VISIT the NATURAL WORLD
VISIT the NATURAL WORLD
WILD COAST
This is one of South Africa’s last true wilderness. 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.
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.
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.
Browse through some of the species you can find in this region:
