The Wild Coast and Berg region covers an area stretching from the Great Kei River mouth to the Kwazulu-Natal border, and follows the border to the Lesotho border until it reaches the Orange River. It then cuts South following the Tsomo River to the coast. The area that used to be called the Transkei is also included Umtata is the biggest town in the region of. During apartheid Umtata was the capital of the Transkei homeland but the town was originally built as a buffer between two warring Xhosa tribes. Umtata is renowned for its fish restaurants and has two cathedrals.
The Wild Coast is home to Tiffindell which is the only ski resort in South Africa. The resort is at an altitude of 3000 metres and is situated on the south facing slopes of the Drakensbergs. Close to the resort is the Eastern Cape town of Barkly East known as one of the coldest places in South Africa. This part of the region is well known for its trout fishing and partridge shooting.
The Wild Coast is characterised by many small resorts. Here you will also find the Hluleka Nature Reserve known for its Coral trees, Quinine trees and Natal figs. The trees attract dozens of species of birds, many of which emerge from the forest to feed on wild figs. This coastal region is also home to a natural phenomenon known as the Hole-in-the-Wall where an extraordinary rock formation has been fashioned over millions of years to form a tunnel big enough for a fishing boat to pass through.
At the mouth of the large Mzimvubu River you will find the town of Port St Johns. The town was been built in a 300 metre wide gap carved out of the rocks by the river, and the settlement originated in 1846 when the British ship Rosebud slipped across the sandbar at the mouth of the river to open up the area for trade. Other towns of note include Mazeppe Bay, Mthatha, Qolora Mouth and Rhodes.
Information on towns in the Wild Coast and Berg Region
Coffee Bay, Mthatha, Port St Johns, Qolora Mouth, Rhodes
