The Transkei is a great place to go backpacking. Sights like the Great Kei River and the Mtamvuna River are worth the visit. Backpacking is a good way to see these places and great accommodation in Port St Johns, Coffee Bay and Mpande make it all very easy. If you are a first time backpacker and are worried about what to do here’s a short guide on how to do it safely.

Spend some money on a decent backpack. It will carry you through. The Wild Coast has awesome cliffs and hills and you should be able to enjoy it all with ease.

Invest in a fast drying towel. Nobody has time to wait for a wet towel to dry. And you don’t want to deal with a rotting thing. You can find one at most camping stores.

Get comfortable shoes. Flip flops are not good enough; they’re just for the shower.

It’s not easy to do your laundry while you’re worried about catching the Baz Bus shuttle service. So get some extra socks and underwear and eliminate things you have to worry about. And if you’re doing this in winter, you’ll appreciate an extra pair of long underwear.

It might seem frivolous but bringing your own pillow case is a nice extra. You might be stuck in a dingy hostel and you will appreciate laying your face on something fresh.

Divide your money into two or more wallets. It’s easy to lose stuff while backpacking. You also don’t want to be left stranded if you run into a pick pocket.

Don’t forget your sleeping bag.

Bring your journal and camera. You might find yourself with the urge to wax lyrical about the Hole in the Wall; it will be annoying if you don’t have anywhere to write. As for the camera besides needing it for the Transkei Big Five (fowl, donkey, pig, feral cat and dog) we want to see the photos on your blog.

Wet wipes are not for sissies. They don’t take much space and you will need clean hands.
 
Don’t hitchhike; it’s only in the movies that you’ll meet the love of your life this way.