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Voykit pocket guide · South Africa
Coffee Bay
Koffiebaai
Half a day for the Hole in the Wall hike and a surf lesson; one night if you want the full Wild Coast vibe. Skip if you need reliable restaurants or ATMs.
Coffee Bay is a small Wild Coast town known for the Hole in the Wall rock formation, cheap surf lessons and a laid‑back backpacker scene. Facilities are basic, crime is a real concern and many buildings show neglect. It works as a one‑night stop between Port St Johns and East London, not as a base.
- Country
- South Africa
- Local name
- Koffiebaai
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Avoid
- Dec–Feb (crowded, hot), Jun–Aug (cold, rough sea)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- ZAR
- Money
- Currency is the South African rand (ZAR, R), about 17–18 per US$ in 2026 (check). Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted almost everywhere in cities and at lodges; carry small cash for tips.
- Daily spend
- Budget R400–700 excl. bed · Mid R700–1,200 excl. bed · High R1,200+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage; Cell C and Telkom are cheaper. Buy at the airport shop with your passport (RICA registration is required).
- Emergency
- Mobile emergency 112
- Plugs
- Types M, C, N · 230 V · 50 Hz · The big round-pin type M is rarely used elsewhere; buy a local adapter at the airport or any supermarket.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: 10–15%; check if a service charge is added for large groups.; Fuel attendant: R5–20, more if they wash windows and check tyres.; Car guard: R5–20 when you leave.; Safari ranger and tracker: About R150–300 per guest per day for the ranger, R100–200 for the tracker — check lodge guidance.; Hotel porter: R10–20 per bag.
- Water
- Tap water is safe in most cities and towns; in some municipalities with failing infrastructure, ask your host.
- Toilets
- Clean Western toilets at fuel stations (Engen, Shell, Ultra City), malls and park camps.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Surf lesson (group, 2 h) | R150–250 |
| Pizza at Papazellas | R80–150 |
| Beer at a bar | R25–40 |
| Minibus taxi Mthatha → Coffee Bay | R80–120 |
| Camping per person | R70–150 |
| Dorm bed per person | R120–250 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MTH · Mthatha Airport
- About 90 km (56 mi) away; no scheduled flights as of 2026 — checkAbout 56 mi (90 km) away; no scheduled flights as of 2026 — check
- ELS · East London Airport
- About 250 km (155 mi) south; daily flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and DurbanAbout 155 mi (250 km) south; daily flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban
Typical fares
- Minibus taxi Mthatha → Coffee Bay
- about R80–120, 1.5 h (check)
- Taxi Coffee Bay → Hole in the Wall
- R200–300 one way (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
On foot for the village; a 4×4 or a guided hike to the Hole in the Wall (11 km (6.8 mi) one way). Minibus taxis run between Coffee Bay and Mthatha but are unreliable.On foot for the village; a 4×4 or a guided hike to the Hole in the Wall (6.8 mi (11 km) one way). Minibus taxis run between Coffee Bay and Mthatha but are unreliable.
See and do
Known for
- Hole in the Wall
- Cheap surf lessons
- Wild Coast hiking
- Backpacker culture
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hole in the Wall | Hike 11 km (6.8 mi) one way (guided or self‑guided) or drive 30 min on a gravel roadHike 6.8 mi (11 km) one way (guided or self‑guided) or drive 30 min on a gravel road | About 3 h return on foot, 1 h by car |
| Port St Johns | Minibus taxi or private car, about 1.5 h on the R61 | About 2 h |
| Mthatha | Minibus taxi or car, about 1.5 h on the R61 | About 2 h |
| Xora | 4×4 or guided hike along the coast, about 2–3 h | About 3–4 h |
Sleep
- Coffee Shack area
- The main backpacker hub; camping, dorms and private rooms, plus a bar and activity desk.
- Hole in the Wall road
- A few lodges and self‑catering cottages 1–2 km (0.6–1.2 mi) out of town; quieter, sea views.A few lodges and self‑catering cottages 0.6–1.2 mi (1–2 km) out of town; quieter, sea views.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | MoloMOH-loh |
| Thank you | Enkosien-KOH-see |
| How much is it? | Yimalini?yee-mah-LEE-nee |
| Where is the beach? | Iphi elwandle?EE-pee el-WAHN-dleh |
| Help! | Nceda!NSEH-dah |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Say hello and ask how someone is before any request; avoid: Launching straight into a question
- Handshakes: Three-part African handshake with friends; a normal handshake with strangers; avoid: Refusing an offered hand
- Elders: Use Mr/Mrs or 'Mama', 'Baba' respectfully in townships and rural areas; avoid: First names with older people you have just met
- Braai invitations: Bring meat or drinks, and arrive on 'African time'; avoid: Taking over the fire
- Photos: Ask first, especially in townships and villages; avoid: Photographing children without a parent's permission
- Politics and race: Ask questions and listen; avoid: Lecturing on history or crime
Scams and watch-outs
- Crime: theft and muggings reported; don't walk alone after dark.
- No ATM in town: bring enough cash from Mthatha or East London.
- The Hole in the Wall hike is tidal: check the tide table before you set out.
- Cell reception is patchy; download maps and eSIM before you arrive.
Crime is a real concern: theft and muggings happen. Don't walk alone after dark, keep valuables out of sight and use the backpacker safe. The sea has strong currents — swim only where locals do.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Coffee Bay yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Hole in the Wall
- Cheap surf lessons
- Wild Coast hiking
- Backpacker culture
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Coffee Bay, revision 4761947 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4761947
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Coffee BayKoffiebaai
Kule dilesi, nceda
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Mobile emergency112
Xhosa is the main local language; English is widely understood in tourist places.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/coffee-bay). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.