Pondoland 4-Day/5-Night Boutique Slack-pack Hikes 

NB Travelling arrangements:

Please make sure you DO NOT have to leave before 9 am on the checkout day, as you will only be transported back to your car on the morning of checkout. Please plan your flights or self-drive travels accordingly. 

Trisport offers many slackpack hikes in Pondoland. Please note: You cannot register for a Slackpack hike and then run it.

This incredible hike spans from Msikaba to Port St Johns (north to south), or from Port St Johns to Msikaba (south to north), offering a captivating exploration of the stunning Wild Coast in Transkei, South Africa. Both routes offer the same distances, scenery, venues etc.  Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Cape Vulture Colony at Msikaba, marvel at two of the world’s seven waterfalls that cascade directly into the sea, and be mesmerized by the crashing waves against the rocks. Additionally, the majestic Cathedral Peak Rock will stand out prominently from the sea, creating a truly breathtaking sight.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Traverse the rugged cattle tracks above the cliffs, with dramatic rocks and caves below, creating a truly dramatic landscape. As you journey through the friendly villages, you will have the chance to experience the vibrant culture of the Xhosa people.

Please note: Our route involves multiple river crossings. If the water is too deep, we will use a boat for transport. Because there are many small streams along the way, we won’t be able to stop at each one to remove our shoes without falling behind schedule.

For this reason, trail shoes are highly recommended over hiking boots, as they handle water better and dry faster. Always keep extra socks in your pack.

This is an extraordinary experience that should not be missed.

The Trisport Difference: Why Hike Pondoland With Us?

At Trisport, we don’t just “operate tours”—we live and breathe the Wild Coast. Here is why our journey through Pondoland is unlike any other:

1. Unrivaled Comfort in the Wild

While Pondoland is rugged, your stay doesn’t have to be. We offer a rare level of luxury for this region: four nights in premium en-suite lodges and only one night in a tented camp. It is the perfect balance of raw adventure and refined comfort.

2. Deep Roots & Local Legacies

With over 15 years in Pondoland and 24 years in sports tourism, our footsteps go deep. We aren’t just visitors; we are part of the landscape. Our longstanding relationships with the community ensure you see the “hidden” Wild Coast that others simply can’t access.

3. Community-First Conservation

We believe in investing where we walk. We directly fund the development of local lodges and tented camps in partnership with Sikha, our lead local guide and Manteku resident. When you hike with us, you are directly contributing to the sustainable growth of the Manteku community.

4. Hands-on Heart

Trisport is the passion project of Hano and Sonja Otto.  Trisport is on the ground, personally invested in every mile of the trail and every smile of our guests. We treat you like family, not a booking number.

5. Beyond the Hike: A “Truly Spoiled” Experience

Expect to be pampered. From infectious hospitality and warm welcomes to journeys that foster lifelong friendships, we go the extra mile. If you want to feel genuinely cared for while exploring the breathtaking Pondoland cliffs, Trisport is your home on the trail.

“Choose a journey where the owners and guides know your name and the locals call us friends. Experience the Wild Coast with the personal touch of Trisport.”

Pondoland Wild Coast Hiking Itinerary:

NB: Travelling arrangements:

North to South: Please make sure you DO NOT have to leave before 9 am on the Check-out day, as you will only be transported back to your car on the morning of checkout. Please plan your flights or self-drive travels accordingly.

South to North: Please make sure you arrive at Cremorne Lodge before 4 pm on the Check-in date. We will transport you to the 1st night venue whilst your car stay safely at Cremorne where you will finished.

Please note the itinerary below is North to South, but it can also be in a south-to-north direction. Both offer the same venues, scenery, etc. Some venues during peak season are only available on certain days; that’s the reason for the 2 directions.

North to South:

Day 1

Important Note Before Booking Your Travel:
Please confirm your required arrival and departure times at Cremorne River Lodge (Port St. Johns) with us before booking your flights or making travel plans.

Arrival time: From 13H00 at Cremorne Lodge, Port st Johns.

18:00 – Welcome drinks and dinner  (at own expense).

Day 2

Note: From today onwards, all meals are included, except the last dinner (excluding drinks).

