This 4×4 tour will start in Matatiele and end in Chintsa, exploring the vast, rugged beauty of the untouched, pristine Wild Coast which is still as magnificent as it was 150 years ago.
We will be spending 2 to 3 nights at most of the overnight stops, allowing for a leisurely pace, with opt-out options for the ladies at some of the venues – like spa treatments, or just a deliciously lazy day on the beach.
- Distance: 1200 km.
- Drivers’ Briefing, VHF Radio Fitment & Welcoming Party: 18h00 on Tuesday, 5th Nov, 2024 at Resthaven Guest House in Matatiele
- Start: Matatiele – 09h00: Wednesday 6th Nov, 2024
- Closing Function & Prize-giving at Chintsa: 18h00 Saturday 16th Nov, 2024
- End of Tour/Departure: 09h00 – 17th Nov, 2024 after breakfast
All vehicles will be supplied with FM marine-quality two-way radios so we can all communicate. (This is included in the tour price.)
The routes we have chosen are generally not difficult, but if there is rainy weather, we will have mud to contend with – hence the 4×4 requirement. (Please note that no pets are allowed.)
Scroll down for Itinerary, Pricing Info & Cancellation Policy
Itinerary
Day 0 – Tuesday 5th Nov, 2024 – Meet up at Resthaven Guest House in Matatiele from 14h00 to 17h30 for radio fitment. Drivers briefing at 18h00. Enjoy Elrita’s excellent cooking. Meet your guides and fellow adventurers.
Photo: MPSA / DJI Mini3 PRO
Day 1: Wednesday 6th Nov – We head south over the Nungi and Colona Nek passes via Tabankulu to drive the majestic Mzintlava Pass – 38 km of staggering variety with over 300 bends corners and curves and an alfresco lunch stop inside the KuGomo indigenous forest. We then drive through Lusikisiki and descend the Mbotyi Pass (very steep) to arrive at our home for the next three nights – Mbotyi River Lodge – a thatched paradise right on the beach. Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge
Photo credit (centre and right): Marion Whitehead for Country Life
Day 2: Thursday 7th Nov – We take a 2 hour 4×4 route northwards to Lupathana (down the Grade 3 Ghanja Pass), from where we take a 4 km (each way) walk along the coastline, accompanied by an experienced local guide to see Waterfall Bluff, which plunges directly into the ocean, as well as the showstopper – Cathedral Rock. For the unfit, there are numerous other activities at the lodge keep to you happy including a pool, the lagoon, the beach, walks, birding and fishing. Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge.
Day 3: Friday 8th Nov – We drive to the construction site of the new Msikaba Bridge (198m above the river) which will be the second highest bridge in South Africa when completed in 2025 and the highest cable stayed bridge in Africa. In the afternoon we will visit the thriving vulture colony at Msikaba further downstream from the bridge where you can watch the vultures soaring at eye level and below you from a viewing deck. The muddy two spoor getting there is always something of a challenge, but will add to your experience bank.
Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge.
Photo credits: (left) SA Venues | (right) Mbotyi Cottage
Day 4: Saturday 9th Nov – The day of the waterfalls. We start with a visit to Fraser Falls, then higher up along the same river, we take in the enchanting Angel Falls but we leave the best for last – the Magwa Falls, which will truly take your breath away. Getting to Magwa Falls takes us down beautiful roads lined by huge trees and hundreds of acres of tea plantations. We then head south on the new tarred R61 via 3 back to back passes including the Umzimvubu River Pass, where we arrive at the Gates of St. John and take the steep road up to the old airport on top of the mountain at Mount Thesiger and the Eagles Nest view point. Informal drag-racing and some fun will be had along the airstrip. We then descend via some very steep and twisty roads to our overnight stop at the 4 star Umngazi River Bungalows which is also right on the beach in a perfect setting. Here you can swim in the ocean, the lagoon or the pool. This will be our home for two nights.
Day 5: Sunday 10th Nov – We drive the Mlengana Pass and visit the fabled Execution Rock where it is said the Xhosa King Faku threw his enemies to their death and the Umngazi River flowed red with their blood. Our return route follows a beautiful drive through the Majola Tea Estates and some of the finest Wild Coast scenery you will lay your eyes on. We return to Umngazi River Bungalows for an afternoon of leisure.
Photo credits: (L) DispatchLIVE | (R) Amapondo Backpackers
Day 6: Monday 11th Nov – Our route follows a jigsaw puzzle of gravel roads with a lunch stop at a secret riverside spot, to arrive in Coffee Bay, where we will spend two days at the Green Hills Hotel ( a lovely new lodge with stunning views) – situated on top of a hill between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall, with a lovely pool to relax at. Along this coastal stretch you will experience some very basic roads and scenery that will leave you feeling elated. We will traverse at least five gravel passes on this day including the Umtata River Pass.
