What remains of a trip once you’re back home? Is it the places you photographed, the animals you saw, or perhaps those unexpected moments along the way that weren’t in any itinerary?
Holger has just returned from South Africa, bringing many such moments back with him. His journey took him from KwaZulu-Natal to the Wild Coast, through a region that doesn’t reveal itself immediately—which is exactly why it stays in your memory for so long. He was there to discover new accommodations, talk to hosts and guides, and drive the routes we recommend to our guests himself.
After all, a route often looks simple on a map. Two points, a road in between, and a calculated travel time. It’s only when you’re on the road yourself that you realize how a route really feels, where you want to slow down, and where an extra night can turn a good trip into an extraordinary one.
Arriving on a coast that beats to its own rhythm
The closer Holger got to the Wild Coast, the more the landscape changed. Green hills rolled down to the Indian Ocean, interspersed with small villages, rivers, and long beaches where no rows of umbrellas waited for visitors.
Travel itself took on a different rhythm, too. The roads were slower than on South Africa’s well-trodden paths, the distances required a bit more patience, and not every day could be planned down to the last detail. But instead of seeing this as an obstacle, the journey itself became part of the experience.
Children walked to school in the morning, fishermen headed toward the water, and cattle stood by the roadside or wandered across a beach as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The Wild Coast lives up to its name, yet it is far from empty. It is a vibrant cultural landscape where the daily lives of the people aren’t hidden behind a tourist facade.
Holger’s photos show vast landscapes and a coastline that still feels pristine in many places. Yet when he talks about his trip, he speaks just as much about the tranquility, the encounters, and the stretches of road where the goal was no longer to arrive as quickly as possible.
Perhaps that is exactly what this region does to you: it invites you to slow down and look a little closer.
In Babanango, the story begins with the lion
Before Holger traveled toward the Wild Coast, his path led him through KwaZulu-Natal and into the Babanango Game Reserve. Located in the heart of Zululand, the reserve is special for more than just its wildlife. A large portion of the land is owned by three community trusts, and conservation here is linked to job creation, education, and the involvement of the surrounding communities.
During a safari, it quickly became clear that Babanango is not just about ticking the Big Five off a list.
When a lion was spotted in the grass, the vehicle went quiet. Cameras came out, and for a moment, everyone was focused on the same spot. At first glance, the lion was just lying there. But the guide began to explain what to look for: the posture of its body, the position of its ears, and the movement of its tail.
A relaxed posture and forward-facing ears could indicate that he was calm. Flattened ears or tense muscles, on the other hand, signaled heightened alertness. Even the seemingly carefree wrestling of the cubs took on a new meaning when the guide explained that they were practicing skills they would later need to survive.
Suddenly, the lion was no longer just an impressive photo opportunity. He became part of a story about communication, family bonds, territorial behavior, and survival. You were no longer just looking at an animal—you were beginning to understand what was unfolding before your eyes.
It is precisely these kinds of experiences that Holger brings home from a trip and later shares with our guests.
Is the Wild Coast your South Africa?
The Wild Coast isn't for every traveler, and we believe it’s important to be upfront about that. If you prefer short driving days, perfectly paved roads, and a tightly scheduled itinerary, you might feel more comfortable on a different route.
However, if you enjoy traveling with a bit of flexibility, are curious about life off the beaten path, and don't mind if a journey takes longer than expected, this coastline could be exactly the side of South Africa you haven't discovered yet.
It is particularly exciting for those who have already visited Cape Town, the Garden Route, or Kruger National Park and now want to delve deeper into the country. The combination of a safari in KwaZulu-Natal and the rugged coast of the Eastern Cape brings together two very different experiences: the stories of the wilderness and the slow rhythm of life by the sea.
Holger has returned with honest recommendations, new knowledge, and plenty of ideas. He now knows which routes work well, where it’s worth staying longer, and where a trip needs a little more breathing room.
Because a truly great route doesn't just connect beautiful places. It gives the experiences in between enough time.
If that sounds like your South Africa, talk to Holger. Together with the Ajimba team, he will design a trip that doesn't just look good on paper, but also feels right while you're on the road.
In short: Traveling to the Wild Coast
Where is the Wild Coast in South Africa?
The Wild Coast is located on the northern coast of the Eastern Cape province and stretches roughly from the Mtamvuna River in the north to the Great Kei River in the south.
Can you explore the Wild Coast as a self-driver?
Yes, though the stages should be planned carefully and with plenty of time, as some routes take longer than the distance on the map might suggest.
Can the Wild Coast be combined with a safari?
Yes. A trip through KwaZulu-Natal can, for example, include a stay at the Babanango Game Reserve before heading toward the Wild Coast.
