Walking the Wild Coast

The Wild Coast Meander and Wild Coast Amble are incredible ways to explore the stunning Wild Coast. You’ll walk along the coast, moving from one hotel to another, and have the chance to fully experience everything this beautiful area has to offer in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.

Let’s start our adventure at Kob Inn.

Kob Inn is where both the Wild Coast Meander and Amble officially begin. Before we started our walk, Warrick Poultney and I decided to spend most of the afternoon by the pool. The pool offers a direct view of the sea and is shielded from the wind by glass walls on one side. Even in late March, the water was pleasantly warm. Eventually, though, we were tempted away from our relaxing spot by the promise of sundowners and a boat ride up the Quora Mouth.

The steep-sided ravines in this area are full of diverse plant species, including aloes, and they are bustling with a rich variety of birdlife. During our boat ride, Warrick had an unexpected encounter with a mullet. The fish suddenly leapt from the water, smacking him on the back of his head. This incident became quite the news at Kob Inn and was featured prominently in the inn’s newsletter, which we found on our breakfast table the next morning. The newsletter is an entertaining way to learn about the other guests staying at the inn, and it is printed on the back of the menu.

Day 1

I woke up feeling lazy and had a nice breakfast before starting our hike. The first part of the hike was pretty short and easy, a good warm-up for what was to come. We made our way to Mazeppa Bay Hotel, where we were staying for the night. The hotel was right by the ocean, and we had to wait at the mouth of the bay for a boatman to row us across the deep channel. Luckily, it only cost us R5 per person, so we didn’t mind carrying our own backpacks.

Once we reached the hotel, we wasted no time and went straight to their swimming pool to cool off. The pool was great, and we even had a view of some cows on the beach. Mazeppa Island is known for its fishing, especially for people who enjoy battling sharks. There were a lot of fishermen out that day, but I didn’t see any sharks being caught. That’s a relief because I’m not a fan of hunting or fishing just for fun.

Day 2

Hey there! It’s day two of our exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to have you join me again. Today, let’s dive into the world of HTML markup. I know it might sound complicated at first, but trust me, it’s a fascinating way to bring creativity to your web pages.

So, what exactly is HTML markup? Well, think of it as the language that web browsers understand. It’s like a set of instructions that tell the browser how to structure and display the content on a web page. When you use HTML markup, you have the power to create headings, paragraphs, lists, and so much more.

HTML tags are the key to mastering this language. They act as containers for your content and provide instructions to the browser. For example, the <h1> tag is used to create a top-level heading, while the <p> tag is used for paragraphs. These tags are like magic spells that make your text come alive on the screen!

It’s important to remember that each tag has an opening tag and a closing tag. The opening tag tells the browser where the element starts, and the closing tag marks where it ends. If you forget to close a tag, your browser might get confused and display your content in strange and unexpected ways.

When it comes to choosing the right tags, you need to consider the type of content you want to display. Are you creating a page with headings? Use <h1> to <h6> tags to convey the importance of the headings. Want to display a list? Use <ul> for an unordered list or <ol> for an ordered list.

Understanding how to use HTML markup is like acquiring a new superpower. With the right tags at your disposal, you’ll be able to elevate your content and create a truly engaging experience for your readers. But like any superpower, it comes with great responsibility. Improper use of markup can lead to a confusing and cluttered user experience, so always double-check your code to ensure it’s clean and error-free.

That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed this introduction to HTML markup. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the exciting world of CSS and how it can take your web design skills to the next level. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep coding and see you soon!

