DAY TRIPS IN COFFEE BAY
We offer day trips every day that the weather allows (we have on average 200+ days of sunshine per year), on rainy days we usually arrange a short village or coastal walk or even surf lessons for FREE, so no one gets “cabin fever”. Day trips range from beach outings to unforgettable cultural experiences, and coastal hikes to Hole in the Wall and Mpuzi – all with qualified guides. Every evening (weather permitting), guests are invited on a free “sundowners”, we go for a short walk or drive to stunning location, to watch the sunset celebrating the end of another perfect day, with a beer or soft drink, whatever suits you. Here are some of the activities you can do:
HOLE IN THE WALL HIKE
An always popular 3-hour walk to one of the region’s most beautiful natural features. This 9 km coastal hike takes you through remote rural villages, passing the baby “hole in the wall” before reaching the Mpako River that passes through the Hole in the Wall. Relax under the milk woods or go for a swim while the guide prepares a tasty lunch of sandwiches toasted on the open fire. If the ocean permits, try a daring jump into the hole. We will then drive you back along the scenic gravel road, arriving just in time for a sundowner with a favourite drink.
- Depart 10.30am – return 3.30-4pm;
- Approx. 3hrs non-technical hiking (9km);
- Includes a lift back to Coffee Shack;
- Includes lunch and you can purchase cold drinks, chips & chocolate from the cooler box;
- Swimming not compulsory;
- You need at least 1.5l of water, shoes (trainers or sandals, not flip-flops), sunscreen/hat, camera, bathers/towel.
MPUZI CLIFFS AND CAVES
If you enjoy exploration and adventure this is the daytrip for you. A spectacular day spent picking your way down goat paths along the Mpuzi cliff edge. Check out the caverns and the Bat Cave, discover hidden pathways and secret pools and do some mind-blowing cliff jumps! Scramble back up the rocks and teeter across the “land-bridge” back to base-camp for lunch under the trees. Then get the adrenalin going again with a cliff jump into the Mpuzi River before returning to Coffee Shack.
- Depart 10.30am – return 3pm;
- Approx. 2hrs hiking (5km) including rock scrambling;
- Includes a lift back to Coffee Shack;
- Includes lunch and you can purchase cold drinks, chips & chocolate from the cooler box.
- Swimming & cliff jumps are not compulsory;
- You need at least 1.5l of water, shoes (trainers or sandals, not flip-flops), sunscreen/hat, camera, bathers/towel.
VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Take a walk into the hills with one of our local guides and experience a way of life far removed from yours. The Xhosa people in the Transkei still live a very traditional lifestyle. You will get to see the sacred pools, get your face painted with clay and have a traditional Xhosa meal at a Mama’s hut. After a delicious meal you’ll stroll to the shebeen to sample some Mqombuthi (Maize beer) and maybe even get to visit the local Sangoma (traditional healer) to test some of their Muti (Traditional medicine). This is a genuine experience where you will get to interact with the locals, ask questions and learn a lot.
- Depart 10.30am – return 2.30pm;
- Approx. 2hrs non-technical hiking (5km);
- Includes traditional cooked meal and local beer;
- You will need at least 1.5l of water, shoes (trainers or sandals, not flip-flops), sunscreen/hat, camera.
- Take some money if you want to buy Muti or more beer.
VILLAGE DINNER
When Coffee Shack first started, our Headman invited us to his home to share in his family’s dinner and celebrate the making of new friends. This progressed to what we now call the Village Dinner. Every Friday we are invited by one of three families to attend a traditional Xhosa meal, singing and dancing and a chance to talk to the locals about life, customs and traditions in the area.
- Depart approx. 5.30pm – return 8.30pm;
- Bomvana and Masilunge villages include 30min walk; Jonga village we drive to;
- Includes traditional cooked meal (vegetarian) and local beer, you can purchase cold drinks, beer and cider from the cooler box;
- You will need shoes (trainers or sandals, not flip-flops), camera, torch.
VILLAGE OVERNIGHT
Elvin’s “Village Overnight’s” are an important part of the Coffee Shack experience and are a great non-commercial way to really get to know some of the locals here. We support Elvin and his family in opening his home to Coffee Shack guests if they would like to experience and learn more about the realities of life in a traditional rural Transkei village. It is a chance to get involved in family life and learn the traditional roles of men and women in the family; collect water, collect wood, make mud bricks, look after the animals, share a meal and learn the Xhosa language. We also use Elvin as an alternative place to stay if Coffee Shack is full for the night.
- Depart approx. 3pm –return following morning 9am;
- Approx. 30min walk;
- Includes traditional cooked meal and a light breakfast, Bedding provided;
- You will need shoes (trainers or sandals, not flip-flops), camera, torch.
- There is a communal water tap close to the hut, however if you prefer, take a bottle of water;
- You are welcome to go with friends.
COFFEE BAY BEACH DAY
Surfing is our passion, and we want to share it with as many people as possible. On beach days you get a chance to have a surf lesson, play volley ball or soccer, relax in the sun, (or under the trees) and make use of the surf boards after your lesson. If you have already had a surf lesson and just want to use the boards, then you can also join in. If you just want to come and relax on the beach, have lunch and read a book while your friends tackle the waves, then you can also sign up.
- Depart 10.30am –return 3.30pm;
- Approx. 15min walk to beach;
- Includes lunch and you can purchase cold drinks, chips & chocolate from the cooler box;
- Swimming not compulsory;
- You will need at least 1.5l of water, sunscreen/hat, camera, swimming costume &towel.
- The trip is the same price for everyone if you have a lesson or just want to use the boards or just have lunch.
EASY FALLS HIKE
You will be lucky to be involved in this awesome hike. Only done in the summer months, the Easy Falls hike is a full day event. We drive an hour from Coffee Bay to Canzibe and then it is a 2.5 hour hike through the hills and valleys to the banks of the Mdumbi River. While lunch is being prepared you will swim, wade and scramble up the river to the base of the waterfall where you can relax for a while before heading back for lunch. Then it is the hike back to the vehicle and a cold beer before the drive back to a well-deserved dinner in Coffee Bay.
- Depart 8.30am –return 6.30pm;
- Approx. 6hrs non-technical hiking (approx. 18km);
- You need a decent level of fitness;
- Includes a lift back to Coffee Shack;
- Includes lunch and you can purchase cold drinks, chips & chocolate from the cooler box;
- There is swimming involved, and you need to be able to swim;
- You will need at least 2l of water, good walking shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), sunscreen/hat, camera, swimming costume & towel, warm clothes for the drive back.
DID YOU KNOW…
- All our day trips include lunch.
- We take along a cooler box of drinks and juices, which will go onto your ‘tab’.
- Tours leave at 10.30 am, so you have time for morning surf lesson or sleep in.
- You can win a FREE day trip playing ‘Killer Pool’.
- You do not have to do the ‘cliff jumps’, they are optional.
- All activities go on your ‘tab’ / ‘account’ and you only pay when you leave.
- All Daytrips get back in time for you to join the afternoon surf lesson, go on the sun downer or enjoy the village dinner