WILD COAST
EASTERN CAPE
This is one of South Africa’s last true wilderness areas. A mostly undeveloped stretch of coastline, no coastal highways, no large tourist hotels and resorts, just stunning nature and friendly locals. It has lazy lagoons, rugged coastlines, empty beaches, freshwater pools, waterfalls and captivating cliffs. You are more likely to see cows relaxing on the beach than humans sunbathing.
ABOUT
This region has a handful of reserves and they are mostly concentrated on the coastline. In these reserves you can find forests, rivers, estuaries, open grasslands and a beautiful coastline. Together with a handful of large game animals, colorful birdlife and diverse vegetation, they are a must-visit when you travel the Wild Coast.
You could say that the landscape of the Wild Coast can be divided into two sections. South of Port St Johns, the landscape is interspersed with rocky points, lower hills, more mature rivers, and wide floodplains. This part is also more densely populated and a popular holiday destination. North of Port St Johns, the landscape becomes more rugged. Rivers have to find their way through narrow gorges and often leap over rocky crags into the Indian Ocean, like Waterfall Bluff. This is also where you will find fewer sandy beaches.
The backcountry of the region has gentle rolling hills covered in grassland and forests. These hills are also characterized by the colorful rondavel huts, offering a glimpse of the local culture. Because this region is less developed, it is more difficult to get to, over the potholed roads. But it is well-worth the effort! The Wild Coast is a haven for off-roaders, hikers, horseback riders, snorkelers, scuba divers and people who love peace and quiet.
PARKS&RESERVES
Hluleka Nature Reserve
The Hluleka Nature Reserve is located along the coastline, south of Port St Johns. This small reserve offers a landscape rich in diversity and has abundant wildlife. There are rocky seashores, lagoons, grassy hilltops, forests and golden beaches. The rolling hills are covered in forests and are rich in incredible birdlife such as the elusive Narina Trogon. The winding paths through the forest, breathtaking landscape and presence of wildlife makes this reserve a paradise for nature lovers.
Mkambati Nature Reserve
The Mkambati Nature Reserve is a 7700ha reserve on the coastline of the Wild Coast, between Port Edward and Port St Johns. It is flanked on either side by the forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers. The reserve is predominantly grassland with patches of forest and many rivers and streams leading to the ocean. Of which, the Mkambati river is perhaps the most beautiful. It has many waterfalls and rocky sections before it reaches the ocean. Mkambati is the place for hiking, waterfalls, rugged gorges and a spectacular coastline.
Silaka Nature Reserve
The Silaka Nature Reserve is a small but beautiful reserve, located just south of Port St Johns. A couple of trails lead through the forest, filled with giant trees covered in moss, lichens and orchids. You might even spot the seldom seen Blue Duiker and Bushbuck. The reserve features some grasslands, mostly magnificent indigenous forest and a dramatic piece of coastline.
Magwa Falls
The Magwa Falls are simply breathtaking, especially when the water level is at its peak. The curtain of water falls 142 m (466 ft) down into a narrow slot canyon that was formed by seismic activity over time. The many small streams of water give the impression of an overflowing basin, evenly spilling its water over the edge. Even at low water levels, the white lace down the cliff is a sight to behold, but at high water it truly something else.
Mlambomkulu Falls
Often this waterfall is called Waterfall Bluff, but this is actually the name of the area in which the waterfall lies. This area has many near-vertical cliffs along the coastline and many rivers end in the Indian Ocean. Some rivers here are already at sea level before reaching the ocean, but some, like the Mlambomkulu River, are still on top of the cliffs before reaching the end. They pour their water over the cliffs straight into the ocean. Visitors at the Mlambomkulu Falls love to sit underneath the ledge of the waterfall and getting a good spray.
FLORA&FAUNA
The Wild Coast is characterized by rolling hills covered in grassland, large sections of forest and a beautiful coastline. But there are other ecosystems that make the Wild Coast pretty unique in South Africa. Some estuaries are home to mangroves and off shore you can find beautiful reefs.
Unfortunately most of the wildlife found in this region have all but disappeared in the wild. But the game and nature reserves have re-introduced some of the species that used to roam free here. Think about Common Eland, Plains Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok and Blue Wildebeest. In the thicker forest you might even spot Southern Bushbuck and Blue Duiker. Vervet Monkeys are common in this region, Chacma Baboons are found at some places and the Blue Monkey can rarely be seen.
There are some 1900ha of mangroves in South Africa, most on the Kwazulu-Natal coast and some on the Wild Coast. The southern most mangroves can be found at the Nahoon River (East London), but the first well-developed mangrove is found in the Mngazana estuary. If you get the chance, it is worth exploring these habitats which are filled with tiny snails, colorful fiddler crabs, giant river crabs, Mangrove Kingfishers, sandpipers, mudskippers and a plethora of fish.
The rocky coastline and Indian Ocean is also a hotspot for flora and fauna. The rocky shores are home to shellfish, spiny lobsters, octopus and seaweed. Ghost crabs are very common on these beaches. Humpback, Southern Right and Bryde’s Whale course through these waters, as well as a number of dolphin species.
The grassland areas of the region are home to a great variety of birds. Grey Crowned Crane and Southern Ground Hornbill use this habitat in search for frogs, insects and small reptiles. Croaking Cisticola, African Stonechat, Orange and Yellow-throated Longclaws, Common Waxbill and many weaver species provide beautiful song and color to the grassland. In the forested areas you are more likely to see Trumpeter Hornbills, Fork-tailed Drongo, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon and Knysna Turaco.
