Pondo Exploring

The northern Pondoland section of the Wild Coast stretches from Mtamvuna River in the north (Port Edward) to the mighty Umzimvubu in the south (Port St John's) and is arguably the most rugged and breathtakingly pristine section of Wild Coast.

On the self-catered Pondo-Explorer Trail (3 or 5 nights), you will overnight in East African style tented camps, all in unsurpassed locations. There is a central dining and kitchen boma which is well equipped for self-catering, so you need only worry about your food on this self-catered trail. Porters can easily be arranged if you don’t feel like the schlep of carrying a heavy backpack. The third night of the trail is spent at Mbotyi River Lodge (with dinner & breakfast inclusive) – a welcome bit of pampering along the trail.

Trip Duration3 or 5 Night Std Hike Options* Extra rest days possible
Daily DistancesDay 1: 16km Day 2: 18km Day 3: 11km Day 4: 10km Day 5: 13km
Trail Grading3 / 5 - Fitness. Easy gradient for first 2 days but higher daily distances. More hills on Day’s 3 & 4.2 / 5 - Technicality. Limited scrambling. Some sheer sections for viewpoints (optional).
Trail TerrainCoastal Trail - traversing grasslands with deep forest ravines and gorges, rocky headlands, sandy beaches and passing through friendly Pondo villages.
AccommodationTented Camps - twin bedded safari tents with ensuite ablutions and hot shower. Central kitchen & dining boma - fully equipped for self-catering.1 Night DBB at Mbotyi River Lodge
Logistic SupportThis is a self-catered trail (except for Mbotyi night) but porters can be arranged to lighten your loadGuide included on all trails* Optional: Porter-support
Group SizeMin 2 pax and max 24 pax per camp
PricingOn a group of 5 - 6 persons: R6,000/pp for the 5 Night Explorer

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At a Glance

We offer a 3 or 5 night hiking package, both starting from Msikaba and either finishing at Mbotyi (3 Night Trail) or Manteku or Port St John’s (the 5 Night trail).

Highlights of this trail include the deepest estuary in South Africa (Msikaba), the ocean spray spectacular at Luphuthana, waterfalls which plunge directly into the ocean (including an 80 metre high waterfall at Waterfall Bluff), Cathedral Rock, friendly Pondo villages and sweeping vistas. During the annual sardine run (June-July), the ocean is a-frenzy with game fish, dolphins, sharks and myriad seabirds.

On this self-catered trail version, extra day-nights can be had at any of the camps or at Mbotyi. It is also possible to break the first hike day into two days by overnighting at Grosvenor lodge where catering is provided.

Day 1Arrival & Transfer Day
Self-drive to Port St Johns (5 night trail) or Mbotyi (std 3 night trail), leaving your vehicle in secure parking here and we will transfer you to Msikaba, the trailhead, for your first nights accommodation. No hiking this day.
Overnight: Msikaba Camp
Day 2Hike Day 1: Msikaba to Luphuthana Camp (16km)
Todays hike is mostly walking on the plateau above the cliffs. The vestiges of treasure quests at Grosvenor, Goss’s Point and the stunning Mkweni estuary, as well as the fantastic spray display at Luphuthana are highlights of the day.
Overnight: Luphuthana Camp
Day 3Hike Day 2: Luphuthana – Mbotyi River Lodge (18km)
Another long day but without major ascents. Trail Highlights include: Top Hat, Waterfall Bluff (an 80m high waterfall which plunges directly into the ocean), Cathedral Rock, Mfihlelo Waterfall, freshwater swimming pools on the Mlambomkulu river, and the views from the top of Drew’s Camp looking down towards Mbotyi where you will enjoy the comfort of Mbotyi River Lodge for the night.
Overnight: Mbotyi River Lodge (DBB)
Day 4Hike Day 3: Mbotyi River Lodge - Manteku (10km)
The terrain becomes more undulating after Mbotyi. Trail Highlights: Friendly rural villages, sweeping vistas from the hilltops, Manteku mangrove estuary with prolific birdlife, canoeing up Manteku Estuary.
Overnight: Manteku Camp
Day 5Hike Day 4: Manteku – Ntafufu (10km) or Hike & Paddle around Manteku
Trail Highlights: Black Sands, beach before Ntafufu, Ntafufu River Crossing, Manteku Paddling
Overnight: Ntafufu Camp / Manteku View Camp
Day 6Hike Day 5: Ntafufu - PSJ (13km / 4.5-5hr hike)/ Depart from Manteku after leisure morning
Trail Highlights: Dome Bluff, golden miles of beach through to Poenskop
ETA: Groups arrive back in PSJ from midday to early afternoon OR can depart from Manteku after a morning on the beach

