Lifestyle, adventure, craft

 Come and join us for an experience of a lifetime.

Feel free to contact us directly on :-  Rob (0849511325) - Debbie (0822569414)

Our website :-  www.offshoreportstjohns.com

Offshore Africa Port St John's is owner run and managed by Rob Nettleton & Debbie Smith.  Both represent a highly qualified team with in excess of 25 years expertise in their field

Aside from being specialists in the Sardine Run, we also offer as follows:-

2 hour Ocean Experience trips

Offshore Photographic trips to Waterfall Bluff (North) and Umgazana / Brazen Head (South)

Scuba diving (when ocean & weather conditions permit)

Shark diving expeditions

River cruise on the mighty Umzimvubu River

PADI diver training is done on request

The above additional activities are on offer outside of the sardine run.  During June - August our main focus is on the sardine run.

We have a full range of scuba & snorkelling equipment available for rental.

Our vessel "Offshore 1" is a 7.2m semi-rigid inflatable powered by 2 x 85hp Yamaha motors, capable of carrying 10 clients + 2 crew. We limit our numbers during sardine run for maximum comfort & space as we are out at sea for a lengthy period each day.

Places you will visit in the Wild Coast:

Mdumbi
Lwandile
Secret Beach
Coffee Bay
Mapuzi Caves
Mdumbi Point Surf
Itinerary: Please note: This itinerary is more of a guideline, if the surf is cooking – things change!

The Wild Coast offers world class waves and beaches. The Wild Coast Ocean offers every kind of wave you could want, from beach breaks to point breaks, big swell to small swell, tube rides to mellow fun rides!

When you out in the Transkei Ocean you then know you are surrounded by Africa. Things here are the way they used to be all over South Africa, where culture is strong, living is simple and the locals are in high spirits. The untouched land makes for a picturesque view while chilling on the beach, fishing on the river or having sundowners on the river bank.

Justin Sanders, your guide will take you to several surf breaks and secret beaches along the Wild Coast making sure you get waves everyday! No one knows the Transkei like Justin Sanders. The surf breaks around the Transkei vary in size and power, point breaks and beach breaks. Justin will assess your level of surfing and then decide which breaks are best for you. There is a wave for everyone, from beginners to professionals!

Other activities when not surfing include the well known Hole in the Wall, local craft markets, secret beaches, fishing, tanning and get a taste of some traditional dance and drumming. So yes, those who don’t surf will still have plenty to do!

When travelling this part of the world, the community is really what makes your experience unforgettable. The Wild Coast is a Xhosa community made up of many tribes. You will experience the way the Xhosa people live and you will learn all about their culture and beliefs.

You will stay at Swell Tours Guest Lodge which is our very own Lodge, built by the Xhosa people and looks straight into the eye of a perfect wave!

Your Guide:
Justin Sanders, owner and guide for Swell Tours will be your guide. Justin is a very well known South African Professional surfer. Justin has been visiting the Transkei with his father since he was just a small boy and has loved everything about it from the first day! In fact, it is due to his dedication to the area and his love for the community that he was offered his very own land!

He has surfed every break as well as knows of spots unnamed. He has vast knowledge of the area, surf breaks and weather patterns. You really won’t find a better tour guide than Justin when visiting the Transkei!

Price Includes:-
• Pick up & Drop Off from East London.
• All accommodation.
• Guide 24/7.
• All meals at the Wild Coast accommodation site, including cool drinks.

Price Excludes:-
• Expenses of a personal nature.
• All Alcohol.
• All Flights.

Please note: All tour packages are customizable and can be made longer or shorter to suit your needs.

For more information go to www.swelltours.com

Mdumbi Point Surf & View

Cher-a-Don Mkulu Kei Horse Trails is an award winning, owner-run horse trail company established in 1998.
We offer guided horse trekking vacations on well trained horses for all riding abilities, catering from small to large groups, offering short day rides as well as multi-day trekking along the Wild Coast.
Beginners to advanced riders of all ages are welcome. Beach rides are approximately 2 hours, leaving at 9:30am and 2:30pm every day. Booking is essential. Our overnight Wild Coast horse trails into the Transkei, range from 2 to 12 days, hopping from hotel to hotel along the pristine coast line.

