Chintsa village is an ideal destination for fun and relaxing activities

 Story by Anele Zikali

One thing about East London you get to experience city life, township style and rural exposure all nearby. It is time to leverage the village side of the Eastern Cape-based town in South Africa.  

Just 30km away from East London, Chintsa village is quite popular for its village tours and wide range of activities for international and local visitors. It is situated in East London, province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. 

Starting off with the wild and adventurous explorers 

Satisfy your adrenaline rush by taking on abseiling, quad bikes or mountain hiking activities. The hills and roads in the area make it conducive for these kinds of fun. 

Adventure in the ocean 

There is a normal cruise for everyone; however, Chintsa goes an extra mile and offers a wild boat cruise on the beach. It is the speed in the water, buckle up and be ready for action. 

Surfing is just not for everyone; however, for those who want to do so, can easily dive in. For those who are willing to learn, there are lessons offered by a professional; you need to book the lessons. 

The cool and relaxing side of the village  

If you are not a fan of quad biking and hiking, at least you can replace it by taking a walk in the sand or the the lushly green. 

Replace quad biking with a chilled horse ride that leads to the beach. They can take a maximum of 100 kg in weight. Make sure you contact them ahead of time to ensure that you meet the requirements. 

Private game resort tour 

Now we are talking about rhinos, the most endangered species on earth as well as the rare white lions. There are guides from Inkwenkwezi that will drive you through and ensure your safety. 

Bird watching

Inkwenkwezi also showcases birds, they know the peak time for birds to show up. There is also an option to have breakfast under the trees where there are many birds. 

Fishing and sea animals

Just like many coastal areas, comes with an option to fish. Imagine catching a fresh one to put on the grill or braai whilst watching a beach sunset. 

Whilst at it, you can get the privilege of seeing dolphins and sharks at close range. Even photoshoots are quite popular in the beach. 

Picnic

Picnic by the beach or on the lush grass near the riverside side watching nature wonders. Even adventure lovers can do with a relaxing picnic after an epic trail. 

Golf

A village with a golf course? Yes, that is right, and it makes sense why Chintsa is loved by international and local tourists.

Spa and aesthetics

A massage during a holiday break sounds fitting for some relaxation mood, considering the travel distance and depending on how much a person needs to de-stress; moreover, it is beneficial for rejuvenation and aesthetics. 

Kid-friendly activities 

Chintsa accommodates everyone, so the kids have fun things to do. The slide house, named the Arendsnes, comes in handy for swing and slide lovers and has a big playground.  

A touch farm, where they get to do a farm visit and also touch and feed friendly animals. There is a giraffe interaction where people can feed the well-trained animal, pet and brush it whilst interacting with it. 

Painting and clay

Most children love to get their little hands busy molding, shaping and painting objects. So it is their opportunity to experience this at the art centre. 

Beach fun is always an ideal outdoor activity for children, bring along toys to build sand castles and splashing with water and a chance to explore the big waters without being reminded not to waste water at home and have fun. 

Something for all

The Chintsa village tour is one of the most popular destinations, and it is a well-organised trip. So get close and view this beautiful rural side of the country.

Artwork, nicely built traditional rondavals to beads, just the rural life with its raw natural forest, grass, beach, lagoons, farms, Xhosa culture and meet the rich in culture and language of the indigenous inhabitants. 

Keeping the village vibrant with entertainment 

Live music, entertainment and sports events are also what keep visitors coming for more because it is not only about the cool and lush wonders of nature; there are popular events that keep the calm village vibrant at times.

Watch out for timeliness and social media platforms for upcoming events that you will enjoy whilst indulging in food and beverages.

Accommodation 

It is one of the things you want to do ahead of time, especially in small and remote areas. Some places offer self-catering, camping, and others have luxurious stays. It is also a good option to book in East London and have transport to travel to Chintsa. The experienced tour guides and agencies in most rural areas are very helpful. 

Eateries 

Restaurants with a wide range of options, however limited, make sure you know when the places open and close. You can be in a village but still get to order pizza and have breakfast on top of the beach view, watching the sunrise. A braai in the three-hour cruise, seafood, Xhosa traditional dishes, steak and other good food. 

Shopping and amenities 

Considering the small and remote area it is, there is a shopping and medical center in the area. A shopping center for some essentials and fun. So those who love shopping cannot feel left behind. 

There is a marketplace to shop African artwork so you can go home with a fine piece of art, something different that is not on the popular market, a library with a coffee shop. 

It is important to note the opening and closing times in this area. Midweek to weekends seem to be the most conducive times for many amenities to open. Always take precautions when traveling. 

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