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- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
- Transkei
Transkei
The Transkei (meaning 'across the Kei') is a region situated
roughly between East London and Durban in the Eastern Cape,
bordered by the Great Kei River in the south and the Umtamvuna
River near Port Edward in the north.
Characterised by green rolling hills scattered with round
thatched huts, and a stunning coastline, the ruggedly beautiful
Transkei region has become increasingly attractive to tourists
seeking an unspoilt experience of South Africa, a far cry from the
many westernised luxuries that can be found throughout most of the
country. The Wild Coast is perhaps the most visited part, with
stretches of golden beach sprinkled with shells, overlooked by
traditional Xhosa villages set amid the green hills, and punctuated
by rough potholed roads.
Coffee Bay and Port St John's are the two main tourist towns and
have become a haven for independent travellers and backpackers.
Hole-in-the-Wall close to Coffee Bay is a popular attraction, a
geographical marvel where the sea has pounded a tunnel through a
huge rock in the sea.
Historically, the Transkei was one of the homelands created by
the Apartheid government to be set aside for black, Xhosa-speaking
South Africans until it became an independent state in 1976 with
Umtata (Mthatha) as the capital. Today the only reason to visit
Umtata is to see the Nelson Mandela Museum that showcases his life
in photos and displays. Just to the north the little town of Qunu
lays its claim to fame as the birthplace of Mandela.
Information & Facts
Climate
The Transkei's climate is subtropical with plenty of rainfall
during the summer months and hot, humid weather. Winter weather is
dry and mild. Average daytime temperatures during the summer from
November to March range from 70F to 79F (21C to 26C). The coldest
time of the year is at night during the winter months when the
temperature drops to around 50F (10C).
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages, including
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely
spoken.
Money
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into
100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily
limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards
are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is
required. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs,
as con artists are known to operate there. Travellers cheques and
some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops,
but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will
exchange them.
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