backpacking

The 60km stretch of Wild Coast from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is well suited to the more budget-conscious traveller looking for an authentic Wild Coast Experience. On this 5 day hiking trail you can chose between friendly village-based homestays, chilled-out backpackers, or a combination of both.

You'll pass some impressive natural phenomenans, along the undulating terrain through which this hike traverses.

From the fascinating Table Mountain sandstone cliffs of Port St Johns; to the arched bays of Mpande and Mdumbi (voted one of SA's top three beaches and surfing hotspot); the impressive dolerite intrusion at Brazen Head and the fabled landmark, Hole in the Wall, where the roar of ocean through this hollowed cliff, has earnt the Xhosa name “esiKhaleni”( place of sound).

From the lush coastal forests of Silaka to the peppered hills of Hluleka, the PSJ to Coffee Bay walking trail navigates rocky seashores, mangrove-clad estuaries, across sandy bay and through evergreen forests.

Our Standard 5 Day PSJ - Coffee Bay Hike Itinerary is:

Day 1 : Arrive in PSJ (86km from Mtata).
Overnight: at a friendly Backpacker, B&B or Lodge

Day 2: Hike 3rd Beach PSJ– Mngazana Estuary. 5hrs walk. Overnight: Village-based homestay with dinner, bed & breakfast included OR Private Holiday Cottage (self-catered)

Day 3:Hike Mngazana - Mpande. 4hrs walk.
Overnight: Backpacker or Private Holiday Cottage (avail & no's dependent)

Day 4: Hike Mpande - Hluleka. 6hrs walk.
Overnight: Hluleka Nature Reserve (self-catered) or village-based homestay (DBB)

Day 5: Hike Hlukela - Mdumbi. 6hrs walk.
Overnight: Mdumbi Backpackers or Village Homestay (DBB)

Day 6: Hike Mdumbi-Coffee Bay. 4hrs walk.
Overnight: Treat yourself to a stay in the Ocean View hotel or drum the night away at Bomvu or Coffee Shack backpackers.

Day 7 :After a hearty breakfast & walk up sugar-loaf hill, a shuttle will pick you up to return you to back to PSJ where your vehicles await. Bon Voyage

For more information about this hike, contact:

Sarah Drew (Active Escapes)

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