7 Days on the Wild Coast: Eastern Cape Coastal Drive
This self-drive hugs the Eastern Cape's dramatic shoreline from Port Elizabeth through the Garden Route to Mossel Bay, threading hidden valleys, suspension bridges over gorges, and windswept beaches where great whites patrol. Perfect for adventurers who want coastal beauty without the tourist polish of the Western Cape.
What to expect
- Bloukrans Bridge bungy jump over a river gorge in Tsitsikamma Forest.
- Suspension bridges and waterfall hikes in Storms River Mouth.
- Hermanus whale watching (June–November) from clifftop viewpoints.
- Secluded beaches at Wilderness and Sedgefield—walk from one to the next.
- Drive inland to De Kelders Cave system, then return to the coast at Mossel Bay.
Day by day
Depart Port Elizabeth eastward on the N2; stop at Kabeljouws Beach for a leg-stretch and coastal views.
Arrive Wilderness (190 km); check into your lodge, then walk the Wilderness Beach trail past three interconnected lakes.
Sunset walk along the beach or rest at your accommodation; dinner at a local seafood spot.
Short drive (80 km) to Storms River Mouth; tackle the Suspension Bridge walk linking two gorges with views down to the river.
Hike the Storms River Trail, a steep descent into the forest to the river estuary; return by mid-afternoon.
Rest at Storms River hamlet; braai (barbecue) at your guesthouse or restaurant.
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park; canopy tours or forest walks through yellowwood trees (optional zip-lining).
Optional: Bloukrans Bridge bungy jump (50 m above the river) or simply walk the bridge for photos.
Return to Storms River or nearby Knysna (60 km); wine and dinner overlooking the lagoon.
Boat tour of Knysna Heads—narrow sandstone cliffs framing the Indian Ocean entrance; watch for dolphins.
Drive to Sedgefield (50 km); beach walk and visit the Sedgefield Market if it's a Saturday.
Dinner in Sedgefield or move on to Mossel Bay (70 km); stay on or near the coast.
Visit Cape St. Blaize lighthouse and museum; walk along Mossel Bay's golden beach.
Drive to Pinnacle Point Caves (40 km inland via scenic back roads); tour the archaeological sites with coastal views.
Return to Mossel Bay; sunset drink on the beachfront.
Detour inland to De Kelders Cave system (60 km); explore the limestone caves and viewpoints over Walker Bay.
Drive to Hermanus (50 km); walk the Hermanus Cliff Path for whale sightings (season-dependent) and seabird spotting.
Whale-watching boat trip (if season aligns) or clifftop sunset; seafood dinner.
Leisurely coastal drive back toward Port Elizabeth; stop at Elim Beach (near De Kelders) for a final beach walk.
Stop at Still Bay for a quiet beach escape; browse local craft shops.
Arrive back in Port Elizabeth; celebratory dinner or early flight next morning.
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