• 07:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:00 – Leave your vehicles at Cremorne River Lodge. We will transport you to Msikaba, where the hike begins. Keep an eye out for the incredible Cape Vulture colony en route (weather permitting).

• 11:00 – Start the hike along coastal cattle tracks. Enjoy the fresh sea air and watch for dolphins and whales playing in the surf.

• 14:00 – Welcome drinks and lunch at Lambazi Lodge. After checking in, relax and enjoy a cold beer to the sound of the crashing waves.

• 18:00 – Dinner at Lambazi Lodge.

Day 3

• 06:00 – Breakfast at Lambazi Lodge.

• 07:00 – A 20-minute transfer to Mtukweni to shorten the day’s hiking distance.

• The Trek – Hike from the Mtukweni River toward Mbotyi. Highlights include the waves crashing at Lupithana, the iconic Cathedral Rock, and waterfalls that plummet directly into the ocean. There are plenty of pools for a refreshing swim, with coffee and snacks served along the way.

• 12:00 – Packed lunch on the trail.

• 15:00 – Arrive in Mbotyi. Enjoy a welcome drink, a cold beer, or a dip in the pool. Massages available by pre-booking only.

• 18:00 – Dinner at Mbotyi.

Day 4

• 07:00 – Breakfast at Mbotyi.

• 08:00 – Hike from Mbotyi to Manteku View Tented Camp. Enjoy grassy paths offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean.

• 12:30 – Welcome drink and a fresh seafood lunch at Sikha’s Place, prepared by the Manteku locals.

• 14:00 – Afternoon at leisure: Paddle up the river for some birdwatching or simply soak in the scenery from Manteku View.

• 18:00 – Dinner at Manteku View.

Day 5

• 07:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:00 – Hike from Manteku to Deja Blue Beach camp, Ntafufu. The trail opens onto a unique black-sand titanium beach before continuing along coastal cattle tracks.

• 13:00 – Welcome drink and lunch

• 18:00 – Farewell dinner

Day 6

07:00 – 09:00 – Final breakfast and goodbyes.
“Please plan your check-out so you don’t leave Cremorne before 9:00 AM. We will be transporting you back to your car at Cremorne on the final morning, but we won’t arrive there until 9:00 AM.”

South to North:

Day 1:
Arrival at Cremorne Lodge: 14:00 to 15:30

• Arrival time: From 13H00 to 16H00 at Cremorne lodge, Port st Johns.

  On arrival day: Please do NOT arrive later than 15H30 at Cremorne Lodge, or you will unfortunately have to pay your own transport by taxi (R2000) to the 1st overnight venue. We depart at 16:00 sharp.

• 16:00 Transported to Daja vu Beach camp

• 17:00 Arrival at Daja vu Beach Camp; settle in at the beautiful, remote Beach camp

• 19:00 Dinner 

Day 2:

• 07:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:00 – Hike from Deja Blue Beach camp, Manteku View. The trail opens onto a unique black-sand titanium beach before continuing along coastal cattle tracks.

• 13:00 – Welcome drink and lunch

• 14:00 – Afternoon at leisure: Paddle up the river for some birdwatching or simply soak in the scenery from Manteku View. Or get a massage of your tired legs and feet.
• 17:00 Visit a local Shabeen (optional)
• 19:00: Dinner

Day 3: 

• 07:00 Breakfast

• 9:00 Hike from Manteku View to Mbotyi Lodge

• 13:00 Arrive at Mbotyi Lodge, welcome drinks and lunch at Mbotyi
  Massages available; please pre-book
  Enjoy the swimming pool and take in the views

• 19:00 Dinner

Day 4: 

• 06:00 – Breakfast at Mbotyi

• 7:00 – The Trek – Hike from the Mtukweni River toward Mbotyi. Highlights include the waves crashing at Lupithana, the iconic Cathedral Rock, and waterfalls that plummet directly into the ocean. There are plenty of pools for a refreshing swim, with coffee and snacks served along the way.

• 12:00 – Packed lunch on the trail.

• A 20-minute transfer from Mtukweni to Lambazi lodge to shorten the day’s hiking distance.

