Mazeppa Bay is a beautiful coastal town located on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. It is characterised by its relaxed vibe, laid-back days and a sense of serenity. Mazeppa Bay and the town were named after the Mazeppa ship that ran aground here in 1892. During the Second World War, an aircraft crash-landed on the rock beach, and the site is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Wild Coast is typified by steep valleys that meander down to the Indian Ocean, meeting a coastline that varies between golden arcs of solitary beach to treacherously rocky headlands and prominent cliffs. Rudiments of Xhosa culture set the tone of the Wild Coast, with Nguni cows ambling along the beaches, subsistence fishermen selling the ocean’s wares and pastel-hued kraals dotting the green hillsides.
East London is the closest major transport hub to Mazeppa Bay. Coming from Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg the simplest option is to fly into East London and travel via shuttle to the start of the trail. However, it is also possible to self-drive. From East London take the N2 to Butterworth (approximately 100 km). On exiting Butterworth turn right at Kentani Road and travel 34 km to Kentani, then turn left and travel a further 16 km to the Mazeppa Bay Road. Turn right and travel 29 km to the Mazeppa Bay Hotel.
From Durban, follow the N2 south towards Butterworth. About 7 km before Butterworth there is a left turn towards Mazeppa Bay, travel 65 km to the Mazeppa Bay Hotel following the signboards. If you miss the first turning off the N2, you can also follow the directions from Kentani Road in the previous section.
The peaceful and quiet town of Mazeppa Bay boasts with spectacular ocean vistas and two pristine beaches. First beach looks tropical in appe...