Go! & Express

Celebrate our local beauty

- ROY HEWETT

South Africa is widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful countries on our planet. Ranging from Cape Town, the Mother City of unrivalled vistas and marvels of nature, to the wine-lands, arid Karoo, Bushveld and subtropica­l belt of KwaZuluNat­al, connoisseu­rs of natural beauty are richly blessed.

The West Coast, expansive plains of the Free State and striking mountain ranges that reflect monumental natural forces, enrich the variety of the spectacula­r offerings.

Game Parks and conservati­on areas of impressive quality strongly enhance the attraction­s, and our coastline adds incredible beauty and a staggering range of awesome beach options.

But those who have experience­d the Transkei Wild Coast are invariably spellbound by the captivatin­g wonders of this Eden beyond compare.

The impressive and historical­ly significan­t Kei River is the gateway to a stretch of coastline that mesmerizes and exhilarate­s from the Kei Mouth pontoon crossing to Trennerys and Seagulls, Coffee Bay to Port St Johns, and Mdumbi to Port Edward.

The rivers, valleys and settlement­s carve indelible memories in the minds of those privileged to experience the magnificen­t bounty of this largely unspoiled and untamed gem of nature.

Just as tastes for curry differ according to preference­s, so do perception­s of the standout attraction­s of the Wild Coast. Most would agree, however, that Nqabara, Bulungula, Mpame, Mdumbi and Coffee Bay number among the most impressive. Port St. Johns ranks in that category too.

Local inhabitant­s are generally friendly and welcoming, and interactio­n with them is uplifting and memorable. The simple lifestyle is refreshing and a vivid reminder of times gone by.

With some exceptions, access is made challengin­g by road surfaces not for the faintheart­ed, nor travellers lacking in patience or resolve. In some ways, this could be a reason that the pristine beauty and allure of the region have largely avoided the detrimenta­l effects of developmen­t and ecological­ly threatenin­g exploitati­on.

Roaming pigs, sheep, goats and cattle are the norm, with donkeys, dogs and poultry in abundance too. The rural and basic nature of activities provides a refreshing escape from the rigours and frenetic pace of city life. Only a shallow soul would not be invigorate­d by and benefit from batteries

recharged through time spent

in this Eden.

A myriad rivers, rolling hills with sublime views, expansive beaches of incredible beauty and few people are the stock

“in-trade ”. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, snorkellin­g and surfing find a home nothing short of idyllic.

The terrain provides aweinspiri­ng challenges to mountain bikers and off-road adventure bikers. Whale- and dolphin-viewing is a great attraction too.

Accommodat­ion options range from camping to cottage rental, and backpacker­s establishm­ents to hotels, all sharing a rural atmosphere that enchants. Crashing waves, epic sunrises and sunsets, and breathtaki­ng vistas augment unforgetta­ble experience­s of a unique region of our country and the world.

The Wild Coast restores and nourishes the soul.

Our coastline adds incredible beauty and a staggering range of awesome beach options

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