Mtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail

This is a great option for persons short on time, who want to hike the Wild Coast, but within easy accessibility of Durban. The hike to Mtentu is 2 days, overnighting at a village homestay the first night, and then hiking through to Mtentu Lodge for another two nights. The hike goes through the Pondoland Centre of Endemism (a specialist plant guide can be organised for botanical enthusiasts), with the Mzamba fossils and the red dunes being other natural highlights. These dunes, and the Xolobeni community in which you overnight, are at the heart of the proposed mining battle.

The village homestay is basic but provides an excellent cultural experience. Mtentu Lodge provides wood and thatch accommodation. All bedding and meals are provided. On your free exploration day, you can hike into neighbouring Mkambathi Reserve or take a canoe up the beautiful Mtentu estuary and do the epic Swallowtail Falls kloofing hike.

On departure day – we will provide you with a 4x4 transfer back to your vehicle left at the Wild Coast Casino.

Trip Duration2 Hike Days & 1 Free Day / 3 Nights* Extra days avail
Daily DistanceDay 1: 14km Day 2: 14kmDay 3: 10-12km (optional)
Trail Grading2.5/ 5 - Fitness. Porters can be arranged on special request2/ 5 - Technicality. No technical sections, but may be a river crossing
Trail TerrainCoastal Trail - traversing grassland, sandy beaches and friendly Pondo villages.
Accommodation1 Night Village Homestay - traditional mud & thatch rondavels, mattress on floor with bedding & bucket bath2 Nights Mtentu River Lodge (Backpacker style)
Logistic SupportFully catered & guided trail (guided to Mtentu, 3rd day self-exploration)Return transfer* Optional: Porter-support
Group SizeFrom 2 persons. No max, but 12 pax / per guide.
PricingOn a group of 6-11 persons:R3950/pp

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At a Glance

The hike to Mtentu is two days, overnighting at a village homestay the first night, and then hiking through to Mtentu Lodge for another two nights. The village homestay is basic but provides an excellent and authentic cultural experience.

Mtentu Lodge provides wood-and-thatch accommodation, with all bedding and meals provided. On your free exploration day, you can hike into neighbouring Mkambathi Reserve where you can go swimming up to waterfalls and see roaming game. You can also take a canoe up the gorgeous Mtentu estuary, do the epic Swallowtail Falls kloofing hike, or just enjoy this stunning private beach.

Day 1Arrival & Hike Day 1: Wild Coast Casino – Nyameni (14km)
Leave your vehicle in secure parking at the Wild Coast casino and meet your guide. Today’s hike is mostly along the beach,passing remnants of a petrified forest, through to the stunning Nyameni river and then on to the Xolobeni village for a night in a local homestay.
Overnight: Nyameni Village Homestay (dinner)
Day 2Hike Day 2: Nyameni to Mtentu (12-14km)
Today’s hike heads out through the cultivated fields of Xolobeni across the grasslands and over the red dunes through to Sikombe and then on to Mtentu.
Overnight: Mtentu River Lodge (breakfast, packed lunch & dinner)
Day 3Hike Day 3: Mtentu – free day or self-exploration
Hike into neighbouring Mkambati Nature Reserve –where you can do a 10km return hike to Mkambati & Strandloper waterfalls.
For the fit and adventurous – take a paddle up the stunning Mtentu estuary and do the Swallowtail Falls rock-hop (approx. 10km return), or just enjoy a general relaxation day - swimming, snorkelling or beach chill.
Overnight: Mtentu River Lodge (breakfast, packed lunch & dinner)
Day 4Return Transfer Day
After breakfast or lunch - 4x4 return transfer back to the Wild Coast casino (approx. 2hr transfer).

Mtentu Lodge Surrounds

1 Night at a Village Homestay - traditional mud & thatch rondavels, mattress on floor with bedding & bucket bath.

2 Nights at Mtentu River Lodge - 4-sleeper Log Cabins (twin front room, bunk-bed back room), communal ablutions (hot water showers), central dining area and bar.

Is it possible to organise vehicle luggage transfers on this hike?
It is possible, and feasible for a larger group, but local porters are a better option for smaller groups.
What type of footwear is appropriate?
A hiking type shoe or trail sneaker is perfect for this trail.
What is the best time of year for this trail?
The Wild Coast has a very temperate climate so can be hiked all year round. Winter months offer a wonderful and stable climate for hiking and the annual sardine run brings with it game fish, schools of dolphins and pelagic birds. Please try avoid the school holiday periods as the lodge is very popular over these times.
Can this hike be shortened to two days?
Yes it can, or it can be extended with extra nights at Mtentu. Or consider our longer Pondo-Voyager trail.
Is it possible to self-cater?
No. Mtentu lodge does not offer a self-catered option.

Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Wild CoastMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail

At a Glance

Group Size	Price (PP)
2 Persons	R5 400/pp
3 Persons	R4 700/pp
4-5 Persons	R4 200/pp
6-11 Persons	R3 950/pp
12 or more	R3 850/pp

Whats included in this tour

3 Nights Accom (sharing basis): 1 night at a village Homestay & 2 nights Mtentu Lodge
All meals: from dinner on first night to lunch on final day (3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners)
Hiking Guide - for first 2 hike days (Day 3 is a self-exploration day)
4x4 Return Transfer - from Mtentu - back to WC Casino

Whats not included in this tour

Mtentu chalets are 4-sleeper chalets & are costed on a sharing basis for your group. If couples wish to have EXCLUSIVITY of a chalet, they’ll need to pay a R400/pp exclusivity supplement, based on 2 persons only.
Canoe Hire at Mtentu (for Swallowtail Falls): R150/per canoe

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