• 17:00 – Arrive at Lambazi. Enjoy a welcome drink

• 18:30 – Dinner at Lambazi

Day 5: 

• 7:00 Breakfast
• 9:00 Hike along cattle tracks to Msikaba Light house
• 11:30 Picked up by Taxi transport and back to Cremorne
  Visit the Cape Vulture colony on the way (weather permitting)
• 15:00 Check in at Cremorne
• 19:00 Dinner (at your own expense) and goodbyes

Day 6: 7:00 Breakfast is included

Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you on another Trisport Hike soon!

Travel & Logistics

NB: Travelling arrangements:

Please make sure you DO NOT have to leave before 9 am on the check-out day, as you will only be transported back to your car on the morning of checkout. Please plan your flights or self-drive travels accordingly. 

If you do the South to North hiking trip, Please make sure you arrive at least by 15:30 at Cremorne Lodge, no later than that, we leave at 16:00 sharp.

Meeting Point: Cremorne River Lodge

Important Note Before Booking Travel:
Please confirm your required arrival time at Cremorne River Lodge (Port St. Johns) with us before booking your flights or making travel plans. Your arrival time varies depending on the direction of your tour (North-to-South vs. South-to-North).

Check-out time:
“Please plan your check-out so you don’t have to leave Cremorne before 9:00 AM. We will be transporting you back to your car at Cremorne, but we won’t arrive there until 9:00 AM.

Option 1: Fly & Self-Drive

• Fly to: East London (recommended) or Durban.

• Car Rental: Hire a vehicle and drive to Port St. Johns. Your rental car will remain secure at Cremorne River Lodge for the duration of the hike.

• Travel Time: Allow at least 5 hours for the drive from East London. Due to livestock on the roads and frequent speed bumps, we strongly recommend landing in East London before 12:00 PM to ensure a safe arrival.

Option 2: Fly to East London + Private Transfer

• Best for: Groups.

• Service: Private transfer with our trusted driver, Jola, who has worked with us for 13 years.

• Contact: 078 322 7777

• Rate: R5,500 per trip (Total price for the vehicle, not per person).

Option 3: Fly to Mthatha + Private Transfer

• Proximity: Only a 1-hour drive to Port St. Johns.

• Service: Pickup by Jola can be arranged.

• Rate: R2000 per trip (Total price for the vehicle, not per person).

⚠️ Important Driving Safety (Self-Drive)

Please Note: We strongly advise against driving after 17:00 in the Eastern Cape, Pondoland, or the Wild Coast.

• Hazards: Livestock (cows, goats, and donkeys) frequently walk or sleep on the roads.

• Visibility: Due to poor lighting and animals, driving at night is dangerous. Please plan your journey to arrive well before sunset.

Pondoland, Wildcoast, Transkei, Eastern Cape

Your package includes 5 nights of accommodation, all bedding and towels included

Cremorne River Lodge, en-suite rooms:
Nestled on the banks of this river lies one of the Jewels of the Wild Coast the magnificent Cremorne Estate

Lambazi Lodge – en-suite rooms:
Situated in the protected Lambazi Bay at Port Grosvenor lies a remote & spectacular Wild Coast gem, Lambazi Lodge.

Mbotyi Lodge – en-suite rooms: Pondoland’s best kept secret is situated at the mouth of the tidal Mbotyi River nestled between the rolling hills, lush tropical forest and the warm Indian Ocean.

Manteku View Tented Camp:
This is the only night where you have to share ablutions. The amazing view and experience at Manteku will definitely make up for the lack of comfort of not having an en-suite room.
Experience Manteku View Tented camp, with accommodation options ranging from shared bathrooms to chalets or a dome tent on a deck (with a proper bed, a light, and a great view). There is no price difference if you sleep in the chalets or a tent on the deck.  Singles will sleep in his/her own tent on deck, not in a chalet. All bedding and towels are included.  Our clients consistently rave about this special night, a delightful change from the rest of the trip.

