Travel advice Durban - Port Elizabeth

Hi Guys,

We are planning our drive between Durban and Port Elizabeth in a small 2wd car. Thinking about staying in Coffee Bay & East London. What are the roads like in this area of the country? are they sealed roads? can I easily travel 500km in a day if I need to?

I traveled through South Africa 5 years ago and missed this section. My Mother has advised me not to do this section as the roads are terribly dangerous... (I never do what my mother tells me)

Any Advice would be awesome!!

Thanks mate looks like a busy forum. I might ask for advice there also.

I hired a car in Port Elizabeth in 1998 and hung in Jbay for a month before heading down to Capetown. Wanted to drive the other direction as well to Durban but in that period, a tourist like myself was taking a huge risk and the warning was, do not stop, drive through red lights and stop signs, particularly whilst travelling through the Transkei! The roads were also allegedly crap.
I have heard from South Africans this isn't so bad nowadays but in the nineties, and apartheid still fresh, this was a problem.
good luck and good travels.
Garth

Hi KiwiWill.

I grew up in Durban and only left 3 years ago to move to Perth. The kiting scene is quite small and you will have endless coast line to yourself,maybe with a handful of other kiters when the wind is up. The swell is big and nice long riding waves,amazing for down winders.

I haven't kited in PE or along the coast from Durban to PE but there will be a few places along the way if you drive the coastal route. Once you head out of Natal and start heading along through the Eastern Cape the roads get quite hectic,they are sealed but there are lots of pot holes. Also along that stretch of road the drivers don't care for road rules,they over take on blind rises and you will have drivers headed towards you head on in your lane. They stop where they want to stop without warning to pick up passengers.

I definitely would recommend not driving at night,make sure your travels are in the day. The is a lot of stray cattle along the roads,plus dogs,horses,people and what ever else you might find. You can travel 500kms in a day and more if you choose. You can stop in some of the towns along the way,but be warned they are not the safest parts of SA. Just get fuel and head on your way,and don't flash money,mobile phones or stuff they might want and you will be fine.

There is a kite shop in Durban called ocean2air and the owner is Rob. ( well I think he still owns it ) He is very helpful and he can give you more information about where to kite along that stretch from Durban to PE. He can also arrange for you to meet up with some of the local kiters and do a DW,and keep you informed about the swell and wind.

Enjoy the trip and keep safe while driving through the Transkei. It's a beautiful part of the country and you will see some amazing places. I am heading back in May and can't wait to kite along Durbans Coast again.

Cheers Russel

Road travel from Durban to Port Elizabeth is straight forward and safe on the main freeway. The roads to the many costal resorts along the Wild coast (the former Transkei - Port Edward to East London) are remote and rough but manageable in a 2wd if dry but recommended to be in a 4wd especially if wet. The wild coast is spectacularly rugged with some good kiting spots but remember that you are in a very remote area and help if you get into trouble or are hurt is unlikely to come in time. The coast line between East London and Cape Town is more accessible and more developed with many excellent kiting spots. Remember the further south you go the colder the water gets and from East London South a wetsuit is going to make your water experience more enjoyable. Definitely look up Ocean 2 Air Kiteboarding in Durban for advice, Rob Crystal will look after you. You're sure to have a great time, enjoy!