Chinsta, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The quaint little seaside village of Cintsa (or Chintsa), lies just 45 kilometres north east of East London. It is often mistakenly regarded as part of the wild coast, and though it lies very close to it, manages to fall just outside. Nonetheless, this part of the coast is reminiscent of all things wild, and the beauty of the surrounds is the reason so many seek out this peaceful spot that claims its name from the river on which it lies, meaning ‘crumbling banks’ in Xhosa.

Two little villages in fact lie on the banks of the Chintsa River and estuary - Cintsa East, which paradoxically lies on the north shore of the river and is the more developed of the two, and Cintsa West, on the south. This is a beautiful part of the world. That it has been described as a little piece of paradise is no wonder, and to its residents and return summer visitors, Cintsa offers a haven in a tranquil setting, surrounded by lush indigenous forest and thicket, and an amazing bird life.