We also offer volunteer/ career break/ gap year opportunities for anyone who would like to take part in a working holiday.
A warm welcome and an unforgettable equestrian experience await all visitors to Mkulu Kei Horse Trails.
See you in the saddle soon! Website: www.mkulukeihorsetrails.co.za

Experience the essence of Africa with a mountain bike tour on the Wild Side – Eastern Cape’s, Wild Coast. Dramatic cliff faces, jutting headlands, hidden waterfalls and deserted beaches. Kickback under a milkwood tree, explore the rusted remains of the numerous shipwrecks along this shore, or discover the myriad birdlife and pristine estuaries which abound this rugged coastline.

There's no better way to appreciate the diversity of this untamed coast than from the vantage of your saddle, as you wind your way from cliff-top to sandy bay, across grassy plateau and up forested-tracks, passing through rural villages along the way. Experience the warmth of amaXhosa hospitality and get an insight into traditional custom with community and backpacker-stays, or treat yourself to the old-world charm of family hotels along the way.

At over 300km in length, with a labyrinth of coastal and inland trails to chose from, the Wild Coast offers diverse trail riding options. Trips are generally run over full and new moon periods, where we take advantage of the wet hard beaches created by the Spring low tides.

Active Escapes offers a number of MTB tour options along this untamed coastline. Whilst a good measure of fitness and previous mountain bike experience comes recommended, a keen sense of adventure, and an appreciation of nature, is the only qualifier you’ll need to participate in one of our tours.

The traditional Wild Coast Cycle Tour follows the Imana Wild Ride race route from Kei Mouth in the south up to Umngazi or Port St John’s. This 200km race is completed over 4 days, which can be done with fit and experienced groups. However, we tend to trip the route over a more social 6 days, with the second and last day being split into two ride days. We also usually take a well deserved rest-day somewhere enroute to fully appreciate the landscape through which you are passing and re-energize on some of those good pondo vibes.

We offer private tours to groups of 6 persons or more, otherwise keep checking our ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR for scheduled tours.

Our tours are professionally guided, catered and supported with vehicle back-up, but if you looking to run the trip independently ( without vehicle back-up), we can certainly help out with route advice, accommodation bookings, and end-point transfers.

For More Information about cycling the Wild Coast or to start planning your own Wild Ride Adventure, Contact:

Sarah Drew (Active Escapes)
Tel: 084 2407277 or 033 2344367
Email: sarah@active-escapes.co.za

Visit our Wild Coast Cycle Tour Page or checkout this YOUTUBE VIDEO POST taken on one of our last tours.

The 60km stretch of Wild Coast from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is well suited to the more budget-conscious traveller looking for an authentic Wild Coast Experience. On this 5 day hiking trail you can chose between friendly village-based homestays, chilled-out backpackers, or a combination of both.

You'll pass some impressive natural phenomenans, along the undulating terrain through which this hike traverses.

From the fascinating Table Mountain sandstone cliffs of Port St Johns; to the arched bays of Mpande and Mdumbi (voted one of SA's top three beaches and surfing hotspot); the impressive dolerite intrusion at Brazen Head and the fabled landmark, Hole in the Wall, where the roar of ocean through this hollowed cliff, has earnt the Xhosa name “esiKhaleni”( place of sound).

From the lush coastal forests of Silaka to the peppered hills of Hluleka, the PSJ to Coffee Bay walking trail navigates rocky seashores, mangrove-clad estuaries, across sandy bay and through evergreen forests.

Our Standard 5 Day PSJ - Coffee Bay Hike Itinerary is:

Day 1 : Arrive in PSJ (86km from Mtata).
Overnight: at a friendly Backpacker, B&B or Lodge

Day 2: Hike 3rd Beach PSJ– Mngazana Estuary. 5hrs walk. Overnight: Village-based homestay with dinner, bed & breakfast included OR Private Holiday Cottage (self-catered)

Day 3:Hike Mngazana - Mpande. 4hrs walk.
Overnight: Backpacker or Private Holiday Cottage (avail & no's dependent)

Day 4: Hike Mpande - Hluleka. 6hrs walk.
Overnight: Hluleka Nature Reserve (self-catered) or village-based homestay (DBB)

Day 5: Hike Hlukela - Mdumbi. 6hrs walk.
Overnight: Mdumbi Backpackers or Village Homestay (DBB)

Day 6: Hike Mdumbi-Coffee Bay. 4hrs walk.
Overnight: Treat yourself to a stay in the Ocean View hotel or drum the night away at Bomvu or Coffee Shack backpackers.

