The quickest way to get between Kruger National Park and the Wild Coast is by plane and car. Travelers can also opt to drive the whole route which will take up to 16 hours of driving. The travel time and route will depend on the region of the Wild Coast you are visiting as well as where in the Kruger National Park you are traveling from.
Those who opt to fly will book a ticket from Skukuza or Phalaborwa, depending on which airport is closest, to Mthatha or Durban. Since there are no direct flights between these airports—this journey will take approximately four or five hours—including a layover in Johannesburg. After arriving in Mthatha or Durban, travelers will either rent a car or use a private transfer for the rest of the journey.
There is also the option to travel by car the whole way. This journey will take approximately 11 hours for those visiting Port Edward and around 16 hours for places like Mazeppa Bay, Hole in the Wall, and Coffee Bay.
This diverse 14-day itinerary includes Cape Town, the Garden Route, Wild Coast, and more.
By Plane and Car
Duration: 6-7 hours
You will need to book a flight from either Skukuza or Phalaborwa in Kruger National Park to Mthatha or Durban. While there are no direct flights, flying is still the most convenient method of travel. Most flights will go via Johannesburg and you can expect the journey to take between four to five hours including a layover.
Those visiting places in the Eastern Cape of the Wild Coast should fly to Mthatha. Travelers can use a private transfer or hire a car at the airport. Private transfers, which are often provided by accommodation along the Wild Coast, are recommended due to the bad roads in this region. The travel time from the airport in Mthatha depends on where on the Wild Coast you are traveling to. Hole in the Wall and Port St John are a two-hour drive away while Mazeppa Bay is three hours.
Those visiting Port Edward, in the KwaZulu-Natal region of the Wild Coast, should opt to fly to Durban airport instead of Mthatha. Port Edward is a two-hour drive from Durban.
After arriving in the Wild Coast, travelers can explore the numerous hiking trails on foot. Those exploring locations further away can either self-drive or use a private transfer.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 11 hours-2 days
The duration of the drive depends on which region of the Wild Coast you are traveling to. Those traveling to Port Edward can expect an 11 to 12-hour drive from both Skukuza and Phalaborwa. This can be done in one day—with a stretch—although we recommend travelers break up the journey over two days. Those driving to Port Edward from Skukuza will drive along the R40, R38, R33, R34, R66, and the N2 highway. Travelers coming from Phalaborwa will drive along the R40, R530, R36, R33, N11, N3, and N2. Both journeys take approximately 11 hours.
Those visiting places further along the Wild Coast like Hole in the Wall, Coffee Bay or Mazeppa Bay can drive around Lesotho along the N1 and N6 highway. This will take approximately 16 hours which should be split into two days of driving. Aliwal North or Kroonstad are recommended overnight stops.