Port St Johns is considered a year-round destination on the Wild Coast and has a subtropical climate. Three themes can help you get your bearings: the Umzimvubu River, historical tours, and nearby beaches and trails. The destinations described here are not all in the same place. First Beach is at the river mouth; other beach and nature attractions can be found around the town. This gives you a choice of local history, coast and nature without treating different excursion destinations as one and the same.
Historical tours on the Umzimvubu River
Historical destinations include the ruins of the first customs house upstream from Port St Johns and King’s Ride. Dick King crossed the Umzimvubu River there during his historic ride. Tours to both destinations can be arranged; check the arrangements in advance if you would like to plan a tour. The two sites represent different historical connections: the ruins are associated with the first customs house, while King’s Ride is associated with Dick King’s river crossing. This makes it easier to choose if you are particularly interested in one of these aspects on an excursion.
The Umzimvubu River also connects two different geographical reference points: First Beach is at its mouth, while the story of King’s Ride involves a crossing of the river. This brings the coastal setting and local history together, without implying a shared walking tour or a specific route.
Beaches with different conditions
First Beach is at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River. Second Beach is about 12 kilometres south of Port St Johns, along a paved road. This gently sloping swimming beach is described as safe for swimming and fully staffed by lifeguards. Check the current swimming conditions and lifeguard staffing on the day of your visit.
Third Beach is different, with a predominantly rocky coastline and tidal pools. Access is by permit only, so check the permit requirements before visiting. When comparing the beaches, their location is not the only factor to consider; the shoreline and access requirements also differ. These differences can help you choose a beach based on the features that matter for your outing.
Trails and nature watching nearby
The section of the Bulolo Waterfall Trail begins at the end of the paved road at Second Beach. The starting point is clearly described; check current trail conditions with the local tourism office. There are also hiking trails in the coastal reserve: they pass through evergreen forest and offer the chance to spot Knysna Loerie, Cinnamon Dove and Grey Cuckooshrike. Check trail access before setting out.
The forest trails offer a different connection with nature from the coastal sites: the focus here is on forest and birdwatching, while First Beach is defined by its location at the river mouth and Third Beach by its rocks and tidal pools. When planning your outings, you can use these specific differences as a guide and take the conditions mentioned for each into account.
Discover more destinations: Flagstaff, Kwa-Zulu, Ndengane, Mngungundlovu, Mapuzi
Go to the main travel overview: Transkei District.
