Coffee Bay to Haven Trail

The Coffee Bay to Bulungula trail can easily be extended down to the Haven hotel by adding an extra hike day. An extra night or two at the lovely Haven hotel, bordering Dwesa Nature reserve, comes highly recommended.

This is a varied trail with a mix of accommodation from backpackers to a community lodge and family-friendly hotels. There are iconic landmarks along the way, and a good diversity of terrain and experience.

  • Trip Duration3 - 4 Hike Days / 4 Nights
  • Daily DistancesDay 1 - 16kmDay 2 - 14kmDay 3 - 17km
  • Trail Grading3.5 - 4 / 5 - Fitness. Hilly terrain combined with relatively long hike distances along this stretch, requires hikers have a good level of fitness.3 / 5 - Technicality. The hiking path on Day 1 contours along steep-sided hill slope where persons who suffer from vertigo may feel a bit exposed.
  • Trail TerrainCoastal Trail – on one of SA's most dramatic and beautiful coastlines. Sandy and rocky beaches, lagoons, jutting cliffs, rock formations in the sea, mangrove swamps, rock pools and interesting intertidal life, good birdlife and fishing.
  • AccommodationBackpackers / Village StaysCommunity-Owned Fair Trade Eco-LodgeTraditional Wild Coast Hotel
  • Logistic SupportFully catered hiking trailTransfers included to/from Mtata.Partially or fully guided.
  • Group SizeFrom 2 persons – max 14 persons/per guide.
  • PricingOn a group of 6-10 persons: R6 400/pp for the 4 Night / 3 Hike Day trail
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At a Glance

An extended option on Coffee Bay – Bulungula, this trail takes in the iconic ‘Hole in the Wall’, the esteemed beaches of Mpame and Bulungula, and finishes at the lovely Haven Hotel, where we highly recommend staying an extra night or two.

It is best suited to groups of four or more as we'll organise a private transfer collection from the Haven. The trail is a mix of backpacker and hotel accommodation options and is well suited to friend and family groups.

  1. Day 1Arrival Day

    Public Transport Options -

    Coach drop-off at Shell Ultra Mtata & we’ll arrange a shuttle down to Coffee Bay (1- 1.5hr transfer time)

    OR self-drive to Mtata – leaving vehicle in secure premises. Transfer down to Coffee Bay (approx 1.5hr).

    Overnight: Coffee Bay Backpacker (Dinner).

  2. Day 2Hike Day 1: Hike from Coffee Bay – Lubanzi (16km/6-7hrs walk)

    Todays hike is up and down and hugs the cliff-line with absolutely breathtaking views. Baby hole, black rocks and probably the most well-known feature on the entire Wild Coast, Hole-in-the-Wall, stand in wait. Tonights accommodation is either in a local backpacker or nearby homestay.

    Overnight: Lubanz Backpacker/Homestay (Breakfast & packed lunch from C’Bay. Dinner at Lubanzi).

  3. Day 3Hike Day 2: Hike from Lubanzi – Bulungula Lodge (14km/4-5hrs walk).

    Todays hike takes you around Mbolompo point, past Mncwasa mouth and on to the picturesque Mpame bay. Up and over a headland and then a long beach awaits for the final stretch in to Bulungula lodge.

    Overnight: Bulungula Eco-lodge (Breakfast from Lubanzi. Dinner at Bulungula. Own trail lunch this day)

  4. Day 4Hike Day 3: Hike from Bulungula – Haven Hotel (17km/6-7hrs walk).

    Today is a long day’s hike but with attractive scenery. The Xhora river can provide an interesting river crossing, whilst ‘the twine’ is a well-known feature amongst Imana cyclists. Then there is the peaceful Xeni mouth and indigenous forest around Cwebe, before the lighthouse of Haven comes into view.

    Overnight: Haven Hotel (Breakfast & packed lunch from Bulungula. Dinner at Haven)

  5. Day 5Departure Day / or Extra Day

    Private transfer back to Mtata (approx. 3hrs).

    Or enjoy an extra day or two at the lovely Haven Hotel.

Breathtaking Views

Breathtaking Views

On the stretch between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall.

Friendly Backpackers – usually have some double rooms otherwise small dorms for your group to share.

Community homestay - bedding & meals provided.

Family hotel - 3 course dinners and old-world entertainment like a game of darts or pool.

Private Double - Backpacker RoomWe try to book double or twin rooms, otherwise small private dorms for groups
Private Double - Backpacker Room
Colourful Community-based Eco-lodgeA true community owned and operated backpackers
Colourful Community-based Eco-lodge
  1. Is it possible to organise vehicle luggage transfers on this hike?

    Porter or vehicle support on this trail is difficult or costly, so it would be better if you could carry your own backpacks. As all bedding and meals can be provided, you can keep your backpack weight to a minimum.

  2. How fit do you need to be to do this hike?

    You will need to have a very good level of fitness and endurance for this hike. The daily distances are long and the terrain hilly, so its best suited to the more experienced or fitter hiker.

  3. What type of footwear is appropriate?

    Because the terrain can be steep and get slippery / muddy, some groups have said that a sturdier hiking boot with ankle support comes highly recommended. We personally still prefer a hiking type shoe or trail sneaker, with a solid sole and grip.

  4. What is the best time of year for this trail?

    The Wild Coast has a very temperate climate so can be hiked all year round, but from about March through to November tend to be better months i.t.o less rainfall. Winter months offer a wonderful and stable climate for hiking and the annual sardine run brings with it game fish, schools of dolphins and pelagic birds.

  • Grassy sugar-loafed hills dotted with aloes are a typical scene along this stretch of Wild Coast.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • The terrain between Coffee Bay and Mpande is a series of hills, cliff faces and bays. A rounded rock on the top of one of the hills, makes for a great viewing vantage.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • Bead sellers at Hole in the Wall.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • From headland to headland on the Coffee Bay - Haven hiking stretch.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • A bay at sunset on the Coffee Bay - Haven Hiking trail.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • Hole-in-the-Wall. First day of the Coffee Bay – Haven hiking trail.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • View of the lighthouse confirms you are close to your final destination – the Haven Hotel.
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail
  • Calm bays and Ocean Blue - near Hole in the Wall
    Wild CoastCoffee Bay to Haven Trail

At a Glance

Group SizePrice (PP) 
4-5 Persons
R6 600/pp
6-10 Persons
R 6 400/pp
11 or more
R6 200/pp
Whats included in this tour
  • 4 Nights Accom (sharing basis): Coffee Bay Backpacker, Lubanz Backpacker or VBA, Bulungula Lodge, Haven Hotel
  • Meals: all meals provided from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day except 1 packed lunch from Lubanzi
  • Hiking Guide - for 3 Days up to Haven hotel
  • 2 x Private Shuttles: from/ back to Mtata. Arrival day collect from Mtata – transfer to Coffee Bay. Departure day: collect from Haven – transfer back to Mtata
  • AE Customisation & Booking Service
  • Optional Extras:
  • Extra night & hike day from Mdumbi: will quote based on group size but approx. R900pp – incl shuttle to Mdumbi, double room accom with dinner & breakfast + guide for extra hike day Mdumbi – Coffee Bay.
  • Extra day-night at Haven Hotel: R1000/pp - Full Board
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