EXPLORE PONDOLAND
Venture where only a fortunate few have passed. The northern Pondoland section of the Wild Coast, stretching from Mtamvuna river in the north (Port Edward) to the mighty Umzimvubu in the south (Port St John's), is undoubtedly the least accessible, dramatically rugged and breathtakingly pristine section of the Wild Coast. Active Escapes offers a number of customised hike options along this remote section of Wild Coast. From village homestays and community camps to hiking-luxury tented camps with ensuite ablutions, nestled under the shade of dune forest with sea or estuarine views, this hike is for the discerning eco-traveller.
Covering a hiking distance of approximately 100km from Port Edward to PSJ, the Pondoland region is a hotpsot of botanical endemism (the Tongoland-Pondoland centre being one of the three major regions of biodiversity in South Africa), traditional culture and contrasting beauty. However, it is not without controversy. Whilst the proposed N2 coastal highway threatens estuaries such as Nyameni and Mtentu, plans to open-cast mine the Berea Red Sand Dunes of the Xolobeni region have instigated a vocal backlash from local communities vehemently opposed to mining. For more up-to- date info on these topical issues, visit the website of 'Sustain the Wild Coast' - an NGO organisation doing some remarkable work to protect the Pondoland Wild Coast from resource pillage.
Tourism has been mooted as the environmentally-friendly alternative to achieving economic growth and upliftment in historically disadvanted regions. In participating in a Pondoland hike, you are doing your bit to fight the road and mining threat, showing that ecotourism can prove a lower-impact and more sustainable alternative for economic upliftment in the region. Whether it's supporting joint venture camps, the comunity guides, porters and ferrymen, or the village based homestays - you can be assured that your dollar spent is going directly to the people that are providing these services on a fair trade basis.
On a Pondoland hike you can expect to visit friendly xhosa villages, hike untouched kilometres of undulating grassland, rocky headlands and sandy bays, whilst passing spectacular waterfalls, freestanding rock stacks and pristine estuaries on your journey. The skeletal remains of numerous shipwrecks bear testimony to this high energy coastline, whilst schools of dolphin and whales are a familiar sight.
Rusted remains of shipwreck Tented Camps on Pondoland Hike
Pondoland Hikes can be anything from 2 days to 8 days of hiking. Our Standard Pondoland Hike offerings are as follows:
Pondo-Explorer
Click Here for Pondo-Explorer & Pondo-Hopper Trail Brochure
- 3 & 5 Night Self-Catered or Fully Catered Hike Options
Tour Includes:
- Transfer from Port St John's (or Mbotyi) to Msikaba (start of the hike)
- 5 Nights Accommodation: 4 Nights in Semi-luxury Tented Camps (each twin bedded tent has ensuite toilet & hot water shower) & 1 Night (DBB) at Mbotyi River Lodge
- Reserve Permits & Trail Fees
- Emergency Support Service
- Full catering & vehicle back-up support on Pondo-Hopper options
5 Day Hike Itinerary
Day 1 : Pick-up & transfer provided from PSJ - to Msikaba. Spend the afternoon on the beach or canoe up the Msikaba estuary (canoes provided)
Day 2: Hike Msikaba – Luphuthana (16 km)
Visit the BBC China shipwreck at Grosvenor and learn about the ambitious plans of the early treasure hunters. Luphuthana 'sprays' are a sight to behold.
Day 3: Hike Luphuthana - Mbotyi (17.5km). A hike of spectular landmarks: from the 80m plunge of Waterfall Bluff to Cathedral Rock & Mfilo Falls. Spend this evening in luxury at the Mbotyi Lodge - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
Day 4: Hike Mbotyi - Manteku (11km). Today the terrain gets more hilly . Spend the afternoon canoeing & fishing in the mangrove-clad Manteku estuary.
Day 5: Hike Manteku - Ntafufu (10km). Some great swimming & fishing spots enroute
Day 6: Hike Ntafufu - PSJ (13km). Enjoy the last of the sand between your toes on the long beach stretch through to Poenskop. After a ferry ride across the Umzimvubu, cold beers await at the Fish Eagle Inn.
Pondoland VBA
A more community-based starting from the Wild Coast Casino (Port Edward) and hiking down to Mbotyi (5 Days) or all the way down to Port St Johns (8 Days) if you into an epic.
Click Here to download Pondoland VBA Trail Brochure
Enter the Jikeleza Jog: 15th - 19th June, 2011.
3 Trail Run Event from Wavecrest to Cinsta
Customising your PONDOLAND HIKE
From self-guided to fully-supported options, Active Escapes can provide a Pondoland Experience to suit your needs and pocket.
For more information or if you are interested in any one of these hike opions, Contact us here
