walk)
- Day 6Hike Day 5: Hike Mdumbi-Coffee Bay (10km/ 4hrs walk)
- Day 7Departure Day
Village homestays – rondavel dedicated to your group, mattress and bedding provided, donkey-boiler showers or bucket bath, meals provided. These homestays have good experience with hiking groups.
Backpackers – usually have some double rooms otherwise small dorms for your group to share.
Private Holiday Cottages – if you are a larger group, and not going within peak school holidays, private holiday cottages may be an option.
Upgrade to:B&Bs or hotels in Port St Johns, Mdumbi and Coffee Bay.
- Is it possible to organise vehicle luggage transfers on this hike?
- How fit do you need to be to do this hike?
- What type of footwear is appropriate?
- What is the best time of year for this trail?
- Can this hike be shortened?
- Is it possible to self-cater?
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
- Wild CoastPort St John’s to Coffee Bay Backpacker Hike
At a Glance
Group Size | Price (PP) | |
---|---|---|
R4500/pp | ||
3-4 Persons | R4200/pp | |
5-7 Persons | R4000/pp | |
8-10 Persons | R3900/pp | |
11 or more | R3800/pp |
Whats included in this tour
- 6 Nights Accommodation (sharing basis): 4 nights backpackers (PSJ, Coffee Bay, Kraal-Mpande, Mdumbi) & 2 nights VBA’s (dinner & breakfast included) or substitute VBA for backpacker nights, and upgrade options as selected from itinerary.
- Homestay’s will provide dinner and breakfast in their inclusive rate. Homestays can provide a basic packed lunch for an extra R50 (can pre-request this).
- Backpackers provide dinner only in the inclusive rate (breakfasts & packed lunches for own account from backpackers)
- 5 Full Hiking Days accompanied by a local hiking guide
- Return Backpacker shuttles from Coffee Bay back to PSJ (self-drives) OR pick-up from Mtata to PSJ + return from Coffee Bay to PSJ (* Larger groups – can request the additional price of a PRIVATE TRANSFER from Coffee Bay – PSJ direct)
- Meals: Dinner and breakfasts inclusive from all village homestays. Dinner included on backpacker nights, but breakfasts for own account (continental & cooked ala carte breakfast options)
Whats not included in this tour
- Trail Lunches - you will need to supply your own trail lunches or pre-request/book these from the homestays
- Personal Insurance
- Own transport to/from start of hike