Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall Hike

By Vicky · Published Jun. 19th, 2024

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The hike from Coffee Bay to the Hole in the Wall has beautiful scenery and ends at one of the most famous rock formations in the Wild Coast. Hiking there and back is 18 km in total, while hiking there and getting a transfer back is roughly half that.

Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall Hiking Map

Location

This walk starts from Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape, between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Durban. The road is paved all the way, but the roads are quite slow and often potholed.

There are several places to stay in Coffee Bay, some of the best are Wildview Self Catering Cottages* (peaceful & lovely views), Coffee Shack Adventure Backpackers* (right by the beach) and Green Fields Hotel* (fancier, great views with a pool).

Tips

The path is not always clear, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you just want to walk one way, you can probably organise a transfer back at your accommodation. In this case, the hiking distance is half (roughly 9km).
Your accommodation may also be able to organise a guide – this could be helpful as the route is not obvious in places.
Take swimming stuff to swim in the lagoon behind Hole in the Wall!
To find more hikes see our South Africa Hiking Guide.

Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall Hiking Route

A beach on the wild coast in eastern cape, south africa

Walk to the southern end of Coffee Bay and along the road up the hill. After roughly 1 km, you’ll see a track down to the left, signposted White Clay Resorts. Just before you reach the gates to the hotel, head left along the path. This eventually leads you down to the lovely beach.

The hiking trail to Hole in the Wall continues up the grassy slope just opposite the point where you reach the beach. Before you continue, stroll along the sand for a while and enjoy the views. When you’re ready, walk along the little path up the grass.

Grassy cliff views on the Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall Hiking Route

Mini Hole in the Wall, seen on a hike from Coffee Bay in eastern Cape

You’ll soon be hiking along the cliffs, with more great views over the beach behind and the cliffs in front. You’ll pass rocky little coves, gentle waterfalls, and grassy slopes covered in unique vegetation.

After crossing a slightly larger stream (can be difficult if there’s been a lot of rain), keep a lookout for Baby Hole in the Wall. This is an archway in the cliffs far below you. Shortly after this, you’ll descend towards Hole in the Wall village. We followed the path along the grass behind the beach, but it’s possible to head all the way down and walk along the sand.

Hole in the Wall

Esikhaleni Milkwood Forest on the wild coast

Along the path, you’ll come to a small section of trees. Head down the path here and you’ll soon come to a sandy cove. Cross over the water and hike up the track on the other side towards the fenced Hole in the Wall Hotel. Continue to the larger road and turn left immediately into the grassy area. You’ll soon reach Esikhaleni Milkwood Forest. Milkwood is a coastal tree, now much less prolific than before, and one of South Africa’s ‘Protected Trees’.

Hike through the forest and you’ll soon come out onto the beach by the Hole in the Wall. There’s a bit of a lagoon where the Mpako River reaches the ocean behind the Hole in the Wall. This is a great place to swim as it’s protected from the waves and often warmer than the ocean itself.

When you’re ready, head left (when facing the ocean) along the beach at the edge of the forest. You’ll find a sandy path heading upwards at the end of the sand. Turn left along the small trail through the trees, along the grass and down to the next beach. Head left towards the back of this beach and up the grass to return to the road and back to the Hole in the Wall Hotel.

Hiking back from Hole in the Wall to Coffee Bay

Rondavels in eastern cape near coffee bay in south africa

You have a choice now of how to get back from Hold in the Wall to Coffee Bay – either hiking or a transfer. If you want to be driven back, organise a transfer at your accommodation before setting off. If you want to hike back to Coffee Bay, you can either return the way you came or walk along the road. The distance is similar, but it’s a bit quicker walking along the road.

The route along the road is very simple. You just follow the road all the way back, roughly 8.5 km. Along the road, you’ll have views of the countryside and the colourful rondavels. You might have to be careful of dogs since these can be slightly aggressive, but usually, their owner is nearby to keep them under control.