St Francis Coast Walk is a walking holiday in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is between three picturesque fishing villages along a rugged coastline, sand dunes as far as the eye can see, a tidal river, protected fynbos and wetlands.
Overview
You will walk between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis through parts of the Coastal Cradle of Humankind and a variety of fynbos. It is a chance to see whales, dolphins, otters, small game like duiker and bushbuck and over 250 species of birds. You will enjoy a cruise on the famous St Francis canals, visit the Seabird and African Penguin Rehabilitation Centre at the Seal Point Lighthouse, as well as a calamari tasting at Port St Francis.
The walks are slow, spending time to enjoy the beaches and to take a closer look at the unspoilt coast. You can stop and enjoy what is of interest to you or your group. For route directions you will be accompanied by locals on some of the sections of the trail.
Highlights
- Picturesque fishing villages: Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis
- Coastal Cradle of Mankind: KhoiSan shell middens
- Whales, dolphins, otters, small game like duiker and bushbuck and over 250 species of birds
- Cruise on the famous St Francis canals
- Visit SANCCOB, the Seabird and African Penguin Rehabilitation Centre
Itinerary
Pricing approach
Pricing factors and what is included
- The published rate is an indicative price for 4 or more persons sharing. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: available accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers and other services.. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
- The following items are included:
- 3 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch pack and dinner
- A calamari tasting
- Visit to the SANCCOB seabird rehabilitation facility.
- Canal cruise
- Transfer of luggage from one lodge to the next
- For route directions you will be accompanied by the owner or locals on days 2, 3 and 4
Excluded
- Items not mentioned above, eg :
- Transport to and from Cape St Francis
- Snacks and alcoholic drinks
- Travel Insurance.
FAQ's
The average rainfall for the Cape St Francis area is about 531 mm per annum. It occurs throughout the year. The lowest rainfall is in January (26 mm) and the highest in August (63 mm). The average midday temperatures for Cape St Francis range from 18.5°C in July to 24°C in January. The region is the coldest during July when the temperature drops to 8.3°C on average during the night.
Bookings can be made throughout the year, but not available 16 Dec to 7 Jan
Comfortable, well ventilated clothes as well as a thick windbreaker/jacket, raincoat, swimming costume, comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to waterproof your day-pack as well as ziploc bags for protection for electronic equipment, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle/camelback, personal first-aid kit, camera, batteries, binoculars, torch and headlamp, and mosquito repellent.
Overall rating of St Francis Coast Walk: “Easy”. You do not need to be ultra-fit but if you choose to do the walks you should be able to walk between 10 and 20 km per day. The route takes you along the coast and on paths. See Walking grades for more details about “Easy” rating.
Getting to Cape St Francis
For international visitors:
Fly to Port Elizabeth Airport. By car via N2- 120 km to Cape St Francis
By car:
Route from Johannesburg: 1 150 km with N1 and N6 via Bloemfontein
Route from Cape Town: 700 km via the N2 along the coast
Route from Durban: 1 050 km with N2
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
For details, go to Reviews
St Francis Coast Walk is fully catered walking holiday between three picturesque fishing villages along the rugged Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa. For more information about the area, Contact us
