Transkei

The Wild Coast. The least developed area of SA. Hide-out for dissenters during apartheid days. Total alternative white culture and rural Xhosa in a tolerant mix.

Towns

Umtata, the gateway to the Wild Coast: roads and taxis out to Port St Johns, Coffee Bay, Kraal etc. Big buses from Durban and points south stop at the petrol station on the highway. Cheap safe sleep at the Grosvenor hotel downtown, near the mall and taxi rank. Take a taxi into town from the petrol station.
Port St Johns, Capital of the Wild Coast and home of the wise, the wild , the wacky, and the weird.
Coffee Bay, Grocery store and post office. Surf specialists share their knowledge, beach with friendly water, drums and firedancing under moon and stars.

The jungle between Durban and Port Elizabeth, least visited, lowest crime.

"The Kraal": Dylan's 'chill village' between Port St Johns and Coffee Bay
Xhosa villages, See the round huts, meet the friendly people, maybe chat with a Sangoma (witchdoctor). Visit a shebeen (local bar). Beer and food available for hikers. NOTE: these people have no cash--don't tempt them by flashing yours!
Hsuleka game reserve, Black and Blue wildebeest, 2 kinds of Zebras, raptors, pristine forest, butterflies in season. No lions! Hiking trail huts on a lonely beach at the south end.
Silaka game reserve, South of Port St Johns beach 3, beaches, breakers, bush to butterflies. Pay fee here for the Wild Coast trail, at HQ in the middle of the reserve. Hiker's hut on the north end.

Wild Coast Trail. One of the world's great hikes, 5 days (Port St Johns - Coffee Bay). Every night on a bed in a hut. Costs about SAR 45 for all; or the old, full 26 days (most other huts are in ruins) all the way down the Wild Coast, beaches and bush and sunshine, spirit and locals' smiles. Game reserves, few roads, fewer automobiles. Be prepared to ford estuaries! Wear sandals when crossing in case of stings. The moment the tide starts IN is least dangerous. Rumours of sharks are overstated. Fresh water streams at least once a day, use iodine. Firewood sufficient. Guides not needed. BEWARE OF UNDERTOWS WHILE SWIMMING! People have walked solo 42 days, no worries. A hat suitable for strong winds is a must!
Wild beaches, clothing optional, sunblock a must, cover up for conservative locals, beware of undertows.
Beach fishing, km after km of undeveloped, unexplored shores
Surfing, least undertow at Coffee Bay beach, ask about conditions at Jungle Monkeys in Port St Johns.