DejaBlue Beach camp- en suite beach camp

The Trail Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival at Cremorne 

Day 2: Transport by taxi to the start of the hike (Poenskop or Msikaba)

North to South route: (South to north is opposite)

Msikaba to Lambazi

• Distance: 8.5 km

• Time: 2 – 4 hours

• Difficulty: 1/5 (Easy)

• Terrain: Mostly flat cattle tracks with short, scenic beach sections and minimal elevation. A perfect “warm-up” for the days ahead.

Day 3: Lambazi to Mbotyi

• Distance: 23 km

• Time: 7 – 10 hours

• Difficulty: 4/5 (Challenging)

• Terrain: A game of two halves. The first 8 km is flat, followed by 10 km of rolling hills and dramatic cliff paths.

• Highlights: This is our “Big Day.” You’ll see Waterfall Bluff (where water falls directly into the ocean), Cathedral Rock, and numerous rock pools perfect for a midday swim. The day ends with a 5 km stretch along the beach.

Day 4: Mbotyi to Manteku

• Distance: 11 km

• Time: 3 – 5 hours

• Difficulty: 2/5 (Moderate)

• Terrain: Expect steep, grassy hills that reward you with the best panoramic views of the coast.

• Highlights: You will trek through ancient indigenous forests and discover remote, untouched beaches. The day concludes with a celebrated local seafood lunch at a community establishment in Manteku.

Day 5: The Black Sands

• Distance: 12.5 km

• Time: 3 – 5 hours

• Difficulty: 3/5 (Moderate)

• Terrain: A mix of forest canopy and coastal cattle tracks.

• Highlights: Wander through Manteku villaget before stepping onto a unique black titanium beach. Keep your eyes on the horizon for dolphins and whales as we head toward our final pick-up point.

  Next day: Transfer back to Cremorne River Lodge, arrive at Cremorne at 9 am. Good byes and depart with your own vehicle or by taxi to the airports

Limited to 22 entries

Fitness & Preparation

Recommended Fitness Level: Intermediate to Fit

To fully enjoy this experience, we suggest that you are comfortable being on your feet and hiking for 6 to 7 hours at a time before arriving.

Please Note:

The duration of each day’s hike is naturally dependent on the overall pace and fitness of the group. As organizers, it is impossible to predict the exact arrival time for every individual; however, we provide average timeframes based on previous groups ranging from “highly fit” to “steady walkers.”

• Pace: We move at a pace that allows for photos, snacks, and soaking in the scenery, but a baseline level of endurance is required to reach our lodges before late afternoon.

• Detailed Times: For a specific breakdown of average hours per day, please refer to the “Trail Breakdown” section under distances.

Golden Rules for Training:

1. Break in your shoes: Never start the Wild Coast hike in brand-new shoes. Use the 4-week plan to ensure your trail shoes and feet are “friends.”

2. Stair Climbing: If you live in a flat area, spend 30 minutes at least twice a week climbing stairs. It is the best preparation for the “steep grassy hills” of Pondoland.

Age Policy and Requirements

• The minimum age for participation for the Hike is 12 years
• We welcome people older than 65, but for safety reasons, participants aged 65 and older must provide a letter from their doctor confirming they are fit to hike the daily distances.
• The maximum age for participation in the hike is a fit 75 years, who can do the elevation each day. We welcome fit hikers and runners older than that, but for safety reasons, please contact Sonja to discuss your health. We had very fit 80 years people that did the hike easier than a 20-year-old, but they were fit 80-year-olds.

Exceptional Cases

• If you believe you are a fit individual over 65, please contact Sonja at sonja@trisport.co.za for approval before registering.

Physical Fitness and Terrain

• Participants must be capable of walking over rocks and walking off-road through bush, and steep grassy hills.
• For the Hiking Tours, you must be able to walk 23km on one day and 12 km on the other days.

Important Notice

• If you are unsure about your ability to handle the hikes, it is your responsibility to contact Sonja at sonja@trisport.co.za prior to registration.
• We do not accept responsibility for participants who are not physically fit enough and can not complete each day. Your fitness level must not impact the group’s safety or experience.

What’s Included in Your Wild Coast Adventure

Professional Guiding & Safety

• Expert Leadership: Guided by local experts with deep knowledge of the Pondoland coastline.

• Safety First: Full medical and emergency services on standby for the duration of the trek.

