The South Africa Guide

Port St Johns is situated on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This authentic example of an African village is set on the Umzimvubu River (Xhosa for Hippo) and indisputably the jewel of the Wild Coast.

It has become known as a popular part of the itinerary of backpackers from all over the world due to the frontier ambience and dramatic surroundings which appeals to younger adventurous travelers.

The scenery around the area of Port St Johns is spectacular. The coast itself is wild with impenetrable forests, mangrove swamps, coastal cliffs and long beautiful beaches.
The drive from Port St John to Umtata is one of the wild coasts most attractive along the Wild Coast.

Port St Johns was originally not annexed by the Cape colony but established as a White enclave within the native territories and only in 1870 was it ceded by the local chief Nquiliso to the Cape Colony until 1884 when it was occupied formally.

The commercial importance of the old days has dwindled and Port St Johns has become famous as a tourist resort because of the outstanding scenic value, in particular the Gates of St Johns (Mounts Thesiger and Sullivan) on either side of the river.

Port St Johns is particularly popular for holidaymakers during the school holidays where many come to enjoy the lovely beaches and excellent fishing along the river and along the coast, or visits to a few nearby nature reserves.

It is within an easy and spectacularly beautiful drive to the inland town of Umtata which was the capital of the Transkei during the Apartheid era and is today the centre of the Nelson Mandela Route, which is of great interest to all visitors wanting to learn more about his history and to visit the Nelson Mandela Museum.