A Wild Coast Adventure in Just One Weekend

Experience the untamed beauty of the Wild Coast on a relaxed two-day coastal journey from Kei Mouth to Haga Haga. Just one hour from East London, the Strandloper Weekender is the perfect escape for those with limited time, first-time hikers, families, and anyone wanting to experience the magic of the Wild Coast without committing to a long or demanding trail.

Trail at a Glance

Location: Kei Mouth to Haga Haga, Wild Coast
Distance: 22.5 km over 2 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners, families and relaxed weekend hikers

Trail Costs

Trail Fee: R300 per person
Return Shuttle to Kei Mouth: R200 per person (Great Kei Adventures)
Pre-Trail Stay: Strandloper Enviro Centre, Kei Mouth – R150 per person (optional)
Post-Trail Stay: Haga Haga Hotel – rates available on request (optional)
Firewood: Available at the Strandloper Enviro Centre and Double Mouth Hikers’ Cabin – R40 per bag

Optional Adventures

Quko River Kayak Excursion: R150 per person (unguided, including all equipment and a pre-launch briefing)
Morgan Bay Cliff Abseil: R350 per person (26 metres, subject to guide availability)

Overnight Accommodation

On the Trail: Rustic Hikers’ Cabin, Double Mouth Nature Reserve

What to Expect

Pristine sandy beaches and rugged rocky coastline
Indigenous coastal forests and dramatic ocean cliffs
Shell collecting, fishing opportunities and tidal pools
Abundant birdlife, possible dolphin sightings and spectacular scenery
A relaxed hiking pace with plenty of time to explore and unwind

Best For

First-time hikers
Families and small groups
Weekend travellers
Nature lovers seeking an accessible Wild Coast experience
Experienced hikers looking for a slower, scenic coastal escape

The Wild Coast Made Easy

The Strandloper Weekender proves that you do not need a week, expensive equipment, or extreme fitness levels to experience one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastlines. With manageable daily distances, simple but comfortable accommodation, and plenty of time to stop and appreciate your surroundings, this trail is designed to be enjoyed, not endured.

Arrive the afternoon before your adventure and spend the night at the Strandloper Enviro Centre in Kei Mouth for only R150 per person, allowing you to wake up right at the trailhead and begin your journey relaxed and ready. At the end of the hike, choose the convenient shuttle transfer back to Kei Mouth or extend your coastal getaway with an overnight stay at the Haga Haga Hotel.

The trail follows a breathtaking route through indigenous coastal forests, across sandy beaches, over rocky shores, and beneath towering cliffs with endless views over the Indian Ocean. There is ample opportunity to fish, photograph the landscape, discover shells, watch birds, and simply soak up the peace and beauty of the Wild Coast.

One of the greatest attractions of the Strandloper Weekender is its exceptional affordability. At only R300 per person for the two-day hike, with a return shuttle available for R200 per person, it offers outstanding value and makes a genuine Wild Coast hiking experience accessible to almost everyone.

Build your own Wild Coast weekend – keep it simple and affordable, or add kayaking, abseiling and extra nights to create your perfect coastal escape.

Your Weekend, Your Way

Choose the experience that suits you:

Keep it simple with an affordable two-day coastal hiking experience.
Arrive on Friday and enjoy a relaxed overnight stay at the Strandloper Enviro Centre before setting off.
Add a peaceful kayak adventure on the Quko River and explore the estuary from the water.
Test your nerve with a 26 m abseil from the famous Morgan Bay Cliffs (subject to guide availability).
Extend the experience with a final evening at the Haga Haga Hotel before returning home.

Day 1 | Kei Mouth to Double Mouth | 13,5 km

Your adventure begins at the Strandloper Enviro Centre at Cape Morgan in Kei Mouth, where you will be welcomed by the Trail Manager and issued with your hiking permit.

The first day introduces you to the dramatic beauty of the Wild Coast, taking you through coastal vegetation, across sandy beaches, and over rugged rocky sections. As you make your way towards Morgan Bay, the impressive cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, providing spectacular views over the coastline and a perfect vantage point to observe seabirds and, with a little luck, bottlenose dolphins moving through the waves below.

Although today’s distance is relatively short, sections of the headland crossing offer a more adventurous element, while still allowing plenty of time to stop for fishing, exploring rock pools, collecting shells, or simply taking in the magnificent scenery.

For those seeking an extra thrill, the optional 26-metre abseil from the Morgan Bay Cliffs offers an unforgettable way to experience this dramatic landscape (subject to guide availability).

Overnight site: Hikers' Cabin, Double Mouth Nature Reserve

Enjoy an evening in a remote wilderness setting, sharing stories around the fire beneath the stars. Firewood is available for purchase at the cabin for R40 per bag.

Day 2 | Double Mouth to Haga Haga | 9km

Wake to the sound of the ocean before continuing your journey around the headland towards the Quko Estuary.

Before setting off, adventurous hikers may choose to enjoy an optional kayak excursion on the calm waters of the Quko River. This self-guided experience includes all necessary equipment and a briefing beforehand, allowing you to explore the peaceful estuary at your own pace while enjoying the surrounding scenery and birdlife.

The trail then leads to the famous Treasure Beach, also known as Bead Beach, where colourful trade beads from historic shipwrecks are still occasionally discovered among the sand and shells.

Continuing past Black Rock, a coastline known as the final resting place of many ships, you follow beautiful shell-covered beaches before arriving at the charming seaside village of Haga Haga.

Celebrate the completion of your Wild Coast adventure with a well-deserved meal at the Haga Haga Hotel, extend your stay for another night, or make use of the shuttle transfer back to Kei Mouth.

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