HOLE IN THE WALL!
Looking for an adventurous weekend getaway? Then Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay should be at the top of your list!
Hole In The Wall is situated in the rural parts of the Transkei. It is like stepping back in time or into a different country when you enter the Transkei.
You will experience some of the last untouched parts of South Africa. Some of the most picturesque landscapes, ranging from bush to beach.
Coffee Bay is about 500km from Durban but due to the roads it will take you about 7 hours to drive there. It is 100% worth the drive though! There are a lot of potholes once you enter the Transkei. Just drive slowly and then it's over before you know it.
Here are some of my tips when traveling to the Transkei!
1. Take everything that you think you might need!
If you are staying in a self-catering unit, which most likely you are then take all of your food, drinks, herbs, spices, charcoal - literally anything that you think you might need. There are no big supermarkets in Coffee Bay - just a few little local spaza shops.
A lot of accommodation like the place that I stayed at has a restaurant but there are not that many restaurants to choose from so I would recommend at least taking something to make for breakfast & lunch.
2. Take Cash
Most businesses do have card machines but the signal does not always work.
You will also need cash if you are going on a guided tour or if you want to park on traditional ground. You have to pay the person whose property you are parking on. Usually it is about R50.00
There are also “car guards” where you park to go to Hole in the Wall. Best to also give them some money.
3. Book a Guided Tour
Most accommodations will recommend their preferred guide.
I would highly recommend booking a hike to the caves or to the waterfalls.
These are parts of Coffee Bay that will be really hard to locate on your own and it is completely untouched by humans. Some of the clearest water and most amazing views you will ever see. I booked a hike to caves through the hostel that I was staying at and it was only R150.00 - Bear in mind that you don't get anything except for the guide for that price. So make sure to pack property hiking shoes, a lot of water and snacks. There is literally NOWHERE that you can stop and buy something. So pack a day bag and go prepared.
That being said, I would not suggest booking a tour to the hole itself. It is really easy to get to. Just follow the signs and walk through the little forest. Try to go at low tide so that you can go as close as possible to the hole.
4. Fill Up your Petrol Tank
Before entering the Transkei fill up your tank. There is literally nowhere to get petrol once you’re in Coffee Bay or if there is a place you most likely do not want to stop there. Talking about stopping. Don't just pull over anywhere.
5. Go to Zac’s Seafood Kitchen
There is one restaurant in Coffee Bay that everyone talks about and that is Zac’s.
They serve the freshest seafood, all freshly caught in the Transkei! The prices are decent and the food is amazing.
Let me know if you have any Transkei Travel Tips!
Commentaires