Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall is a detached island of dark sandstone standing just off the Wild Coast shore, with a wide opening cut through its base by the sea. The Xhosa name, esiKhaleni, means the place of sound - when the swell drives through the gap the noise carries, and in big seas it booms. A local tradition tells of a girl of the village and a sea creature, and of the sea people breaking a passage through the rock, which is the story guides tell on the walk. Most visitors come from Coffee Bay, either on a rough road that takes about forty minutes or on the cliff-top walk of some nine kilometres over the headlands, which is the better way and is usually done with a local guide. There is a small settlement and a hotel at the beach opposite. Swimming near the gap is dangerous - the currents through it are strong.

What you actually see

• The sea-cut opening - a gap punched through a detached sandstone cliff.
• The sound - swell driving through the hole, which gives the Xhosa name.
• The cliff walk - nine kilometres over headlands from Coffee Bay, best with a guide.
• The Xhosa story - a local tradition of sea people breaking through the rock.

When to go

April to June and September to November. Half a day including the walk or drive.

Honest expectations

The road in is rough with river crossings and takes far longer than the distance suggests. Currents around the rock are dangerous - do not swim near the gap. Facilities are minimal. Guides ask a fee and are worth it for both route and relations.

Nearby

Coffee Bay is up the coast; Mthatha is inland.