To get to Cintsa

To get to Cintsa from the N2, take Exit 26, about 25km northeast of East London, and follow the signs for East Coast Resorts. The Cintsa River and the salty estuary into which it flows divide the Cintsa area into two parts. The town center resides on the northern shore of the estuary and is called Cintsa East; south of the estuary is Cintsa West. About 16km from Exit 26, a turn-off for Cintsa West leads down to the two hostels of note. Four kilometers down the road, another turn-off leads to Cintsa East (12km). It takes about 10min. to walk from Cintsa West to Cintsa East along the beach, but nearly 30min. to drive there due to indirect roads.

If you are carless, call one of the hostels listed below; both provide free pick-up from East London almost daily. Alternatively, take the Baz Bus (021 439 2323), which stops at both of the hostels on its way to or from East London. 

Activities at Cintsa

• Cintsa Adventure Company offers a ton of activities. For the bodaciously far-out, the full-day surf school, including two meals and all equipment, is a great deal at R150, dude. For culture buffs, the Southern Kei day tour, with a visit to traditional Xhosa villages, a Xhosa historical site, and lunch on the Kobonaga River, is sure to please (R235). Other options are the full-day abseiling and ropes course, with training and climbing on-site at the Kwelega River (R125, lunch included), and a 4-day African heartland trip, with visits to the stunning 100m Magwa Fallas and mountain biking through the Mibikaba Nature Reserve (R1000, all meals included). 
  
• The recently-opened Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve  offers a taste of the Big Five from a coastal haven. The reserve's two rhinos have become relatively accustomed to humans and often hang out near the front entrance. A 3-4hr. 4x4 tour through Inkwenkwezi (Xhosa for "stars in the sky") will give you a glimpse of many of the park's residents, while the same amount of time on horseback will provide a more intimate view. Three rides depart daily; book ahead. Private vehicles are not allowed in the park.
  
• Surfing and A surf school is available. Expert teacher, excellent equipment and a choice of locations to find the best surf has resulted in a phenominally high success rate (just about all of you will get to stand up no matter how briefly!)
  
• Horsre riding on Cintsa Beach R100 for 2 hours. Gets you a horse to suit your riding skill. Whether you're a beginner or experienced you can ride the stunning Cintsa beach, feel the saltspray on your skin, hooves splashing the surf…heartpounding!

Accommodation in Cintsa

• Amakhulu Central Reservations
  Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in accommodation on the Wild Coast .
  
• Accommodation in Cintsa
  
  
• Buccaneer's
  Well deserving of its reputation as one of the best backpackers in the country. The complex of dorms and private doubles offers a stunning view of wide golden beaches, inviting surf, and a line of hills stretching to the estuary's sandy southern banks. Rooms are clean, comfortable and often luxurious. A fully equipped bar (bringing Cintsa's nightlife to your doorstep) is accompanied by a swimming pool, braai, and a long table for delicious home-cooked meals. Enquire
  

• Cintsa Moonshine Backpackers, near the beach, is a castle painted with geckos and excited bushmen. It lacks the hyper-positive vibe and 180-degree view of Buccaneer's, but shares amenities with the nearby Cintsa West Resort; guests can plunge into the sparkling pool and use the squash tennis courts free of charge. Generally for a more quiet and mature crowd. Enquire