Wild Coast (South Africa)

The Wild Coast or the Transkei is absolutely splendid, it is one of my favourite regions in South Africa. The atmosphere is very "unaffected", the Xhosa villages very picturesque and the landscape grandiose. Standing on the rolling hills overlooking the coast are the villages, called "kraals", made up of the traditional huts of this region, all of them coloured and with a thatched roof. The region is criss-crossed by rivers that throw themselves into the ocean. You often see dolphins here.

The most touristic villages are situated at the mouth of these rivers, near the beach. You can surf, swim and horse ride along the deserted beaches, it is very poetic here. It is also possible to go on lovely hikes in the headlands to enjoy the scenery from the cliffs. Depending on the village, the hotel infrastructure is more or less "roots", if not hippy.

For added comfort, choose the less remote villages. The roads have been recently repaired making them easier of access. The panoramic road from Port Alfred to Port Saint John's is incredible. I really like the Wild Coast for its distinctive atmosphere, where few tourists take the trouble to venture.