Photo credits: (L) Tracks 4 Africa (C) Andrew Harvard
Day 7: Tuesday 12th Nov – We explore Mapuzi Mouth, Coffee Bay, Baby Hole in the Wall, Hole in the Wall (the big one) with an expert local guide to show us all the secret spots as well as unpack Xhosa customs, folklore and myths. We return to Coffee Bay via the White Clay Pub for a fabulous lunch in the best beach restaurant which epitomizes the very essence of the Wild Coast. You should be hungry after a morning full of action.
Photo credits: (L) Photo Destination | (R) Kurt Böhi on Flickr
Day 8: Wednesday 13th Nov – We head south-west along countless scenic roads, shipwrecks, deserted beaches, waterfalls and tribal villages and some exciting passes to arrive at The Haven Hotel and the magical Cwebe Nature Reserve. This hotel is 102 years old and has retained much of its charm from yesteryear with accommodation in authentic thatched rondavels to get you right into the Wild Coast mood. Seafood here is next level. They even have a golf course and an airstrip! We will take a walk through the forest to visit the Bhanyana Waterfall for those that still have some energy left.
Photo: The Haven, Wild Coast
Day 9: Thursday 14th Nov – We start the day off with an interesting route southwards along the coast, then back inland to cross the Fyfe King Bridge over the Mbashe River (where we stop for a riverside lunch break), followed by a steep traverse of the Shixini River Gorge and large scale Macadamia nut farms, to arrive at beautiful Kob Inn, where the dolphins surf the waves right in front of your room and you can enjoy your favourite tipple at a pub right next to the rocks and surf. Take in as much ozone as you can and rest well as tomorrow is a massive day.
Photo credit: African harrier hawk by Rodnick Biljon via Eastern Cape Birding
Day 10: Friday 15th Nov – We start at 7.30 sharp. This is a BIG day. We drive to Collywobbles to do some more vulture watching. The day includes seven major passes. We will take you to the most beautiful and isolated soccer pitch in the world, replete with homemade goal posts – Transkei style. We will pass over the Mbashe Dam wall and on to Mveso (Nelson Mandela’s memorial centre) and return to Kob Inn via Idutywa and Willowvale,
Photo credit: Shixini River Mouth ~ Roger de la Harpe for Getty Images
Day 11: Saturday 16th Nov – Our final day routes along a number of gravel roads where we will drive Cats Pass over the Qora River Gorge, followed by the Kobonqaba Pass with its very high, unguarded single lane bridge, and traverse the bustling village of Centane, and before long its tar all the way to Kei Mouth where we cross the river by ferry in groups of two vehicles at a time (subject to river conditions), before driving onwards to Chintsa East, where our final night is spent at Crawfords Beach Lodge, where their Saturday night seafood extravaganza will satisfy even the hungriest person.
Photo credits: (L) Kei Mouth Tourism | (R) Morgan Bay Tourism
Photo: Crawfords Beach Lodge
Day 12: Sunday 17th Nov – Farewells after breakfast and a safe drive home.
Tour price (adults):
1 vehicle / 1 person R 16,950.
1 vehicle / 2 people R 17,950.
1 vehicle / 3 people R 18,950.
1 vehicle / 4 people R 19,950.
(Tour price includes expert guiding, VHF radio hire, a detailed waterproof Slingsby Map (one per vehicle), Route notes, folders, stationery, name tags, use of recovery gear, compressors and first aid, but excludes accommodation & travel costs.)
Accommodation & other costs for this tour
Accommodation, meals and ancillary costs are extra, which we will invoice out to you separately about 4 weeks before the tour.
- Approximately R1450 per person, per day (sharing) for accommodation, breakfast & dinner, In some cases lunch is included as well. Single supplement applies.
- Pack your own ‘padkos’ for lunches, which we enjoy at whatever scenic spot takes our fancy along the route.
- Other costs include the crossing at the pont at Kei Mouth, bar bills, tips for external guides, safe parking, etc. but these will not be of any significance.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel more than 60 days ahead of the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 80% refund or 100% credit voucher
If you cancel between 60 and 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 70% refund or 90% credit voucher
If you cancel less than 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 60% refund or 80% credit voucher
Accommodation & meal refunds:
Invoices are generally sent out between 4 and 6 weeks ahead of the tour start date.
* If you have already received your invoice, you are liable for it, subject to us interacting with the various venues to get you a refund. We pay the venues up front for your accommodation. Most of the establishments are reasonable and offer a full refund. Whatever we can negotiate will be credited to you in full.
Please get in touch with us directly with any questions you may have by email: info@mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za
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