COFFEE BAY - BULUNGULA HIKING TRAIL

A real Wild Coast Hike for those short on time and

budget

For backpackers using the Baz Bus, or hikers keen on a landmark trail that can be
packed into a long-weekend or an extended 4 -5 Day/ 4-5 night trail, this is the
trail for you.
Starting at Coffee Bay - or Mdumbi for the longer hike option - this trail allows
walkers to pack in some of the most scenic and iconic Wild Coast scapes on a
tight schedule and budget.
This is a fully guided trail, overnighting in funky backpackers with tasty, hearty
meals all included. We will also arrange for the bulk of your luggage to be safely
transferred to the hike finish, so you get to hike with just your daypack.... as all
you really need is a change of clothes, a sarong and your toothbrush!
So come get your flickR moment at the fabled Hole in the Wall and end your
experience at the fair trade eco-lodge, Bulungula voted one of the worlds Top
25 Ultimate Ethical Travel Experiences by Rough Guide and Worldwide Runner-up
in the Guardian 2009 Ethical Travel Awards.

HIKE - AT A GLANCE
Trip Duration

Standard Trail: 3 Night / 2 Hike Days. Trail can be extended to 3-4

Hike Days/ 4-5 Nights with as many 'lay' days as you wish.

Daily Distances Standard 2 Hike Day Trail: Day 1: 16km Day 2: 13km
Extended Trail: Extra Days - 11km & 8-10km

Trail Grading

Physical Fitness Grade 3.5: the section between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall has
some of the steepest hills on the Wild Coast. The relatively long hike
distances require that participants have a good level of fitness.
However, you only need hike with a small/light backpack.

Technicality

Grade 3: the hiking path on Day 1 contours along steep-sided hill

slopes where persons who suffer from vertigo may feel a bit exposed.
However, there are no dangerous sections.

Trail Terrain

Coastal Trail on one of SAs most dramatic and beautiful coastlines.

Sandy and rocky beaches, lagoons, jutting cliffs, steep hillsides, iconic
rock formations, rock pools & interesting intertidal life, good birdlife &
fishing

Accommodation Backpackers & Community-Owned Fair Trade Eco-Lodge.

Logistic
Support

Fully guided and catered hiking trail with transfers included to/from
Mtata. Main luggage transfer to end-point, so you need only hike with
a small daypack and the basics you require for the trail.

Tour Highlights Packs some of the most iconic Wild Coast landmarks onto a whistlestop hike and offers an authentic cultural experience. The famous Hole
in the Wall, sugar-loaf hills around Coffee Bay, breathtaking views,
beautiful beaches, secluded bays, stunning estuaries, Lubanzi vibes,
Rock & Surf fishing at Umbolompo point, Bulungwini beach and
estuary, the rocket showers and colourful mosaics at Bulungula,
supporting a Fair Trade eco-lodge. Visiting Bulungula Incubator
projects: local food gardens, schools & clinics. Eating banana-andcaramel pancakes at the local community restaurant. Hiking Green.

Other Activities Canoeing, rock & surf fishing at the famous Umbolompo point (near
Lubanzi), visiting a local herbalist and other community projects
around Bulungula. Lunch at a local community restaurant.

Fauna & Flora

Expansive grasslands, indigenous forest patches and forested ravines,

endemic flora species.

Climate

Mild sub-tropical climate with small seasonal temperature variation.

Summer months (Nov Feb), avg max daily temperatures of around
27-29 degrees celsius whilst winter months (June Aug) avg 21 deg
C. Night temps seldom drops below 10 deg C in winter and average
around 15 deg C in summer. Most rain is received from summer
thunderstorms (avg of 150mm/month in Nov Feb), whilst the driest
months, June-Aug produce an average of 40mm/month.

Seasonality &
Due to its temperate climate, the Wild Coast is good for hiking all year
Best Time Year round. Summer rainfall is usually in the form of quick thundershowers
which pass quickly. Summer is also best for birdlife. The mild weather,
sunny days & low probability of rain during winter also make this an

excellent time (& a welcome retreat from the biting cold of an interior
winter). Spring & Autumn months generally combine the best of all
conditions.
Availability: All year round, but best to avoid very busy Easter &
Christmas holiday periods.

Group Size

Minimum 2 persons - maximum 14 persons per guide. If you are a

larger group, extra guides will be allocated.

Price / PP

Dependent on group size and customised quote will be provided as per

customised itinerary, but the Std 3 Night / 2 Hike Day Long
Weekender Trail , priced as follows:
2 Persons R2500/ pp
3 Persons R2300/ pp
4 Persons R2100/ pp
5 - 7 Persons R2000/ pp
8 - 11 Persons R1900/ pp
12 Persons or more R1800/ pp

Price Includes

3 Nights Accommodation (Backpackers & Eco-lodge)

All Meals: 3 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts & 2 Packed Trail Lunches
2 Full Hike days accompanied by a Local Guide

Pick-up and return shuttle to Mtata (to coincide with Baz Bus
schedules)

Coffee Bay Bulungula Hike: Standard 2 Hike Day / 3 Night Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival Day:
11h15: Baz Bus picks-up from EL backpacker transfer through to Mtata (arrive 14h30
15h00 at Mtata). NB: This service only runs on Tuesday, Wednesdays, Fridays &
Sundays so your flight needs to arrive on one of these days & it should arrive by 09h30
to have enough time for transfer to EL backpacker & pick up by 11h15.
14h30: Baz Bus drops off at Mtata & well arrange a shuttle down to Coffee Bay (11.5hr transfer time)
Overnight: Coffee Bay Backpacker (DBB included)
Day 2 Hike from Coffee Bay Lubanz Backpackers (16km hike day past Hole in the
Wall absolutely stunning hike!)
Overnight: Lub Backpackers (DBB included)
Day 3 Hike from Lubanz Backpackers Bulungula Lodge 12 km hike (communityowned backpackers which is one of the best show-cases of a successful community
tourism venture & idyllic location)

Overnight: Bulungula (DBB included)

Day 4 can spend an extra lay day at Bulungula if you have the time OTHERWISE
transfer arranged back to Mtata (the transfers are timed to coincide with Baz Bus pickups) where you can catch the Baz Bus back to East London (arrives around 17h15) or
onto Durban. The Mtata - East London Baz Bus service only runs on Monday, Tuesdays,
Thursdays & Saturdays.