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.

The main sights

• 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.

Before you go

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.