The Wild Coast Walk – South Africa.
6 days – 5 nights (90kms slack packing)
Bigger groups discounted further
(Please email shane@wlafrica.co.za)
A 6 DAY SLACKPACKING ADVENTURE ALONG THE WILD COAST
About The Wild Walk:
The Wild Walk is a 6-day slack-packing adventure through the idyllic Pondoland. This journey encompasses incredibly diverse landscapes, including dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, dense coastal forests and immense valleys. Each day’s spectacular sights will leave you in awe of Mother Nature. The rugged terrain and inaccessibility of this region means that very few people have had the opportunity to explore this hidden gem. Singletrack Adventures enables guests to focus 100% on the hiking experience. We provide all meals, transportation and professional guides and organise permits, ferry fees and more! Our hiking tours always comprise small groups, typically with 14-20 people per trip, and our tour guides are sourced from the local Pondo community. Their intimate knowledge of the land and its people and their willingness to share their special traditional stories will make you fall in love with the Wild Coast.
Day 1
Meet at the Wild Coast Casino at 7:30am (TBC) After convening at the Wild Coast Casino, hikers will be transported to Mbotyi, home to the world-renowned Magwa Tea Estate. We will make several stops along the way at scenic sites such as Magwa Falls, and Fraser Falls. Accommodation: We will overnight at Pumla’s Place, in rustic, comfortable cottages that boast panoramic sea views of the Mbotyi coast.
Day 2
Mboyti to Port Grosvenor (22km) We start walking from Pumla’s along the beach past some beautiful little estuaries. The remarkable scenery on this day is simply breathtaking! We will pass many noteworthy landmarks, with highlights including Waterfall Bluff and Cathedral Rock, two iconic natural phenomena of the Wild Coast. We will take plenty of breaks during the course of the hike so as to enjoy our snacks, marvel over the beautiful terrain and enjoy a swim or two in the many natural pools along the route. We conclude our hike a Mkweni River, where we will be transported to our lodge. Accommodation: We will be staying at Lambazi Eco Lodge at Port Grosvenor, which is tucked away into a stunning coastal forest.
Day 3
Port Grosvenor to Msikaba (8km + 6km) Port Grosvenor to Msikaba is one of the easier hiking days and we will predominantly traverse grasslands, wetlands and coastal forest areas with small rivers and streams. Of note along our route is Grosvenor Bay, where a Portuguese ship carrying a valuable cargo of diamonds, rubies, gold and silver bullion was wrecked in 1782. (To date, only a few cannons and some gold and silver coins have been recovered by salvage operators.) In the warmer months, we will add to this shorter day by taking a hike up the Mbaxeni gorge. This is a new experience added to the itinerary, as this hidden gem is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. In the cooler months, we visit the Msikaba Vulture Colony for sundowners, which is home to approximately 170 – 190 pairs of Cape Vultures. Accommodation: We will overnight at Vonnie’s Rest, which is nestled in a little valley on the bank of the Mbaxeni River.
Day 4
Msikaba to Mtentu (16km) The Msikaba to Mtentu leg of our trip is one of the most memorable days. We begin the hike by crossing the Msikaba Estuary and entering the Mkambati Nature Reserve. The route meanders along the coastal trail past Mkambati Falls. We will stop at the Strandloper Falls for a swim in the natural pool. (If you are feeling brave, you can jump from the Strandloper cave into the pools below!). We will be ferried across the river by canoe before arriving at Mtentu
Day 5
Mtentu to Nyameni (16km) After a hearty breakfast at Mtentu Lodge, we will head out along the coastline to Sikombe and, after a short beach walk and river crossing, will head a little inland into the Xolobeni Red Desert. (The red sand here has been moulded by the wind into diverse, awe-inspiring formations that only nature could envisage.) We head a little inland to our home[1]stay for some traditional Pondo hospitality and food from our host, Nolwandile
Day 6
Nyameni to Mzamba: Wild Coast Casino (14-17km) This is our final day of hiking and the home stretch. We have two choices of route: traversing inland or walking along the beach. The inland route takes us through some beautiful valleys carved out by streams and waterfalls as we make our way to the Mzamba River suspension bridge. This route offers hikers the opportunity to view Pondo homesteads and farmlands and the chance to spot the Transkei Big 5 (the goat, pig, cow, donkey and sheep).
Walking along the beach takes us past the Mzamba petrified forest and fossils. (Exploring these is tide dependent.) The choice of route will be determined by the guide, based on the tide and the group’s wishes. We should arrive on foot at the Wild Coast Casino between 12 and 1pm. Here, we will say our goodbyes and head home, having had an unforgettable 6-day adventure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What fitness level should I be? Some basic fitness is required as we do walk between 16km and 21km each day. There are a couple steep valleys which we climb, and we will walk for an average of 6-8 hours per day. Can I get a lift with the support vehicle if I get tired? Once we begin the walk each day there is no access to the vehicle. We hike along the coastline, which is relatively untouched with very little vehicle access along the way.
Are children allowed on the hike? We will run specific dates for family hikes with children under the age of 16. Please ensure you book on a family hike if you would like to bring your children. While there is no specific age limit, children must be fit and able to hike around 20km each day. What is the accommodation like? The accommodation availability is limited in the Pondo Wild Coast area. We strongly believe in supporting the Pondo community and try to use local hospitality where we can. The accommodation is simple and is a mix of guest cottages, wooden cabins, tented camps, chalets and a homestay on your final night. Can I book a private group tour with Singletrack Adventures? Absolutely! However, you may need to be flexible with your requested dates as this depends on the accommodation availability. We require a minimum of 14 people for your tour to remain a private group tour. We can also customise the tour to suit your needs. What time and where do we meet? We meet at 07:30 am (TBC) at the Wild Coast Casino roof top parking. If you bring your vehicle, it can remain here safely for the duration of the trip.
What is our cancellation policy? We suggest you check our booking terms and conditions for full information. is the water safe to drink? Yes, there is drinking water provided at each venue, but not always out the tap. Please check beforehand. How much cash should I bring? Bring enough to buy drinks (preferably from the local tavern) or if you would like to support the local community by buying a few curios along the way What should I pack? See our recommended gear packing list. The taverns do supply a range of local beer, however; if you would prefer spirits or wine, please bring this with.
Do I need medical insurance? Absolutely. Your medical aid details will need to be shared with us before the trip. Please ensure your medical aid covers you for any eventuality on the trip. What happens in an emergency? Our guides have first aid level 3 training and are qualified to assist in an emergency. In the unlikely event of a serious emergency, we will call for helicopter evacuation. Please ensure your medical aid will cover heli-vac in an emergency situation
What to bring:
A small Backpack and a small amount of clothes, warm clothes to wear at night
Good hiking shoes (trainers)
Swimsuit, rain jacket
Toiletries and towels
Sun cream, Mosquito repellent cream
Cameras
One litre water bottle