Wild Coast Crossing (South Africa)

South Africa

Distance

314 km

Vertical Gain

6,238 m

We currently recognize two overlapping variations of this route. Both may be completed in either direction. These routes can (and should) be completed without crossing private property, though entry permits may be required at some nature reserves along the way. Vehicle access is limited, some swimming is likely to be required, and drinking water ... Read more

We currently recognize two overlapping variations of this route. Both may be completed in either direction. These routes can (and should) be completed without crossing private property, though entry permits may be required at some nature reserves along the way. Vehicle access is limited, some swimming is likely to be required, and drinking water is limited and should be planned carefully in advance.

Variation 1: Kei River to Port Edward (315km)

This longer variation starts at the Kei River Mouth, outside East London, Eastern Cape, and goes up the coastline to the Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal (or reverse). The route is a mix of beaches, cattle paths, and rough tracks, with many river crossings along the way. Some swimming is required depending on the tides; only a few rivers have ferries available. There are not many options for resupply. With the route passing through small villages with holiday cottages and rural homesteads, the main points for resupply are Coffee Bay and Port St Johns. Wild Camping is relatively remote with very few people on the coastline itself.

This route can be completed without crossing public property, though entry permits may be required at some nature reserves along the way. Vehicle access is limited, and drinking water needs to be planned carefully in advance.

Variation 2: Cwebe to Chintsa (120km)

This shorter variation starts at the Haven, in the Cwebe Nature Reserve and follows the coastline to Chintsa West (or reverse). The route passes through untouched landscape, covering a diverse mix of running terrain, from long beach stretches, rocky boulder coves, cattle trails, single track indigenous coastal forest trails, sand dune trails and old Jeep tracks. Several river crossings are required. Permits for the reserves (Dwesa, Cwebe) must be purchased beforehand.

The following checkpoints are part of this route, and we recommend submitting photos of yourself at each: