Photo of Chintsa

About Chintsa

Comprised of two tiny villages, Chintsa East and Chintsa West, located either side of the Chintsa River mouth this unspoilt holiday destination lies in the heart of Xhosa country. With a seemingly endless white-sandy beach, ensconced by forest dunes, lagoons, and rivers, a swimmable surf, plus low-cost accommodation, it's the sort of place that travellers come for a couple of days and stay for a couple of weeks. Despite being less than an hour away from busy East London, you feel a world away from anything resembling city life. Our collection of the best places to stay in Chintsa showcase the best hotels for romance, families, and total relaxation.

What not to miss

  • Walk the length of Chintsa and Yellow Sands Beach.
  • The Chintsa River estuary is a great spot for anglers, with a variety of kob and pan fish.
  • Learn to surf with Heartland Journeys Surf School, on a 15km stretch of uncrowded beach.
  • Based along the Kwelera River, Areena Quays is a tranquil family restaurant in a picturesque setting.
  • Sample the Wild Coast's finest craft beer at Emerald Vale.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Chintsa showcase a back to nature experience at an affordable price.

The Best Places to stay in Chintsa

For a great value stay

  • Great value, great location Wild Lubanzi Backpackers offers everything the eco-traveller desires, as well as delicious, locally sourced food!

For a family stay

For a romantic getaway

  • Beautifully decorated, with cavernous baths and private pools, Prana Lodge is Chintsa's ultimate couples' retreat.

For ultimate relaxation

  • A little further afield, Miarestate Hotel & Spa offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining, with a long list of spa treatments. Bliss.

Travel Information

  • If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Eastern Cape, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • East London Airport is under an hour's drive - taxis can be booked easily.
  • Boasting a very temperate climate, with temperatures seldom dropping below 20°C or rising above 30°C. On average, the warmest month is March, the coolest is August, and wettest, November.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Chintsa

Best Hotels in Chintsa

  • Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve Chintsa 12 rooms from CA$93

    Value chic  -  An excellent value tent camp
    Kayaking  -  Down the tidal estuary down towards the Glen Eden beach
    Great walks  -  Excellent guided bush walks
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    RestaurantSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    Excellent value safari lodge. Providing a true camping experience, with all the difficult bits taken care of! Each of the 12 tents provides a comfortable stay with en suite bathrooms and private terrace to take in those views. A hearty breakfast is served and sundowners by the fire are very popular. See More

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  • Purple Haze Eco Lodge Chintsa 5 rooms from CA$96

    Back to Nature  -  A stay amidst Chinsta's rugged coastline, with BBQ facilities and excellent hiking trails
    Value chic  -  Great value self catering accommodation
    Great walks  -  Spectacular walking routes, through mountain and coastline, right from your front door
    Restrictions on children  -  Over 18s only
    Disabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Five eco-cottages within walking distance of the Wild Coast's most beautiful beaches. Simple yet sustainable, with everything a nature lover could want. Self-catering, you're walking distance from local restaurants. Guests should bear in mind, this is a "4.20 friendly stay" - if you know, you know! See More

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  • Crawford's Beach Lodge Chintsa 30 rooms from CA$175

    Families  -  Well-priced family stay with a bounty of outdoor activities on your doorstep
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Popular owner-managed B&B, walking distance of The Wild Coast's spectacular coastline. Explore some of South Africa's most rugged landscapes from the comfort of this homely stay. Very family friendly, dine on hearty dishes to fuel you for the day. Rooms include flexible accommodation with balconies. See More

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  • Prana Lodge Chintsa (Chintsa,) 7 rooms from CA$349

    Romantic Break  -  Exquisite rooms, beachside location: a very romantic stay
    Great walks  -  The coastal walk down to the nearby beach
    Restrictions on children  -  Children above the age of 12 are welcome
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pools
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolViewsParkingNo pets

    Very romantic, beautifully decorated hotel within easy reach of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. A great stay for couples, or those who like the great outdoors, but enjoy life's luxuries a little more. Sprawling suites include ensuites with cavernous baths. Excellent dining. A wonderful stay. See More

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