50 Things to do in and around Chintsa

On the banks of the Chintsa River and Estuary just 45km north of East London, you will find the quaint seaside villages of Chintsa (Cintsa) East and Chintsa (Cintsa) West.  Split in half by the river, Chintsa East (which is actually located to the North) and Chintsa West (actually located to the South) offer locals the laid back coastal village lifestyle so appealing to many, and visitors the perfect beach getaway just minutes away from the city. It is also the gateway to the world renowned rugged and scenic Wild Coast.

The villagers tend to take their weekends on Mondays and Tuesdays, so apart from a few places, most of the restaurants, shops and attractions are closed.  From Wednesday everything starts waking up and by the weekend the villages are bustling with visitors exiting the city for some fun in the sun.

So what is there to do in Chintsa you may ask?  Well, quite a bit in fact.  It is however important that you double check their opening times, so you can plan in advance to avoid disappointment.  This can be done by visiting their Facebook Pages or calling them directly.

Here is our list of 41 things you can do in and around Chintsa:

1  Abby – Interaction with the world famous giraffe

Orphaned after his mother was killed by poachers, Abby (Abnormally Big Baby) was hand reared and is THE must see attraction on the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route.  This giraffe lives with wild giraffes in a private reserve, but seeks out human companionship wherever possible.  Abby became world famous when he photobombed an unsuspecting couples wedding photographs, and people from all over the world visit Areena Private Resort to meet and interact with this abnormally big and lovable boy!  ( Website / TimesLive Article )

2  Adventure activities at Areena  Private Resort

Enjoy a day of outdoor adventure at the beautiful 4-Star Areena River Resort.  This resort offers a wide range of activities for the adventurous and fun at heart.

These activities include abseiling, Amazing Zing Zip-Line Tour, paintball, segway tours, quad bike safaris, archery, pellet gun target shooting, giraffe interaction, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), mountain biking, trail running, hiking and walking, obstacle courses, a river cruise (when conditions allow it), bird watching, fishing, a kiddies touch farm, kiddies playground and the weekly Jikikleza Open Air Market.

But that’s not all folks…. they also have a spa and hair salon, and a restaurant where you can grab a meal after your busy day.  This is an absolutely must!  ( Website / Facebook )

3  Wedding Venue Safari

If you are planning on tying the knot, you have come to the heart of the Eastern Cape’s Country Wedding Venue Region.  You will find numerous beautiful country Wedding Venues to visit along Shafli Road.  These Include:  2 Swans Wedding Farm, Areena Riverside Resort, Ironwood Barn Wedding Venue, Blue Barn, The Vineyard, Stonehaven Wedding Venue, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Olivewood Private Golf Estate & Golf Club, Prana Lodge, The Grove Wedding & Function Venue, Cypress Dale Wedding Venue, Umnenga Lodge, Tea in the Trees, Knotwood Forest.

4  African Craft Market – Chintsa East

On the pathway to the beach in Chintsa East you will find a small African Craft Market where you can buy beautifully crafted items.  Meet Teddy who turns beads and wire into amazing wildlife and decor items; Watchman, who sells his beautiful paintings and woodwork; and the  local ladies who sell hand woven baskets and intricate beadwork.

5  Picnics

If you are staying in self-catering accommodation or are visiting for the day, pack a picnic basket and head to the beach or to the picnic site at the entrance to the beach at Chintsa East, which has picnic benches and plenty of shade under the huge majestic trees. Please make sure to adhere to local by-laws and ensure no glass or garbage is left behind.

6  Arendsnes Slip n Slide

This popular holiday and camping resort in the centre of the Cintsa East village has a Slip n Slide that the children and the whole family will really enjoy.  Contact them directly to find out availability. ( Website )

7  Bird Watching

The Eastern Cape is rich with birdlife.  Contact Steve Avidon (083 293 5481 / email ) for a guided bird walk or join one of his tours at Inkwenkwezi or birding breakfasts at Tea in the Trees.

