Agate Terrace, Port St. Johns – a cliff 4 km East of Port St. Johns. Takes its name from varieties of verigated, semi-pelucid chalcedonies found there. The ‘Meliskerk’ was wrecked off the coast there in 1943.
Hole in the Wall is one of the most impressive landmarks along the entire South African coastline. Second only to Table Mountain, most likely, though only a small fraction of the size. It is found on the northern banks of the Mpako River and it is an iconic. ‘Hole in the Wall’ in formation.The Hole in the Wall is situated roughly in the centre of the 300 km stretch of Wild Coast, mid-way between Port Edward in the north, and East London in the south.
The Hole in the Wall at Coffee Bay is a unique structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The local Xhosa call this place “izi Khaleni”, which means “place of thunder”. A hike that starts at the beautiful Coffee Bay beach and meanders along the coastline, passing Baby Hole and the Hlungwane Watefall. Your destination – Hole in The Wall –which is a natural rock feature formed after millions of years of the pounding sea. The lagoon here is also lovely to swim in. The mountain is impressive in stature, standing proud like a sentry at the shores of the Eastern Cape. The waves crash around it and burst through the hole; creating a stunning display of the power and magnitude of the ocean. In front of the Hole in the Wall, there is a long shallow area that is teeming with life. This is ideal for families with little ones that enjoy splashing about in the warm waters of the east coast of South Africa. It is also popular for snorkelers because, just centimetres from the surface of the water, loads of marine species can be enjoyed.
The hills all around the Hole in the Wall are fantastic to climb and explore (often accompanied by one or two of the local beach dogs that are usually tame and playful, eager to welcome tourists to their home). There is also a grassy area where families can picnic, play, or simply relax as they enjoy the pure prettiness around them. This area is abundant in bird life, and keen birders should keep an eye out for some exciting species. These include the green-backed camaroptera, amethyst sunbird, yellow-fronted canary, dark-backed forest weaver, three-banded plover, African green pigeon, black-collared barbet, and the great double-collared sunbird. Of course, it’s also a fantastic fishing spot. It is only about 7.5 hours from Durban and 4.5 hours from East London.
The legend of hole in the wall – The hole is quite literally a geographical marvel. It is an offshore stack of rock through which the elements have eroded a hole. The hole is directly in the path of the Mpako River and it is this, rather than wind or the surf, that has eroded the hole. However, Xhosa mythology tells a far more romantic tale of the sea people, semi deities who look like humans but have supple wrists and ankles and flipper like hands and feet. A beautiful girl living on the Wild Coast, in a village near a lagoon, cut off from the sea by a mighty cliff, was seen by one of the sea people who became overwhelmed by her beauty and tried to woo her. To cut a long story short: in dealing with the wrath of her father, the sea people enlisted the help of a huge fish who battered its way headfirst through the wall of rock. Through this hole spilled the sea people who swept the young Xhosa maiden away.
Hole in the Wall Hotel and Holiday Village offers some of the most picturesque scenery in South Africa. Hole in the Wall provides the perfect base for those wanting to get away from the stresses of modern day city life. The remoteness of Hole in the Wall resort lends itself to excellent bird watching, nature walks, hiking trails as well as being an ideal spot for fishing. The beach is directly in front of the resort and has a lovely natural bay. This secluded location makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday and the ideal base from which to explore the pristine Wild Coast.
Mthatha – Mthatha, founded in 1879, was declared the capital of the Transkei, the homeland of the Xhosa during the Apartheid era. The former Transkei is now part of the Eastern Cape province, previously known as Umtata. Mthatha is the colourful and lively centre of the region. The city stands on the banks of the Mtata River – the name derives from the word thatha (taker), owing to the damage and fatalities caused by the flooding river. At a village near the town, Mvezo, President Nelson Mandela was born into the Madiba clan of the Thembu royal family. The greatest attraction of Umtata is the Nelson Mandela Museum in the Bhunga Building in Owen Street. The modern museum displays a substantial variety of historic documents and photos of Madiba’s “Long Way to Freedom”. There is also the Madiba Trail; a trail named after President Nelson Mandela’s clan of the Thembu royal family. The trail leads hikers to, among others, Qunu where he grew up and the University of Fort Hare. The Bunga; is a a domed building that has served as the seat of the Transkei Parliament for more than half a century. It now houses the Nelson Mandela National Museum. Nelson Mandela National Museum; contains priceless sentimental gifts given to him while he was president. Umtata Dam; the dam that quenches the towns thirst also provides facilities for outdoor activities, such as picnicking and water sport. Facilities for ski boating are available. Town Hall; a sandstone building completed in 1908, fronted by pleasant gardens.
Accommodation in Mthatha is available in the unmatched splendor of the evergreen forests and unspoilt countryside surrounding the town. Ideal for those who revel in outdoor activities in splendid isolation, including hikes and trails. Fishing and bird watching are also available. Nature Reserves include: Dwesa, Hululeka and Silika.
Alan Straton
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