Port St Johns

Port St Johns is situated on the Wild Coast in the Eastern C

Port St Johns is embedded in subtropical rain forests this African village is, undoubtedly, the jewel of the Wild Coast, an authentic piece of Africa at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River. Post St Johns has three beaches, the Second Beach 5 kilometres east of the village centre being the prettiest. Silaka nature Reserve is found at third beach.

This prime resort is located at the mouth of the Mzimvubu River, 96 km from Umtata. Some controversy surrounds the origin of the name. The widely accepted version is that Port St Johns was named after the Portuguese ship the Sao Joao (Saint John) which ran aground at the mouth of the Mtamvuna River close to the present day Port Edward (1552). The origins of the settlement date back to 1846 when the British vessel Rosebud crossed the sandbar at the mouth of the river and opened up the hinterland for trade with the Mpondo tribes. In 1878 the land was ceded to the British by Mpondo chief Nqwiliso, thus preventing foreign powers from using the harbour as foothold in the area.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

East London 330 km, Port Elizabeth 555 km, Queenstown 332 km, Umtata 95 km

Average Temperatures

Summer Max 28°c Min 17°c; Winter Max 21°c Min 8°c

Banks – Standard

Rivers

Mtamvuna, Mzimvubu

HISTORICAL VIEW

Cape Hermes Lighthouse

Located at the southern end of the estuary

Clan Gordon Bell

A ship’s bell in front of the town hall, believed to have been lost by the captain of the Clan Gordon in a dice game.

Dick King Memorial

A plaque in commemoration of Dick King, passing here on his epic ride (1842).

Fort Harrison Site

Located on the southern bank of the river, 6 km from the Pondoland Bridge

Grosvenor Cannon

Salvaged from the wreck of the Grosvenor, the cannon can be seen in town.

Port St Johns Museum

Located in the old Post Office Building. Displays focus on Xhosa cultural history

Stone Memorial

Near Pondoland Bridge, indicated that Dick King passed there in 1842

NATURE

Isinuka

A warm mineral spring 5 km out of town

Ntoloba Nature Reserve

Offers a 55 km hiking trail, leading to Coffee Bay

Hluleka Nature Reserve

ACTIVITIES

Canoeing

The river is ideal for canoeing and is navigable for 18 km.

Hiking

Various trails and walks in the area, Ntloloba Nature Reserve

The Wild Coast Hiking Trail

For the most adventurous, the entire Transkei coast can be traversed on foot on what has become known as the Wild Coast Hiking Trail. To walk the full length of the coast would require at least fourteen days but shorter stretches can be chosen. Trailists must carry backpacks with all their provisions and although the trail is not too strenuous, should be in good physical condition. Small hiker’s huts, where bunks, toilets, cooking pots and running water are provided, are situated at various points along the coast. The trail is marked with white footprints painted on rocks and trees, but you should venture off it to explore the forests from time to time. Apart from the many interesting features that have already been described inside the five coastal natures reserves, through which the trail runs, there are a number of other noteworthy landmarks which can be seen. These include the huge breakers at Lupatana. The sensational waterfall at Waterfall Bluff. Cathedral Rock. Brazen Head, and the well known Hole in the wall. Many estuaries must be crossed during the course of the trail and a certain amount of caution and common sense should be exercised. It is always wise to cross the deeper estuaries by walking a short way upstream to investigate the most suitable crossing point. Never swim across with your rucksack on your back, but rather float it in front of you as you paddle across (an inflatable mattress will come in handy), and try to cross during incoming, rather than outgoing tides. The water in estuaries is, needless to say, very salty, but a walk up stream will take you to fresh water, although this should always be boiled or purified before drinking.

WHERE TO STAY

Gwyneth’s Barn

Self catering holiday accommodation. Five minutes walk from First Beach, 10 minutes from river or Lighthouse Rocks. Charming accommodation set amongst indigenous vegetation with private patios and braai areas, overlooking the Heads and surrounding hills. Sleep four private – maximum eight. Fully equipped. Satellite TV, washing machine, fridge, deep freeze etc.

Accommodation in and around Port St Johns