The part of the Wild Coast most accessible from Johannesburg is Port Edward to Mbotyi. This is also one of the Eastern Cape region’s wildest sections. The route entails riding on small paths and grass, and sometimes pushing over rocks. For a ride, two essentials are required: a Slingsby map of the area; and tide tables for Port Edward to ascertain when low tide will allow the crossing of three river mouths – Mzamba, Mnyameni and Msikaba. In winter, these river mouths are likely to be ankle shallow but in summer they cannot be waded across except at low spring tide. On a recent trip, however, we floated our bikes across at high tide easily using a plastic lilo taped into a survival bag — although this is a last resort because it is extra baggage and energy is needed for inflation and deflation. The ride starts on the long beach south of the Wild Coast Sun complex. A little way down the beach is a petrified forest, exposed in reefs at low tide. Beach riding entails riding as close to ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.