1 Night DBB at Mbotyi River Lodge – Riverview Chalets.

2 / 4 Nights Tented Camps - twin bedded safari tents on wooden platforms under thatch boma's with ensuite ablutions and hot water gas shower. Central kitchen & dining boma - fully equipped for self-catering.

Oceanview Chalet - Mbotyi Lodge

Ntafufu Tented Camp

Is it possible to have our bags transported by vehicle on this trail?
Unfortunately not on this trail. However, porters are available at R300/porter/per day. They walk ahead of you and it supports the local economy.
What type of footwear is appropriate?
For this trail, heavier hiking boots are not necessary. A hiking type shoe or trail running sneaker with good grip is perfect.
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, but from about March through to November tend to be better months i.t.o less rainfall. Best to try avoid the busy school holiday periods. Winter months offer a wonderful and stable climate for hiking and the annual sardine run brings with it many game fish, schools of dolphins and pelagic birds.
Is it possible to get catering at some of the camps?
Unfortunately not. If you want catering to be provided then you need to chose the fully supported and catered pondo-hopper trail version.
Is it possible to buy food supplies enroute?
Unfortunately, this cannot be relied upon. There is a larger Spaza store in Mbotyi (mid-way on the hike) where basic food items can be replenished (fresh bread, tinned good, tomatoes, onions, green pepper), but otherwise the hike does not pass through much in the way of villages with spaza stores. Best to come fully prepared.
Can this hike be shortened or lengthened?
The 3 and 5 night trails are the standard options but it is possible to spend an extra day-night at any of the tented camps or Mbotyi and it is also possible to extend the trail should you want to do this. The 3 night trail can be run from Msikaba - Mbotyi (2 longer hike days / 3 nights) or Mbotyi to Port St Johns (3 shorter hike days/ 3 nights)
Can this trail be arranged during holiday periods?
Unfortunately NOT, as the tented camps prohibit 1 night bookings over these times. We have come up with the Pondo Falls trail to address this need, or you can also look at the Lower Wild Coast Hotel Hopper.

Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring
Wild CoastPondo Exploring

5 Night Pondo-Explorer/Manteku View

Group Size	Price (PP)
2 Persons	R7 700/pp
4 Persons	R6 600/pp
5-6 Persons	R6 000/pp
7-10 Persons	R5 700/pp
11 -15 Persons	R5 400/pp

3 Night Pondo-Explorer

Group Size	Price (PP)
2 Persons	R5 800/pp
4-6 Persons	R4 900/pp
7-10 Persons	R4 600/pp
11-15 Persons	R4 400/pp

Whats included in this tour

Transfer from Port St Johns (or Mbotyi) to Msikaba trail head
3/5 Nights Accommodation: 2/4 nights in tented camps, 1 night DBB at Mbotyi hotel
Inclusive Meals: Dinner & Breakfast at Mbotyi River Lodge
Local Guide / Pathfinder for all hike days
Full catering facilities available at the tented camps - gas plates, cookware & cutlery
Reserve Permits & Trail Fees
Emergency Support Service
Pre-booking of porters
Canoes - at Msikaba & Manteku

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