Southern African Tours

10-Day Untamed Wild Coast Adventure (Self Drive)

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 10 days / 9 nights
• Group size: Minimum of 2 people per tour
• Tour departs from: East London or Durban
• Price: From R10759 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cintsa
• Silaka Nature Reserve
• Lake Eland Game Reserve

Suitable for those interested in Adventure, Hiking, Nature

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: East London to Crawfords Beach Lodge

   East London to Cintsa 55 km.
   
   On arrival in East London you will be met by a representative from Southern African Tours who will go through your tour in detail, providing you with brochures, vouchers and detailed maps of the region.
   Your adventure starts here. You make your way to Crawford's Beach Lodge, which is literally situated on the beach. Time to relax around the pool, hike along the coastline and swim in the warm Indian ocean.
   Dinner is usually a buffet with various dishes to choose from. Wake up tomorrow morning with a sunrise over the Indian

   OVERNIGHT: Crawfords Beach Lodge

2. DAY 2: Crawfords Beach Lodge to Hole in the Wall

   Hole in the wall
   Crawfords to Coffee Bay 300 km
   
   Coffee Bay is magic, known for it's breathtaking views and beaches. Here you can also find some of the best surf this country has to offer, and the freshest seafood most only dream of. Coffee Bay and the Hole in the Wall are virtually synonymous - mention the one and you picture the other - and one cannot describe the full extent of the beauty of this area of the Wild Coast without including the incredible natural phenomenon.
   The hole is quite literally a geographical marvel and only 3 km from Coffee bay.
   Depending on your itinerary a visit to Mdumbi is a phenomenon; it is what makes this coastline so special. Although voted one of South Africa's most beautiful beaches, it still holds its secluded, untouched allure. Spending the day on the beach with almost no one else is not a rare occurrence.
   The fabulous Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink & something to eat while sitting back and enjoying the magnificent view of Coffee Bay.

   OVERNIGHT: Ocean View

3. DAY 3: Hole in the Wall

   A day to explore Hole in the Wall with various activities

   OVERNIGHT: Ocean View

4. DAY 4: Ocean View to Port St Johns

   Port Saint Johns
   Coffee Bay to Port st Johns 135 km.
   
   Silaka Nature Reserve covers a total of 600 ha, featuring grassland and magnificent indigenous forests along a dramatic coastline. This beautiful coastal reserve lies in a forested valley south of Port St Johns, and stretches from 2nd Beach to Sugarloaf Rock
   Each of the self catering bungalows has a view of either the forest or ocean. Food wise Port St Johns will have everything you need.
   Walk through the evergreen forest which offers the opportunity to view elusive birds such as Knysna Loerie, Cinnamon Dove and Grey Cuckooshrike. The Gxwaleni River flows through the indigenous forest where Giant forest trees are home to Blue Duiker and Bushbuck.
   Facing the sea are grassy hills where the stately Aloe ferox blooms in winter. Blue Wildebeest and Burchell's Zebra graze the palatable grasses.
   The shoreline is very rugged, with a sandy beach at the mouth of the Gxwaleni River.
   A SUV or 4x4 is recommended for your self drive safari.

   OVERNIGHT: Silaka Nature Reserve

5. DAY 5: Silaka Nature Reserve

   A day to explore Silaka Nature Reserve or Port St Johns

   OVERNIGHT: Silaka Nature Reserve

6. DAY 6: Silaka Nature Reserve to Mkambati Nature Reserve

   The reserve is situated in Pondoland. It is dotted with magnificent forested ravines. Large numbers of Eland and Hartebeest have been introduced.
   The scenic Mkambati Nature Reserve, arguably the highlight of your trip has a rugged, rocky coast, offering you unspoilt nature and wildlife. Other scenic features include a swamp forest and splashing waterfalls (including one of very few in the entire world that falls straight into the sea). Of the many streams running through the reserve, the Mkambati is perhaps the most beautiful with its crystal clear pools and series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls are most impressive as they drop down over the terrace in a wide arc, the stream then tumbling over another waterfall before dropping into the ocean.
   Breathtaking views of the Msikaba gorge can be obtained by walking through the grassland above the river.
   
   Of historical importance are two famous shipwrecks, the Sao Bento(1554) and the Grosvenor (1782) lying in Lambasi Bay.

   OVERNIGHT: Gwe Gwe River Lodge

7. DAY 7: Mkambati Nature Reserve

   Explore Mkambati Nature Reserve and surrounds

   OVERNIGHT: Gwe Gwe River Lodge

8. DAY 8: Mkambati Nature Reserve

   Explore Mkambati Nature Reserve and surrounds

   OVERNIGHT: Gwe Gwe River Lodge

9. DAY 9: Mkambati Nature Reserve to Orbi Gorge

   Mkambati to Oribi 190 km.
   
   One of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular natural settings, the scenic Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve lies some 25 km inland from Port Shepstone. The Reserve lies snugly at the head of a magnificent river gorge lined with dense coastal bush and forests. Carved out of ancient sandstone over millions over years. The breath-taking scenery along the Umzimkulwana River Gorge makes this a photographer's and nature lover's paradise. Oribi Gorge has a wealth of smaller wildlife species and visitors have occasionally seen leopards. Oribi Gorge is a wonderful birding destination with more than 250 species.
   One of the main highlights for guests staying at Lake Eland Game Reserve is to walk across our 90 m Suspension Bridge. Not only is it exhilarating to walk across the Suspension Bridge, it is quite an achievement for many of us who are fearful of heights. The views from the Suspension Bridge are breathtaking and you will be inspired by the magnificence of the Oribi Gorge.

   OVERNIGHT: Lake Eland Game Reserve

10. DAY 10: Lake Eland Game Reserve to Durban

    Oribi Gorge to Durban 144 km
    
    This morning you depart for Durban. It's a 2 hour drive. Travelling along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast You can stop for a beach walk and snack at any one of the beautiful coastal towns along the way. Depending on your departure time, there are many optional activities and worthwhile sights in and around Durban. If you have more time, I would recommend an extra day here, staying in uMhlanga which is 15 minutes outside Durban on the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

    TOUR ENDS