8  Bungalow on the Beach

Crawfords Lodge is one of the most beautiful venues in Chintsa and attracts guests from all over the world.  If you are not lucky enough to be staying there, you can still visit their Bungalow on the Beach on weekends, for a laid back Eastern Cape meal, with live music and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.  ( Facebook )

9  Chintsa Deli

Hidden in a courtyard in the heart of the village, you will find the very popular Chintsa Deli.  This wonderful eatery offers visitors better choice meals in a laid back, serene outdoor setting.  Take some time to brows through the fresh produce and gourmet goodies on sale.  As one of the few places open daily, this venue is a must when visiting Chintsa. ( Facebook )

10  Cintsa Country Club

Drop in at the Chintsa Country Club situated in the centre of the Chintsa East village for a game of tennis or bowls.  This little club also offers pilates classes, has a ‘book exchange’ library, hosts dinner evenings and is the home of the Chintsa Community Market.  ( Facebook )

11  Fishing

If you enjoy fishing you will have plenty of opportunity to indulge your passion on this beautiful coastline.  If it is deep sea fishing you are after, contact Dean (073 441 0292) for availability and pricing. ( Info )

12  Chintsa Sunrise

Start your visit with an early morning coffee and a stunning Chintsa sunrise.  The beaches are the main reason for visiting Chintsa and a beautiful sunrise will set the tone for the rest of your stay.

13  Mild or Wild Cruise with OceanXtreme

Book a mild OR wild ride out to sea with OceanXtreme.  Enjoy the amazing wild life, coastal views and for those adrenalin junkies, an exciting high speed, wave jumping adventure. Bookings essential.  ( email / Instagram )

14  The Village Bistro

In the heart of the village you will find The Village Bistro.  Head there for a hot coffee, delicious  English Breakfast and a read of the local newspaper.  Here you will meet the village doyenne and Bistro owner Lynn Crawford, who is a fountain of knowledge of anything Chintsa. ( Facebook )

15  Get your creative on @ Hey Clay

Situated in the heart of Chintsa East, Hey Clay is a fun, creative corner for the whole family.  Custom paint a piece of pottery over a cuppa in the garden. A fun activity for the whole family. ( Facebook )

16  Get a Traditional Hand-poked Tattoo

Originally performed by the Japanese and named Tebori, hand poked tattoos are once again becoming popular.  Head to Kate Teesdales’ LetSleepingDragons Studio at Chintsa Mouth for one of these iconic tattoos.  You can also view her beautiful artworks which are on display.( Facebook )

17  The Mossa Senhora Da Atalaia Memorial (Chintsa East)

In 1647, The Mossa Senhora Da Atalaia carrack was wrecked in Chintsa Bay on the return journey from Goa to Lisbon.  The survivors camped ashore for 10 days before walking back to Maputo.  The Atalaia Centre in Chintsa East was named after the shipwreck and a memorial of this event can be found next to the Shopping Centre in the village centre.

18  Surf lessons

Surfing is the quintessential Eastern Cape experience.  Let Thulani from the Chintsa Surf School teach you how to experience true freedom by riding those waves.

19  Prana Lodge Wellness Spa

Visit the wellness spa at the award winning 5-Star Prana Lodge for an indulgent couples massage experience to remember.  Enjoy a range of wonderful spa treatments and treat yourself to a delicious meal after, at their beautiful poolside restaurant.  Bookings are essential. ( Website / Facebook )

20  Get rid of those kinks and reward yourself with some natural healing

For those who are usually too busy take time to look after yourself, you can do so while taking a breather in Chintsa.  Enjoy a massage by Angie (073 498 4281)… or if you need more than just a feel good massage, book a manual therapy session with Zanele Bosch (072 084 0808) of Philani, an Osteopath & Botanical Specialist, known for her magic hands. ( Website ).

21  Sunset & Sundowners @ Purple Haze

Watch a beautiful sunset from the Green Deck at the Purple Haze Eco Lodge in Chintsa East.            ( Facebook )

22  Take a drive to Cefani River Mouth

If you have a 2×4 or 4×4 we recommend a quick trip to Cefani, just off the Chintsa East Road.  The bumpy road leads you down to the mud flats on the banks of the Cefani River where you can use a prawn pump to search for bate.

23  Experience a typical East Coast Traffic Jam

You might be surprised to find out that you might experience multiple traffic jams while visiting the East Coast.  Do not be surprised if you have to give right-of-way to herds of goats, cattle, pigs and even the odd troop of monkeys.  This is a common phenomenon and requires road users to be especially alert as these road users display some unusual tendencies and have a blatant lack of respect for road rules.  We must exclude the horses as they are generally far more respectful road users.

