The small coastal town of Port St. Johns is known as the Jewel of the Wild Coast and is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape. Boasting pristine, white sandy beaches, a wide array of wonderful natural attractions, and fantastic fishing and surfing opportunities, the town is a favourite among families and those seeking a leisurely escape. The Selaka Nature Reserve offers a birdwatcher’s paradise and the chance to see the cute Cape clawless otters. Travellers looking for something a little different can head to the sulphur pools for a natural mud bath, which is a healing tradition among the local Pondo people, and rinse off in the calming river waters afterwards. Watching the natural wonder of the famous gap and blowhole on the beach presents an adrenaline-filled experience of the power of the sea and mother nature.
The Eastern Cape is endowed with some of the best beaches in South Africa – long stretches of fine white sand backed by hills blanketed with lush subtropical vegetation and, for the most part, blissfully uncrowded. The Indian Ocean waters that fringe this coast are mild throughout the year and support a myriad of marine life, including a wide array of fish species that make the region an angler’s mecca. South Africa’s most legendary surfing destination is located along the Eastern Cape coast: Jeffrey’s Bay, renowned for its long rides and world-class barrels.
Situated close to the city of East London in the beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Chintsa is a hidden treasure along the Wild Coast of South Africa. It is made up of two small villages: Chintsa East and Chintsa West, which are separated by the Chintsa River Mouth. It features a pristine, unspoiled long stretch of white-sand beach fringed by dense, lush vegetation scattered with a variety of wonderful places to stay ranging from luxury to budget accommodation. Chintsa offers visitors the opportunity to surf the waves, kayak along the river, enjoy a fishing excursion and soak up the African sun on the spectacular beach.
