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.

Passing through traditional xhosa villages, rolling green hills, rocky headlands and sandy bays. Pass amazing waterfalls, freestanding rock stacks and pristine estuaries on your journey. The skeletal remains of numerous shipwrecks along the shore bear testimony to this high-energy coastline, whilst schools of dolphin and whales are a familiar sight.

Details of Pondo-Explore Hike:

Day 1: Drive to Port St Johns. Leave vehicles there in safe parking and get transferred to Msikaba at 2pm.

Afternoon Activity: Take the canoes up the Msikaba Estuary, visit the Cape Griffon Vulture colony or visit the waterfalls in Mkambathi Nature Reserve
Overnight: Msikaba Camp (s/cat)

Day 2: Hike Msikaba – Luphuthana. 16km.
Overnight: Lupatana Camp (s/cat)

Day 3: Hike Luphuthana – Mbotyi. 14km.
Overnight: Thatched rondavels at Mboyti Community Camp Site or upgrade to the Mbotyi River Lodge for an additional

Day 4: Hike Mbotyi – Manteku. 10km.
From Mbotyi south, the gradient of terrain increases – hence the shorter daily distances. Overnight: Manteku Camp

Day 5: Hike Manteku – Ntafufu. 9km.
Overnight: Ntafufu Camp

Day 6: Hike Ntatfufu – PSJ. 11.5km.
Tour ends in the afternoon in Port St Johns – collect vehicles.

Accommodation in PSJ can be organised at the beginning &/or end of this hike.

All camps comprise 12 x twin bedded safari tents (under thatched bomas, nestled amongst milkwoods to keep cool) – each tent has its own ensuite toilet & hot water shower.

There is a central dining/ kitchen boma with all cooking & cutlery facilities provided - including a small fridge for perishable food items. Or, if your group is large enough – you can chose the fully catered hike option.

For more information, about this hike, please
CLICK HERE:

or Contact:

Sarah Drew
Tel: 033 2344367
Cell: 084 2407277
Email: sarah@active-escapes.co.za

Website: www.mbotyi.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)39 253-8888/8822
Fax: +27 (0)39 253-8253
Satelite: +27 (0)39 253-7200
Satelite: +27 (0)39 253-7201
Satelite Fax: +27 (0)39 253-7202
E-mail: mbotyi@pondoland.co.za

Situated at the mouth of the Mbotyi River and tidal estuary is Mbotyi River Lodge. Nestled between the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and the warm Indian Ocean, it is the perfect venue for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil holiday or for the adventurer wanting to explore the many beautiful and wild treasures this coast has to offer. The upmarket rooms in the lodge consist of en-suite double and twin bedrooms in either wooden cabins or thatch bungalows.

Contact:
Tel/Fax: 039-253 8295
Email: camping@mbotyi.co.za
www.mbotyi.co.za/campsites.html

Mbotyi Campsite is a joint venture between the Mbotyi community and Mbotyi River Lodge. The Campsite is managed by the "Mbotyi Campsite Trust".

It is an upmarket venue with electricity, purified water and 24 hour security. The property is fenced and provides safe, off-road parking. The campsite has been left as natural as possible and the tent sites have been terraced for campers. It is advisable to book a site suitable for the size of the tent you wish to pitch.

Accommodation:

Camping sites

Kitchens:
There are 8 kitchens (cookers and kettles are available to rent)with a wash-up area with hot and cold water. There is no additional charge for the use of the kitchens, they are for all campsite guests. Kitchen