• Peace of Mind: Secure parking for your vehicle at Cremorne River Lodge in Port St. Johns.

Accommodation & Logistics

• 5 Nights of Accommodation: * 4 nights in comfortable en-suite rooms.

  • 1 night in a tented camp (shared bathroom facilities).

• Full Luggage Transfer: We transport your gear to each finishing venue daily—you only carry your daypack.

• Complete Transport: Shuttle service from Port St. Johns to the starting point at Msikaba, and return transport to Cremorne after the hike.

Meals & Refreshments

• All-Inclusive Dining: All meals from Breakfast on Day 2 to Breakfast on departure (Day 6).

  • Note: Dinner on arrival and the final night at Cremorne are for your own account.

• Daily Welcome: Refreshing welcome drinks at every venue along the route.

• Signature Pondo Lunch: A traditional seafood feast on Day 4, prepared by the Manteku community at a local establishment with spectacular views

• Special Meals: Sorry, no special meals possible, only Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian
  

• The Trisport Touch

• Premium Gear: A “Great Goody Bag” featuring a high-quality branded Trisport fleece top.

• Unmatched Atmosphere: Expect local generosity, infectious smiles, and a journey designed to foster lifelong friendships.

Quick Checklist:

I have refined this into a clear “What’s Excluded” section. This is crucial for managing your guests’ expectations regarding their budget and travel planning.

What is Not Included

To help you plan your budget, please note that the following are for your own account:

Travel & Transfers

• Transport to Port St. Johns: Your journey to and from the meeting point at Cremorne River Lodge (Eastern Cape).

• Airport Transfers: While we recommend our trusted driver, Jola, these transfers are an additional cost.

Meals & Beverages

• Specific Dinners: * Dinner on Day 1 (Arrival night at Cremorne River Lodge).

  • Dinner on Day 5 (Final night back at Cremorne River Lodge).

• Drinks: All beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) at the lodges and tented camps.

• Special Meals: Sorry, no special meals possible, only Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian

Optional Extras & Wellness

• Massages: Professional massages are available at Mbotyi River Lodge and Manteku View.

• Lodge Extras: Any laundry services, telephone calls, or additional snacks purchased at the lodges.

Gratuities

• Tips: Tips for our hardworking guides and the lodge staff are not included and are always greatly appreciated at your discretion.

Compulsory Gear:
As a precaution, we would like you to carry the following compulsory equipment with you during the hike. It is for your own personal safety. Please adhere to the following:

• Cell phone;
• Zip Lock bag to keep phone dry;
• Space blanket;
• Backpack;
• Long Thermal base layer (pants and top);
• Whistle;
• Hat;
• Emergency food, i.e, snacks along the way. Lunches are provided.
• Headlamp;
• Water bottles;
• Sunscreen (SPF50);
• Outer shell jacket (waterproof); and
• Small first aid kit: plasters, headache pills, germolene, anti-inflammatories

 Other Gear to make your trip more pleasurable: 

*Your own plastic cup for coffee along the way
*If you have a small flask, please bring it along.
*your favourite cappuccino/coffee sachets, etc, to add to hot water on the way. We will stop for coffee watching the views.
*zip lock bag to keep phone dry on hike
*Camera
*Chargers
*Spare batteries
*powerbank to charge phones, although each place have power points
*Backpack/daypack, not bigger than 35liter, to carry your lunch, water, warm clothes
*Hiking sticks, if you want.
*Long thermal base layer (pants and top), just in case it is cold or rainy.
*Hat
*Snacks for in-between meals
*Personal medicine
*Water bottles or bladder
*powder energy drink
*Sunscreen (factor 50)
*Outer shell jacket (waterproof)
*Comfortable shoes for hiking, shoes will get wet, bring flip flops for after hike
*Footwear Guide
*Bring 2 pairs of Trail Shoes: Your feet will get wet during river crossings.
*Suggestion – Avoid Hiking Boots: Leather or Gore-Tex (waterproof) boots do not work so well for this terrain; they trap water inside and stay heavy. We can not stop at every little stream during the rainy season to take our shoes off, and if there is lots of water, we won’t get to our venue before dark on the long day.
*Recommended: Use lightweight trail shoes with mesh uppers. These allow water to drain instantly as you walk, keeping your feet lighter and reducing blisters.
*enough socks
* Get blister-specific socks and/or 5 toes socks; they are the best to avoid blisters
*sunglasses
* Swimming trunks
* Cash for tips
*Warm clothes for the evenings
*Drinks for 1 evening at Manteku and Ntafufu, the other evenings we stay at a lodge with a Bar. We will transport your drinks in a cooler box
*No Towels needed

