In the late 70's my parents moved to Butterworth in the then-Transkei homeland. It was very soon after arriving there that I was introduced to the Wild Coast and I immediately fell in love with it. Since then I've hiked, biked, motorcycled and, in recent years, 4x4'ed most of the coast south of Port St Johns. Mostly in an effort to find the best fishing, surfing, diving or boating spots but especially to find great places to simply chill out at and immerse myself in what must surely be one of the most remarkable and spectacular coastlines in the world. When beach driving was first banned, I began exploring the area for 4x4 tracks that would allow me to get to all my favourite spots without having to travel on the beach and without having to travel too far inland. I soon discovered that there was quite a demand for these off-road tracks and so I started recording them so that I could pass them on to others and to share the experience of this magnificent countryside with others. When Tracks 4 Africa suggested putting together a Wild Coast 4x4 Eco Trail and requested data from its members for it, I keenly submitted a six-day trail which I had put together for the local Land Rover Club. [Tracks4Africa is committed to environmentally-friendly and safe off-roading. If you've seen the myriad tracks that criss-cross the buffalo grass-carpeted Transkei coastline, you'll appreciate the necessity of avoiding track pollution there. Don't be a cowboy, or you will get stuck out there! - Ed.]It is best to do the route in a north-easterly direction starting at Kei Mouth and ending at Port St Johns. The best way to do this, wherever you are coming from, is to travel to Kei Mouth and make that your gathering point. Camp at the campsite, refuel and restock your provisions - and enjoy your last civilized camp for the next couple of days. [Another option is to spoil yourself and book into Umthombe Kei River Resort, half an hour away. Website: www.umthombekei.co.za - Ed.] Although I've done the route in three days (great for those keen on a Paris-Dakar-type experience), I would not recommend attempting it in less than six days. (Information supplied by DriveOut Magazine). This trail can be driven in any direction. There are not many designated roads in the Transkei Coastal Conservation Area (CCA), along the 1km coastal strip area. A permit will be required to drive in those areas. Contact the DEAET (Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism), Eastern Cape. They will forward you an application form to drive in this area. Note that each driver needs to complete a form. Contact Edwina Oates (DEAET - Permit), telephone: +27(0)43 707 4068 and fax: +27(0)86 519 3200.