Day 7 :After a hearty breakfast & walk up sugar-loaf hill, a shuttle will pick you up to return you to back to PSJ where your vehicles await. Bon Voyage

For more information about this hike, contact:

Sarah Drew (Active Escapes)

Venture where only a fortunate few have passed. The northern Pondoland section of the Wild Coast, stretching from Mtamvuna river in the north (Port Edward) to the mighty Umzimvubu in the south (Port St John's), is undoubtedly the least accessible, dramatically rugged and breathtakingly pristine section of the Wild Coast.

Passing through traditional xhosa villages, rolling green hills, rocky headlands and sandy bays. Pass amazing waterfalls, freestanding rock stacks and pristine estuaries on your journey. The skeletal remains of numerous shipwrecks along the shore bear testimony to this high-energy coastline, whilst schools of dolphin and whales are a familiar sight.

Details of Pondo-Explore Hike:

Day 1: Drive to Port St Johns. Leave vehicles there in safe parking and get transferred to Msikaba at 2pm.

Afternoon Activity: Take the canoes up the Msikaba Estuary, visit the Cape Griffon Vulture colony or visit the waterfalls in Mkambathi Nature Reserve
Overnight: Msikaba Camp (s/cat)

Day 2: Hike Msikaba – Luphuthana. 16km.
Overnight: Lupatana Camp (s/cat)

Day 3: Hike Luphuthana – Mbotyi. 14km.
Overnight: Thatched rondavels at Mboyti Community Camp Site or upgrade to the Mbotyi River Lodge for an additional

Day 4: Hike Mbotyi – Manteku. 10km.
From Mbotyi south, the gradient of terrain increases – hence the shorter daily distances. Overnight: Manteku Camp

Day 5: Hike Manteku – Ntafufu. 9km.
Overnight: Ntafufu Camp

Day 6: Hike Ntatfufu – PSJ. 11.5km.
Tour ends in the afternoon in Port St Johns – collect vehicles.

Accommodation in PSJ can be organised at the beginning &/or end of this hike.

All camps comprise 12 x twin bedded safari tents (under thatched bomas, nestled amongst milkwoods to keep cool) – each tent has its own ensuite toilet & hot water shower.

There is a central dining/ kitchen boma with all cooking & cutlery facilities provided - including a small fridge for perishable food items. Or, if your group is large enough – you can chose the fully catered hike option.

For more information, about this hike, please
CLICK HERE:

or Contact:

Sarah Drew
Tel: 033 2344367
Cell: 084 2407277
Email: sarah@active-escapes.co.za

Transkei Wild Coast Drive. Rondavels in Kruger. Oil Lanterns in the Bush. Route 62: Elephants, Ostriches and Wine. Beehive Huts and St. Lucia. Garden Route Adventure Trail. Build your own South Africa adventure.

We offer our customers the chance to design their own trip to South Africa by choosing a variety of bite-sized travel experiences (modules), lasting a few days at a time. We then string these experiences together to form a longer trip.

Build your own self drive with South Africa Travel Plan.
www.southafricatravelplan.co.uk

The Best way to experience the beauty of the Wild Coast is to take the 5 day hiking trail run by Jimmy and Mbuyi. Please visit their site for more information, rates and details  at www.wildcoasthikes.com.

The Port St. Johns to Coffee Bay Hiking Trail goes through some of the most beautiful hiking landscape in South Africa. The trail hugs a stretch of coastline along the former Transkei homeland, and is unspoilt and barely touched by development. You will walk along rolling grassy hills dotted with colourful huts, idyllic beaches, estuaries flanked by thick coastal forest and cliffs with stunning sea views. Hikers sleep in hikers’ huts and village accommodation. You will also learn a little bit of Xhosa Language and experience the Xhosa food. If you’re hiking at the right time of the year, you will most likely see dolphins and whales.

The duration of the hiking trail is five days with four overnight stops.

Your guides are Dreadlock Jimmy Selani, and Mbuyi Mangala:

Check their site for some reviews on the hike. www.wildcoasthikes.com

Ferry Point in Port St Johns is pleased to announce the availability of daily horse riding on Long Beach, between Ferry Point and Poenskop.

Their horses are sound and well schooled; so whether you are an experienced rider or absolute beginner, you will enjoy the spectacular beaches, fabulous mountain views and peaceful forests.