24  Emeraldvale Brewery

Situated just off the Chintsa East Road the Emeraldvale Brewery is the first craft brewery in this region and makes without a doubt some of the best beer in the whole of the Eastern Cape.  Learn more about the art of making beer on their beer-making tour, bookings essential. For those who are active they offer mountain biking, trail running and hiking.  For the not so active, brows the local art on display or play a game of outdoor giant dominoes. Cheers! ( Facebook )

25  Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

When in Africa, a safari is a must on anyones adventure.  Head to Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve where you can go on a game drive, experience guided quad Biking Tours, a guided Umtiza Forest walk and bird watching.  For the hungry, check out their Friday Steak Evening. ( Facebook )

26  Golf & Tapas at Olivewood Private Golf Estate & Golf Club

If you enjoy golfing, you will be hard pressed to beat the beautiful views and a more stunning course than the Olivewood Golf Club.  Enjoy 9 or 18 holes or even just a bucket at their new driving range, nestled in the beautiful Eastern Cape rolling hills.  If you are hungry, check out the mouth watering treats on their Club House Menu and their Governors House Menu, ranging from  burgers or tapas to an upmarket, Chef’s Table experience.  ( Website / Facebook )

27  Tea in the Trees

This unique venue offers visitors something different.  For retail therapy, they offer a Sunday craft market twice a month, with live music and sumptuous food from their restaurant kitchen.  There is also yoga, a bike park, forest walks, and a quaint forest theatre.  Keep an eye out for their events such as Birding Breakfasts, Bosazza’s Bonfire Evening and the Bark Run.  ( Website / Facebook )

28  Ride horses on the beach

Chintsa Horses & The Newhampshire Rehabilitation Centre situated in Chintsa West offers visitors the opportunity to ride these beautiful rescue and rehabilitated horses along the beach.  Learn more about this amazing initiative to help save these beautiful animals.  ( Facebook )

29  Buccaneers on the Beach

Visit Buccaneers Hostel on the hill overlooking the river mouth and the sea.  This backpacking and slack packing venue is a Baz Bus stop and has an Art & Craft Gallery and Shop and offers massages, yoga and canoe hire.  They also have a number of local tours leaving from this venue.  Contact them to book and to find out if you can join their pizza by the pool event.  ( Website / Facebook )

30  Responsible Tourism

Partake in some ‘responsible tourism’ and give back to those who have less.  For R100 you can contribute by reading a book, doing some gardening and helping with lunch at the Acacia Tree Waldorf Nursery School.  For a R60 donation you can take part in a Temie’s Drop-in Centre & Soup Kitchen hike leaving from Buccaneers Backpackers.  Change a child’s future by sponsoring them @ African Angels Independent School.

31  Visit the beaches and the Xhosa inspired village of Chintsa West

Visit the quaint old Chintsa West Village to view the rustic rondavel architecture was inspired by traditional Xhosa homes.  This area also has an old school corner cafe, a pristine beach and plenty of good fishing.

32  The Jolly Roger Cintsa Restaurant & Pub

A stones throw away from the ocean overlooking the sea, the Jolly Roger Cintsa Restaurant & Pub offers good food, live live music and a place to play pool.  It is the perfect destination to watch those big sports games in a fun a lively atmosphere. ( Facebook )

33  Sushi and shopping @ Crossways Village

If you are having retail withdrawal, head to the Crossways Village Centre on Schafli Road for some serious retail therapy.  This is the thriving heart of the East Coast Resorts and offers everything including great shopping, eateries and medical services.  Here is a comprehensive guide to facilities available at this bustling centre.  ( Crossways Village Centre )

34  Walk on Chintsa beach

Without a doubt the main event in Chintsa is its beautiful 11km long beach.  This beach is the perfect place for a leisurely walk, a brisk run… and the hard sand makes is bike friendly too.

35  Building castles in the sand

Get creative and build a sand castle fit for a prince and princess.

36  Take an authentic Cultural Village with Elunxwemeni Township Tours

Visit a traditional healer, a spaza shop and drink traditional Umqombothi (African beer) and experience a day in the life of the locals at iCilwi Village.  ( Booking info )

37  Take a day trip to Morgan Bay

Take a day trip to Morgan Bay (+- 63km from Chintsa East) on the Wild Coast.  This beautiful coastal village is a popular holiday destination.  Visitors and nature lovers can have sundowners and take photos atop the Morgan Bay Cliffs,  visit the Morgan Bay Estuary, surf, whale and dolphin watching as well as numerous walks and trails. ( Website )

38  Fish & Chips at Morgan Bay Hotel

The Morgan Bay Hotel is an iconic Eastern Cape family hotel situated in the heart of the village and is renowned for its fish and chips on the restaurant deck, with stunning views of the cliffs and the ocean.  A must when visiting this village. ( Website / Facebook )

39  Visit the monthly Yellowwood Forest Market

If you are lucky enough to be in Morgan Bay on the 1st Saturday of the month, you can visit the Yellowwood Forest Craft Market.  This craft market is set amid the lush vegetation of the Yellowwood Forest and the quaint fantasy style cottages and buildings conjures up a mythical world, and a unique experience.

