Updated April 2026

Cintsa (also spelled Chintsa) is one of the most accessible and underrated destinations on South Africa’s Wild Coast, offering a perfect mix of relaxed beach vibes, outdoor adventure, and budget-friendly travel. Located just outside East London in the Eastern Cape, Cintsa is often considered the gateway to the Wild Coast—making it an ideal first stop for travellers heading further north to places like Coffee Bay, Mdumbi, and Bulungula.

Divided into Cintsa East and Cintsa West, this coastal village is known for its long stretches of unspoiled beach, rolling dunes, and lush coastal forests. Whether you’re looking to surf, go horse riding along the beach, hike through nature reserves, or simply unwind, Cintsa offers a laid-back alternative to busier South African beach destinations.

In this guide to Cintsa, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do—whether you’re road-tripping the Wild Coast, backpacking South Africa, or looking for a quiet coastal escape.

Planning a trip to the Wild Coast? Check out my Complete Guide to the Wild Coast or my blogs on Bulungula, Coffee Bay and Mdumbi.

Cintsa

Getting There

Hiring a car

Travelling along the Wild Coast is best done with a car. I’d recommend hiring a car for your trip as you’ll be able to go at your own pace and be able to reach areas off the beaten track (which is really what travelling the Wild Coast of South Africa is all about).

DiscoverCars allows you to compare prices for various rental companies for your dates and destination. Book your rental here:

 

Baz Bus

The Baz Bus stops in Cintsa. The main stop is at Areena Riverside Resort, which acts as the official drop-off and pick-up point for Baz Bus passengers in the area. From there, you can easily access accommodation in both Cintsa East and Cintsa West—many hostels and lodges offer transfers or can arrange pickups.

It’s a convenient stop if you’re travelling the Wild Coast route between East London and places like Coffee Bay, and it works well for backpackers who don’t want to self-drive. Just make sure to check the latest Baz Bus schedule, as routes and stops can vary slightly depending on the season.

Where to stay in Cintsa

We spent our time at Cintsa at Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers. Buccs has a wonderful family-run vibe and caters to all sorts of travellers. Whether you’re a solo backpacker looking for a dorm and a fun vibe, or a family looking for a self-catering cottage with a sea view and some relaxation time, Buccs has something for you! The Lodge is set amongst the leafy banana trees and looks out on the Cinsta Lagoon and beach. They have a pool, volleyball net, SUPs and canoes, as well as an onsite bar and restaurant.

Book your stay here.

During our stay we stayed in one of their family sea-view cottages. They also have deluxe sea view ensuites, tree house sea view ensuites, tree house garden en suites, family garden cottages, budget sea and lagoon view ensuites, budget doubles and dorms. All for a range of different prices. You could even camp at Buccs if you wanted to! Check out their website for all their rates.

Here are some photos of our family sea-view cottage

What to do in Cintsa

Go for a canoe or SUP along the lagoon

Buccs have canoes and SUP that are available for their guests to use. Simply grab a paddle on your way down to the beach and hop in a canoe.

Checkout Cintsa beach

You can either go for a walk along the beach or just park off on the sand. There is a lovely long stretch of white sandy beach to enjoy.

Go horseriding on the beach

Buccs can organise daily horserides which leave from reception at 9:30am. Chat to the ladies at the front desk for more information.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view

Cintsa is an incredibly quiet and peaceful place making it the perfect spot for relaxation. Find a perch overlooking the lagoon and get lost in a book.

Grab your binocs and bird watch along the Lagoon

The Cintsa Lagoon is host to a wide range of different birds. We saw spoonbills, terns, hammerkops, woodland kingfishers, grey herons, egrets, pluvers and cormorants on the lagoon.

Cintsa is a very beautiful nature spot along the southern Wild Coast. It’s the perfect family spot to park off for a few days of relaxing holiday!

Road tripping around South Africa? Check out my blog post on Cape Town to Coffee Bay (which includes guides to Nature’s Valley, Yellow Sands, Coffee Bay and Hogsback) for more South African roadtrip inspiration. If you’re looking for Garden Route guides check out my comprehensive guide to Knysna.

Safety Tips for Travelling South Africa

Travelling in South Africa can be an incredible experience, and with a few sensible precautions, it’s easy to stay safe throughout your trip. As with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings—especially in cities—and avoid walking alone at night or displaying valuables in public. When driving, stick to main roads, plan your routes in advance, and try to avoid travelling after dark in rural areas. Use reputable accommodation and tour providers, and always check local advice before visiting more remote spots along the Wild Coast. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of important documents, carry a small amount of cash, and use secure parking where possible. Overall, most trips to South Africa are trouble-free, and by following basic safety tips, you can explore confidently while enjoying everything this diverse and beautiful country has to offer.