Hostels in Chintsa, South Africa

Cintsa (alternatively spelled Chintsa) is a small beach town in the heart of the Xhosa region of South Africa. Cintsa allows you to chill out by the ocean in a relatively secluded place while being only 40 kilometers from the city of East London. Situated in the Eastern Cape Province, it is at the south-western end of the Wild Coast, a stretch of coastline known for its stunning displays of natural beauty. The town welcomes tourists and volunteers alike, attracting visitors year-round because of its warm and mild weather in this subtropical climate.

Cintsa is divided into two main areas: Cintsa East and Cintsa West, split by a river and small bay. In Cintsa East, you will find many lodges and guest houses with beach views that carry a higher price tag, but there are also some hostels and camping on that side. Just inland from the beach, there is a cluster of shops selling groceries as well as a gas station and café. There are also several good restaurants for lunch or dinner; just ask around. Cintsa West offers more camping locations behind the dunes that meet the water and possibly a backpackers’ hostel or two.

The main attraction of this town is the 15 kilometer-long beach where you can take a walk along the sand or try to spot some whales or dolphins from the shore. Other popular activities include horseback riding on the beach, surfing, fishing, going on a brewery tour, or admiring the plant and animal life in the East London Coast Nature Reserve. Your Cintsa hostel can help you arrange daily activities. The area boasts indigenous forests, dunes, rock pools, and many opportunities for bird watching. The town’s residents are proud of the range of natural treasures that Cintsa holds; they are quite environmentally conscious, leading preservation efforts within the area.