In our claustrophobic lives it's a rare luxury to experience moments of true escape when we trade daily concerns for unbridled freedom. Road tripping along the eastern Cape's Wild Coast delivers something close to this.  

From Mbotyi River in the north to Coffee Bay and onto Dwesa Nature Reserve in the south - get used to uninterrupted ocean views and deserted beaches without a soul in sight. At every stop along this sweep of the Eastern Cape, known for its scenic hikes and pristine shores, one can be excused for pondering the same question: can one get tired of having beach after beach to oneself?

Turning towards the lush interior where great swathes of emerald ripple through the hillsides, the pastoral tableau is only occasionally interrupted by a stray Rondavel or a tiny village, the odd Nguni cow and countless pigs and goats. Welcome to rural Africa and Mandela's final resting place.

Though the Eastern Cape is South Africa's third-most-populous province, the rugged Wild Coast isn't as frequently tackled by tourists as the well-trammeled circuits of the Natal Midlands & Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, and for good reason. The Wild Coast is more ambitious, but it rewards those who want to get off the grid to take in waterfalls, lagoons, forests, endless beaches and jaw droppingly beautiful vista's. 

The roads are not in the best condition and technically you don't need a 4x4, but having one will improve your experience. A raised vehicle with good ground clearance will be fine (check with the Bhejane office) Driving the rutted roads while dodging potholes, one is actually able to connect with nature in a liberating way and feel wholly present—and not just because road conditions require constant vigilance. There is something incredibly soothing about the Wild Coast vibe. For me, it's reminiscent of childhood holidays, my dad casting a line, eating hake and chips, being mesmerized by the pounding waves at Hole in the Wall,  bare feet and wet cozzies.  

In times when Instagram impressions rarely align with reality, this bounty of wonders truly does deliver on its promises.   So, does having beach after beach to yourself ever get old?
After 6-nights I can promise you, it will not.

All the best for a great Tuesday!

MJ

Dates this year:

28 March - 3 April, 2025                       
27 June - 3 July, 2025