Hiking Trail Description

Walk the lower section of the magnificent Wild Coast in comfort. This hike takes you from Mazeppa Bay in the Transkei to Haga Haga on the eastern Cape, a total distance of 64 km along some of the most unspoilt and picturesque sections of our coastline. Long sandy beaches, rocky points and cliffs, beautiful lagoons and estuaries and pristine coastal forests characterise this section of the Wild Coast.

Here you will truly feel at one with nature as there is little or no 'development' along the coast. Because of the terrain and access problems from the interior, most of this coastline can only be seen by those who are prepared to hike it! Most of the time, you will see little evidence of anyone else having been on on the beaches, just footprints and the occasional small boy herding cattle. The rural scenes have remained this way for ages so that you feel that you have stepped back in time.

The trail can be walked by anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys rambling. There are no serious challenges other than the odd river which must be waded. When river levels are up after heavy rains, a ferry will be arranged for these crossings. On the third day you will ford the Kei River by means of the last operating pontoon in the country

Maximum Number of Hikers : No limit (dependent on hotel rooms). Group sizes of 6-12 hikers are preferred

Distances and features of each day's hiking are : Mazeppa Bay to Wavecrest 21 km - the longest stretch but easy walking along sandy beaches. Wavecrest to Seagulls/Trennery 14km - rocky headlands, ship wrecks and river crossings. Seagulls to Morgan Bay 12km - crossing the Kei river and a walk through coastal forest. Morgan Bay to Haga Haga 16 km - spectacular cliffs and shelly beaches. Overnight Accommodation : The trail has been laid out so that you overnight at conveniantly located hotels along the way. The trail package covers full board accommodation so that you sleep in comfortable en-suite bungalows and dine in style - dinners often consisting of fresh line fish and seafoods, a cooked breakfast to start your day and a packed lunch to take with you.

Overnight Accommodation : The trail has been laid out so that you overnight at conveniantly located hotels along the way. The trail package covers full board accommodation so that you sleep in comfortable en-suite bungalows and dine in style - dinners often consisting of fresh line fish and seafoods, a cooked breakfast to start your day and a packed lunch to take with you.

The overnight stops are: Day 1 Mazeppa Bay Hotel Day 2 Wavecrest Hotel (Nxaxo Estuary) Day 3 Trennery's or Seagulls Hotel Day 4 Morgan Bay Hotel Day 5 Haga Haga Resort

Other Pertinent Information: You will be accompanied on your hike by a local guide who is a member of the community and well acquainted with the route.You are walk only with a light pack so that you have the time and comfort to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the pleasures of the day. With a reasonably early start and allowing for a leisurely lunch break you should reach your next destination by mid-afternoon. The trail can be customised for different requirements. Some may prefer to start at Kob Inn which is 6km further north on the Qora river or cut out the stretch from Morgan Bay to Haga Haga. After the first long day's hike to Wavecrest, hikers may like to extend their stay to 2 days to enjoy this naturalist paradise.

Getting There : The trail starts at Mazeppa which is some 60km along a district road from the N2 turnoff at Butterworth in the Transkei. This road is in the process of being upgraded to tar and should be easily accessible by car. Suggest check with hotel during the rainy season. The trail ends at Haga Haga village which is just north of East London and is reached by gravel road from the N2. Hikers taking the full trails package will be collected from Haga Haga by mini bus to return to their cars which will be safely parked at Mazeppa Bay.

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