Really experience it:

Hike along the pristine stretch of coastline from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay, and stay along the way in traditional Xhosa huts.

Contact: Jimmy Selani, the Tour Guide from Mtumbane (PSJ) on 082 507 2256 (+27 international dialing code), or check their website for more info: www.wildcoasthikes.com.

Jimmy was voted South African Tourism's 'Best Emerging Guide of the Year 2004'. Charismatic and fluent in English, he's a fount of information on the area and its people - the perfect chaperone.

UPDATE: There is now an official website: www.wildcoasthikes.com

A walk on the wild side
By Fiona McIntosh (http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/article.php?page_id=2031)

Trekking between local settlements along the wave-bashed Wild Coast, Fiona McIntosh finds deserted beaches, shipwrecks and a very warm welcome.

Anyone for a beer?" inquired Jimmy, holding up a plastic carton. Even in the dim light of the mud hut the milky brew looked vile.

Step into the magic world of rural Africa and experience the traditions of the amaMpondo people in the sub-tropical hills of the Transkei. Witness African shamanism as it is still lived today. Trance-dance into the night to the beat of Ancestral drums.

Ntombemhlope

Contact Chris:
chris@purepondo.co.za
072-302-9489
+27-72-302-9489
www.purepondo.co.za

The Wild Coast is a region rich in diversity! Not only in culture but also in mountain biking terrains. Test your technical riding skills in the forests of Dwesa or Cwebe Nature Reserves. Test your anaerobic endurance and enter yourself in the Imana Wild ride which is 4 days of the most beautifull and rugged mountain biking in the world! Rid yourself of any stress while you explore the wildest coast of Mbotyi on your mountain bike. You could even go on a mountain bike safari in Mkambati Nature Reserve! In this region you will surely find the terrain your mountain biker soul has been searching for.
That is where this site comes in. At www.ecmtb.co.za you will be able to browse a map to find the type of ride you are looking for in the area you want to explore. You will find all kinds of rides: Race routes, routes around holiday resorts, training rides, rides in and around town and even multi day rides.
To go straight to the Wild Coast MTB Routes click here:

Bookings for the "hotel-hopping" Wild Coast Walk between Kob Inn (north) and Cintsa (south) can be made through SA Adventure Trails. Phone Paul Colvin on 082-3234022 or email info@trails.co.za

The 5 day 4 night trail covers 60km+ of pristine coastline : wide, shell-filled beaches, rocky headlands, coastal forest, estuaries and river mouths. Walk between 15-20 km per day with a guide while your luggage is transferred round to the next hotel in the chain. Stay overnight in comfortable hotel rooms with good food and company and leave next day after a hearty breakfast. After your last night stay you will be picked up and taken back to your start point where your cars will have been safely parked or driven round to East London airport to catch your return flight.

Optional side activities include canoeing on the Kei River, horse riding on the beach or spending your last night at a bush camp in a private game reserve.

Everywhere you go on the Wild Coast you will find craft sellers, usually with a tablecloth full of their wares spread on the ground. Their favourite vantage points are all the places that tourists would stop for some reason: petrol stations, resorts, supermarkets, pavements outside banks and post offices. Several craft shops are found at Port St Johns –among them are Pondo People on the east side of the Mzimvubu river. The clothing made here is unique and very distinctive. Most have a variety of locally produced wooden sculptures, baskets and bead jewellery. Another shop in Port St Johns is Jakotz on Second Beach, which sells printed clothing and fabric.

Wild Coast afterparty a cool, laid-back affair

The termite, the donkey and the rainbow: happy backpacker Leon Marais spills the beans.

South Africa is a backpacker's delight. Thousands of foreign travellers are aware of this, yet many South Africans remain oblivious to this organised and well-run component of our tourism industry.

As a backpacking destination South Africa has a lot going for it: it's different and diverse, organised, safe (when organised) and, while not as cheap as other destinations such as Thailand, still affordable to young travellers.

The most popular route begins with some time in and around Cape Town, followed by time getting acquainted with wine and scenery around Stellenbosch and a hop-on, hop-off meander along the Garden Route towards Port Elizabeth.

Hiking info:

"Slack-packing"

Wild Coast Meander (http://www.wildcoastholidays.co.za)

Adventure:

Hiking, fishing, diving, riding...