40  Get your adrenalin pumping with Morgan Bay Adventures

If you like adventure activities, Morgan Bay Adventures offers abseiling, rock climbing and paintball.  For those who enjoy more sedate activities, book them into the Morgan Bay Spa for a nice relaxing treatment. ( Facebook )

41  Visit Treasure (Bead) Beach in the Double Mouth Nature Reserve

A 17th Century Portuguese Ship, the Santo Espirito, ran aground in the waters off this beach.  Adventure hunters can comb the shores and are often rewarded with finding pieces of Ming Dynasty pottery, money cowries and carnelian beads amongst the shingle on the beach.  For a small entrance fee you can have your own treasure adventure so why not try your luck? ( Info )

42  Ride horses on the beach with Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures

For beginners, join a beginner family ride on the beach with Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures.  For the more experienced rider, they offer Morgan Bay Cliff Top Ride, ending with a canter along the beach.  You will find these and many more different options with Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures. ( Website / Facebook )

43  The Wild Coast ‘Cattle on the Beach’

On the beaches in Kei Mouth (and sometimes in Morgan Bay), you will see a strange sight.  Every day, the beautiful local Nguni cows head down to the beach to sleep on the sand or wander along the pristine sand and the waters edge. Why you may ask?  Well no one really knows, but one thing is for sure…  these beautiful majestic Nguni cattle are quite a sight to see and only enhance the already beautiful scenery.

44  Visit the Morganville Farm Private Motorbike Museum

Open on special days or on special request, the Morganville Farm and Private Motorbike Museum is a one of a kind venue.  Experience the flashy lifestyle of the stars onboard the Convair 880 110 seater aeroplane, that transported superstars such as The Who, Barbara Streisand, John Denver and The Rolling Stones.  The motorcycle museum houses over 650 motorcycles… but that’s not all.  The farm also has double decker busses, train carriages, and ox wagons… just to name a few.  Owner and operator Billy Nel (ex Eastern Cape Finance MEC) will accept groups of a minimum of 5 people at a cost of R100 per head (to be donated to CHOC).  Contact him directly on 082 769 0844 to book a time.  ( More info )

45  The Bush Pig Events Bar

The Bush Pig is a one of a kind ‘family friendly’ restaurant, bar and events venue.  With it’s unique decor, great ambiance and delicious pizza’s, it is a must for those with a big hunger and thirst.  Open Fridays to Sunday.  ( Facebook )

46  The Kei Mouth Pont

Started in 1990, the Kei Mouth Pont is the only way to cross the Great Kei River without having to make a 154km round trip via Butterworth.  A single pont runs back and forth daily, however in the high season, up to 3 ponts are in full operation.  The pont is a few minutes away from the centre of Kei Mouth.  ( More info )

47  Cruise the Great Kei River

Enjoy a 2.5 hour Fish Eagle Cruise or a 4.5 hour Sundowner Cruise with Fish Eagle Cruises on the Great Kei River.  ( Website / Facebook )

48  The Cape Morgan Lighthouse

Situated 3km along the coastline from Kei Mouth to Morgan Bay you will find the Cape Morgan Lighthouse which was established in 1964.  It is one of only 4 lighthouses on the Wild Coast.  Grab your fishing rod and enjoy a day of hiking and fishing on your way to visit the lighthouse. ( More Info )

49  13(18) Holes at the Kei Mouth Country Club

What is a holiday without a round of golf?  The Kei Mouth Country Club is situated on the Cape Morgan Nature Reserve and was established in 1933.  It offers golfers a 13 hole course with different tee-boxes so that you can still get in a round of 18 holes.  Its 19th hole (The Clubhouse) offers beautiful sea views and refreshing cold ones, making it a must for all golf lovers. ( Facebook )

50  The Hazel Jeffries Shell Museum in Kei Mouth

If you have an hour to spare, head to the Hazel Jefferies Shell Museum and check out the wide variety of beautiful sea shells on display. The museum is located at the municipal offices near the 4-way stop on the main road.

Article:  Sandy Loppnow (ShowMe East London)