Hiking holiday - coastal 5 night trail Wild Coast South Africa

Hiking holiday - coastal 5 night trail Wild Coast South Africa

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.
You will pass through traditional Xhosa villages, rolling green hills, rocky headlands and sandy bays. See 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.
You will overnight at the same tented camps, but bedding will be supplied. Your main kit bags will be transferred around from camp to camp, so you need only hike with a light daypack. Dinner, Breakfast and a packed lunch for each trail day will be provided by the tented camps, and DBB at Mbotyi River Lodge.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Port St John's to Msikaba camp

Stop At: Msikaba, South Africa
Recommended Afternoon Activity: Take the canoes up the Msikaba Estuary (reportedly the deepest estuary in South Africa) for sundowners, excellent swimming beach, or cross the estuary into Mkambati Nature Reserve where the superbowl walk will afford a bird’s eye view onto an impressive colony of Cape Griffon Vultures.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Msikaba Tented Camp - includes bedding ( Dinner provided)

Day 2: Hike from Msikaba – Luphuthana. 16km

Stop At: Msikaba, South Africa
Trail Highlights: the vestiges of treasure quests at Grosvenor, Goss’s Point & the stunning Mkweni estuary, the BBC China Wreck and the fantastic spray display at Luphuthana
After Breakfast you will receive a pre-packed lunch meal.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Luphuthana Tented Camp - includes bedding (Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 3: Hike Luphuthana – Mbotyi. 18.5 km

Stop At: Mbotyi, Mbotyi, Eastern Cape
Trail Highlights: 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, the Views from the top of Drew’s Camp looking down towards Mbotyi where you will enjoy the comfort of Mbotyi River Lodge.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mbotyi River Lodge - includes bedding (Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 4: Hike Mbotyi – Manteku. 11km

Stop At: Manteku, South Africa
Trail Highlights: Friendly rural villages, sweeping vistas from the hilltops, Manteku mangrove estuary with prolific birdlife, canoeing up Manteku Estuary.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Manteku Camp - includes bedding (Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 5: Hike Manteku – Ntafufu. 10 km.

Stop At: Ntafufu, South Africa
Trail Highlight: Black Sands, beach before Ntafufu, Ntafufu River Crossing
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Ntafufu Camp - includes bedding (Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 6: Hike Ntafufu – Port St John 13 km

Stop At: Port St Johns, Port St Johns, Eastern Cape
Trail Highlights: Dome Bluff, golden miles of beach through to Poenskop. (Breakfast & packed lunch provided)
ETA: Groups arrive from midday to early afternoon. If you not in a rush, why not let us book you a final night in Port St John’s (lots of options to choose from). If you wish to depart this day, please make sure you leave Ntafufu early enough & book your overnight stop enroute.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.