So, here’s what happened. After being on the road for two whole weeks, we decided to skip staying at Mazeppa, mainly because it would’ve added so much extra walking to our already long hike. Instead, we took a leisurely drive through the beautiful green landscape and ended up at Wavecrest Beach Hotel, which sits right on the pristine Nxaxo estuary, lined with mangroves. It was a great decision because we saved ourselves from walking over 20 kilometers. With some free time on our hands, we relaxed on the deck and enjoyed some cold beers. Before we knew it, we struck up a conversation with a group of three hikers from Volunteer Africa 32° South. These incredible people were in the middle of a 380-kilometer hike that started in Mynemeni, near Port Edward, and would end in Chintsa. Their mission was to bring attention to the education and conservation challenges along the Wild Coast. Let me tell you, they were truly inspiring and made our stroll along the shore seem like a piece of cake. If you’re interested, you can learn more about their efforts on their website, www.volunteerafrica.co.za.

The next morning, I embarked on a scenic boat ride along the estuary, a popular spot for bird enthusiasts. The calm waters and beautiful surroundings made it a favorite destination. Later, I was taken on a guided tour through a lush forest, which eventually led us to the beach. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating insights about the area’s ecology and history. As we approached the beach, we came across the haunting wreckage of the ill-fated Jacaranda, a Greek-owned coaster that ran aground in 1971. The decaying ship stands as a testament to the many vessels that have met their demise along the treacherous Wild Coast.

Day 3

I had the pleasure of visiting Trennerys Hotel, a famous and nostalgic place that still holds onto the charm of the past. Along the way, I came across several groups of people who had returned to Trennerys to relive their cherished childhood memories of holidaying at the hotel. During my stay, I had the chance to meet Trevor Wiggley, a local expert who knows the area inside out. He is the mastermind behind Trevor’s Trails, an incredible adventure that includes a delightful forest walk and a thrilling boat trip through a waterway known as “The Gates.” This waterway weaves through a rocky maze and leads to a hidden picnic spot, where you can take a leap off the cliff into the refreshing deep water. It was an absolute blast, and Trevor has even guided famous personalities like Johnny Clegg and Zakes Mda through this stunning region.

Day 4

Unfortunately, when I reached Haga Haga, the weather took a turn for the worse. After days of sunny skies, a blustery wind arrived, along with rain and cold mist. As a result, I didn’t get to experience the best of what this charming town has to offer. However, I did have the pleasure of indulging in an incredible seafood feast during my stay. I had so many options of fresh seafood prepared in various mouthwatering ways that it more than made up for the disappointing weather.

Day 5

The next stop on my hike was my absolute favorite. I have fond memories of a camping trip with my college friends at Morgan’s Bay, so I was excited to revisit the place. This time, however, things were a lot more luxurious, and the food was absolutely amazing. Instead of camping, we stayed in a cozy and comfortable room at the hotel. While there has been a growth in holiday homes in the area, everything else remains pretty much the same as I remember it from my visit 10 years ago. The hotel, though, is expanding with an impressive new wing.

To get to Morgan’s Bay, we had to take a ferry across the Kei River, and it felt like crossing an international border. Everything north of the Kei, up to Port Edward, is part of the former Transkei. Although the area is no longer officially defined by national boundaries, it’s incredible how different it feels on either side of the river. Crossing the border from Mozambique to Mpumalanga is a similar experience in terms of efficiency and infrastructure.

I have to say, things really started to change once we reached this point in the hike. Up until now, we were treated to the classic beach experience – wide sandy stretches and endless blue skies, interrupted only by the occasional cow grazing. But when we arrived at Morgan’s Bay, we faced our first real challenge: climbing up the rocky cliffs that overlooked the town to the south. It was a refreshing change of pace, and although it required a bit more effort, it wasn’t too overwhelming at all.

Now let me tell you about day six. Our stay at Crawfords Cabins in Chinstsa was the perfect ending to our incredible adventure. We knew we were back in civilization, but it was a gentle and welcoming kind of civilization. The food was absolutely amazing, just like before, and the weather had returned to its sunny and pleasant state. The ocean was warm and the waves weren’t too rough. Even though the beach was busier than what we were used to, it was still a peaceful place where we could reflect on our journey and embrace a healthier and happier state of mind – all thanks to the magical wonders of the Wild Coast.