The Wild Coast has just about everything the average family could want. There’s fishing for dad, wildlife for mom, sandy beaches and lagoons for the youngsters, horse riding and extreme sports for the teens. And don’t forget the surfing, hiking, offroad driving or cultural heritage as abundant as the region’s unexplored natural beauty.

It may be a little rough around the edges in some parts and even run down in others, but the Wild Coast offers several ideal destinations for a family holiday.

Hole in the Wall
Hole in the Wall is a small, quiet village named after the famous cliff-face looming out of the sea nearby. A significant landmark, the formation boasts a huge tunnel at its base, courtesy of the pounding waves.

From the village itself, the cliff is an easy one-kilometre walk along a pristine beach which is ideal for fishing, swimming and snorkeling. Picnics and relaxing are also the order of the day.

Beachcombers can look out for beads, coins and pottery fragments in the rock pools, courtesy of the numerous ships that have been claimed by this rugged coastline over the years.

Dominating the village itself is the Hole in the Wall hotel situated on a calm, sandy bay. Stay in one of the rondavels, relax on the green lawns, take a dip in the pool or watch the kids in the playground. Too laid-back? Take free surfing lessons at the backpacker's hostel next to the hotel.

Also nearby is the famous Coffee Bay, where you can stay at the well-known Ocean View hotel and enjoy long walks along the beach and into the surrounding hills. Their weekly seafood buffet is legendary!

Mazeppa Bay
Close to the Kei River and Umtata, Mazeppa Bay is a relaxed, picturesque village which has lots to offer the whole family.

A charming spot, named after a ship that landed supplies in the bay, it’s situated on a lagoon surrounded by dunes and a coastal forest.

The beaches, First Beach is the most popular, are some of the best on the Wild Coast with safe swimming out in the bay and good surfing too. The other two main beaches — to the south of the lagoon — are ideal for collecting shells and relaxed strolls on the beach.

But Mazeppa Bay is especially famous for its fishing with a large variety of game fish just waiting to be caught. The renowned island — accessible from First Beach via a 100m-high suspension bridge — is a good vantage point for casting your line. If fishing’s not for you though, the village is close enough for a day trip to East London or for walking a section of the Wild Coast Hiking Trail.

Qora Mouth
Nestled just north-east of Mazeppa Bay, Qora Mouth is perfect for the active family. There’s a range of water sports on offer including canoeing, water-skiing and boardsailing. But, if you’re a landlubber, the small ferry traversing the mouth of the lagoon takes you to excellent hiking trails along the coast.

Morgan Bay
Another small village, this one situated 90km from East London, Morgan Bay lies on a lagoon formed by two converging rivers.

Called Double Mouth, it’s dominated by a lighthouse and surrounded by forested dunes as well as a line of sandstone cliffs. These 50m Morbay Cliffs, an unbeatable spot for whale and dolphin watching, are just a short hike from the local hotel.

Overlooking a wide, sandy beach, the hotel is an ideal spot for a family holiday, or for a more rustic experience you can stay in the camping facilities while your toddlers paddle in the tranquil estuary.

Morgan Bay is situated about 85km north-east of East London, 45km off the N2 national road.

Qolora Mouth
The roads to Qolora Mouth might be rugged, but the coastal destination — complete with lagoon — is well worth the trip. Stay in the old fashioned family hotel — where uniformed nannies look after the kids — and relax on the sunbeds at the swimming pool. Alternatively, stay at the famous Seagull's hotel which is situated right on the beach.

Apart from the water-based activities, there are several guided trails on offer — including walking and 4x4 tours.

To get to Qolora Mouth, travel from Morgan’s Bay to Kei Mouth and take the pontoon across the Kei River.

Haga Haga
Roughly 70km from East London, past endless pineapple fields, Haga Haga is said to be named for the incessant murmuring of the sea.

Today it’s home to a seaside resort boasting a hotel — fronted by a tidal swimming pool — as well as several flatlets if you prefer self-catering accommodation.

Spend your time at the pool or take a short two-kilometre walk to Pullens Bay where there is a sandy beach just perfect for safe swimming. Two kilometres further is Bead Beach, named after the gemstone and pottery beads decorating the sand.

Wild Coast Sun
North of Umtata, at the Mzamba river mouth, the Wild Coast Sun is the Wild Coast's largest, and probably best-known, resort.

Apart from the huge casino, the Sun has the usual attractions of an upmarket seaside resort, so there’s a first-rate golf course for dad and an enormous range of activities for the kids. Let them loose on ten pin bowling, putt-putt, horse riding and a games arcade.

The accommodation might set you back a bit, but most of the typically plush suites have excellent views of the estuary and the sea.

The Mzamba crafts market opposite the hotel is well worth exploring. A large tourist market, arranged to resemble a traditional kraal, it sells crafts from all over Africa.

The Wild Coast Sun is situated on the R61 en route to Port Edward. Follow the N2 north from Umtata towards Bizana. Take the Bizana turn off and follow the signs.

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