Extra Info
*Please bring Cash to pay for drinks at Lambazi; no card machines or Internet.
*Cash for tips
* Cash for massages at Manteku
*Please note, there are only card machines at Mbotyi and Cremorne
*Remember to bring a small lock for your bags that we will transport.
*Soft bags only, please, NO hard cases with wheels.
*Bag size maximum 60cm (lenght) x 30cm (width) x 25cm (height). (Max 50-liter bag).
*ONE BAG EACH. NO EXTRA BAGS OR BACKPACKS. We have limited space. 

There is alcohol to buy at your own expense at each lodge, even at the Tented camp, but you can bring your own to drink at the Tented camp. There is not a big variety at the Tented camp.

Please note: Our route involves multiple river crossings. If the water is too deep, we will use a boat for transport. Because there are many small streams along the way, we won’t be able to stop at each one to remove our shoes without falling behind schedule.

For this reason, trail shoes are highly recommended over hiking boots, as they handle water better and dry faster. Always keep extra socks in your pack.

North to South route below: (the South to North route is exactly opposite; you will just start with day 5 and work backwards)

Day 1
Arrive at Port St Johns – Cremorne River lodge

Day 2 
Msikaba to Lambazi.
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.

Day 3 
The first 8km is flat, then for 10km it is rolling hills and cliff paths, followed by a long beach section. Waterfalls falling into the sea, cathedral rock, waterfall bluff, lots of pools, and long 5km beach sections. This is the longest day, where you will have the opportunity to swim in the pools along the way.

Day 4 – 
Mbotyi to Manteku. 
Steep grassy hills with amazing views and river crossing, short beach sections.
This is the day when you will experience the indigenous forest and remote beaches. Welcomed with a seafood lunch break at Manteku village, a local establishment with an amazing view.

Day 5 – 
Steep grassy hills, cattle tracks along the coastline, and longer sandy beach stretches than on previous days. Hike from Manteku onto a black beach full of titanium, along the coastline on cattle tracks, see the dolphins and whales playing, and smell the fresh sea air.

Safety & Emergency Equipment

Your safety is our absolute priority. We carry a comprehensive range of emergency gear on every trek, including:

• Advanced Medical Kit: Fully stocked for trauma, wound care, and general trail ailments.

• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): Portable and ready for cardiac emergencies.

• EpiPen: On hand for severe allergic reactions.

• Communication Radios: To keep our team and local logistics coordinated in areas with no cell signal.

• Garmin InReach (Satellite SOS): A satellite-linked emergency beacon for high-level crises.

  • Please note: This is reserved for critical emergencies only—unfortunately, it cannot be used to summon a helicopter just because your legs are tired!

Hano and Sonja have personally been involved with Sikhanyiso (Sikha) housing development from the outset. Sikha, a local resident of Manteku, began as a hiking porter for Pondoland hikers.

He later qualified as a FGHASA guide for Pondoland and has been a guide for Trisport for more than eight years. Two years ago, Sikha decided to develop his land in Manteku into accommodation to host Trisport and other companies’ clients. He started with two Pondo huts and two tents on a deck.

From the beginning, Trisport funded the project with an interest-free loan in exchange for accommodation. The trust and respect between Trisport and Sikha have grown, and Sikha’s project is expanding daily. He can now host 24 people, 2 per unit, with a cosy lapa, a beautiful deck with an amazing view, seven tents on deck, all with beds, lights, chairs, and of course a stunning view, two fire pits, and three chalets.

We at Trisport are very proud to have been involved and to witness the ambition of such a young man who uses his money wisely and invests in the future.

Watch this space for future development!