Pondoland 4-Day Boutique Slack-pack Hike

PONDOLAND 4-DAY/5-NIGHT BOUTIQUE SLACK-PACK HIKE
COST PP: Sharing R 14 500 | Single R21 900
DATES AVAILABLE:
Click on the date you choose for the registration form to open
PLEASE CONTACT SONJA FOR GROUP BOOKINGS ON SONJA@TRISPORT.CO.ZA
2025
2026
Escape to the Untamed Beauty of Pondoland: The Pondo Luxury Slackpack Hike
Prepare to be enchanted by the raw, untouched beauty of Pondoland, a hidden gem along South Africa’s famed Wild Coast. Here, rivers tumble straight into the sea, cattle stroll along empty beaches, and traditional life carries on amidst some of the country’s most dramatic coastal scenery. This is a place where time slows, senses awaken, and nature reigns supreme.
Join Trisport for the Pondo Boutique Slackpack Hike — a 4-day, 54km journey (5 nights total) through the heart of this spectacular region. Follow winding cattle tracks that hug the edge of towering cliffs, gaze down on waves crashing into sea-carved rock, and meander through charming fishing villages steeped in local culture and tradition.
Each day’s hike offers new terrain and unforgettable views, while every evening brings the comfort of carefully selected coastal lodges — where warm hospitality, private en-suite bathrooms (on all but one night), and the sound of the ocean provide the perfect end to a day on the trail. One magical night is spent in a beautifully appointed tented camp, nestled in indigenous forest with sweeping views of the sea — a rare blend of immersion and indulgence.
Along the way, delight in freshly prepared seafood feasts, and soak in the rich cultural rhythms of the Wild Coast. With its balance of luxury, adventure, and authenticity, the Pondo Hike is more than just a trail — it’s a deep dive into one of South Africa’s last true wildernesses.
This is coastal hiking at its finest — wild, wondrous, and completely unforgettable.
Pondoland 4-Day/5 Night Luxury Hike

Experience the ultimate adventure on the exclusive Luxury Slack-Pack Hike along the breathtaking Wild Coast of Pondoland, Eastern Cape! Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature as you witness the majestic Cape Vulture Colony at Msikaba. Marvel at the wonder of two of the world’s only seven waterfalls cascading directly into the sea. Indulge in delectable fresh seafood, encounter cattle on the beach, and feel the exhilaration of waves crashing against the rugged rocks.
Interact with the warm and welcoming Pondoland people as you stroll through their charming villages. Be captivated by the magnificent Cathedral Peak Rock, standing tall amidst the vast ocean. Embark on this extraordinary journey through the untamed Transkei with Trisport and their knowledgeable local guides. Each night, treat yourself to a sumptuous feast that will spoil your taste buds!
Feel truly alive as you hike through this unspoiled and non-commercial part of the Wildcoast on the Pondo 4-day hike (5 nights). This fully catered luxury SLACKPACK HIKE in PONDOLAND, the Northern part of the Wildcoast, will take you on a 54km adventure over four unforgettable days. Rest and rejuvenate each night at a cozy lodge, with only one night spent at a tented camp featuring your very own en-suite bathroom.
Prepare to be amazed and invigorated as you embark on this extraordinary journey of a lifetime!
Highlights of the Tour
- Seeing 2 of the 7 waterfalls in the world that fall directly into the sea
- Waterfall Bluff crashing into the sea
- Seeing Cathedral rock and many other amazing sights
- Waves crashing at Lupithana,
- 4 Days of unforgettable hiking along the wild coast
- 5 amazing nights staying at great venues
- Your own en-suite room each night
- A great lunch with an amazing view over the river and coast at Manteku village
- Experience the friendly Pondo people along the way
- Travelling through small Pondo Villages with the typical bright-colored round chalets
- Swimming in the sea or the beautiful pools along the way
- Hiking on cliff paths and on secluded beaches
- Sightseeing of the awesome Cape Vulture colony (more than 100 birds) on the way to Msikaba
- Cattle on the beach
- Shipwrecks
- An Amazing unique red Coastal Milkwood tree
- Lots of birds
- Unspolt Indigenous forests
- Fresh seafood (weather permitting)
- Amazing views over the Coastline
- Beautiful secluded beaches
Information
This incredible hike spans from Msikaba to Port St Johns, offering a captivating exploration of the stunning Wild Coast in Transkei, South Africa. 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. This is an extraordinary experience that should not be missed.
Itinerary
Day 1
14:00 Arrival at Port St Johns, check in at Cremorne River Lodge
18:00 Welcome and Drinks and Dinner (at your own cost) at Cremorne River Lodge
Day 2 (All included from today onwards except your drinks)
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Leave your car at Cremorne River Lodge. We will transport you to Mskaba where the hike will start. See the amazing Cape Vulture Colony en route, weather permitting.
11:00 Start of hike, hike along the coastline on cattle tracks, see the dolphins and whales playing, and smell the fresh sea air.
14:00 Lunch and check in at Lambazi Lodge, chill and enjoy the view and the sound of the waves while you have a nice cold beer.
18:00 Dinner at Lambazi Lodge.
Day 3
06:00 Breakfast at Lambazi Lodge
07:00 You will be transported (20-minute transfer) from Lambazi to Mtukweni to avoid a too-long hiking day and distance. Hike from Mtukweni river to Mbotyi, see the waves crashing at Lupithana, see cathedral rock, see the waterfalls falling directly into the sea, lots of pools to swim in, coffee and snacks along the way.
12:00 Lunch on route (packed lunch).
15:00 Arrive at Mbotyi and cool off in the pool, enjoy a cold beer. Massages (pre-bookings only).
18:00 Dinner at Mbotyi.
Day 4
07:00 Breakfast at Mbotyi.
08:00 Hike from Mbotyi to Manteku View Home-stay, enjoy the great grassy paths that lead you to amazing views over the sea.
12:30 Lunch (fresh seafood) with a view at Sikha’s place in Manteku, provided by the locals from Manteku
14:00 Paddle up the river where you will see an abundance of birds or just enjoy the view from Manteku view
18:00 Dinner at Manteku View
Day 5
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Hike from Manteku through an amazing secret indigenous forest, then 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.
14:00 Picked up by the taxis to transport you back to Cremorne
16:00 Arrive at Cremorne – check-in
18:00 Dinner, at your own cost
Day 6
07:00 Breakfast and Good Byes
How to get to the start of tour
Meeting Point: Cremorne River Lodge on the evening before the hike begins.
Transport Options:
- Fly and Self-Drive:
- Fly to East London (recommended) or Durban
- Hire a car and drive to Port St Johns
- Your rental car will remain secure at Cremorne during the hike
- It is 5 hours driving from East London to Port St Johns due to the animals in the road, lots of speed bumps etc, please plan to land before 12pm at Easte London
- Fly to East London + get a Transfer via Taxi:
- Suitable for group travel
- Transfer service available with our trusted driver, Jola
- Contact details: 078 322 7777
- Transfer fee: R5,500 per trip (not per person)
- Jola has been our reliable transfer partner for 13 years
- Fly to Mthatha (formerly Umtata) + Transfer:
- Jola also provides pickup service from Mthatha at R1800 per trip for the Taxi, not per person
- Only one hour’s drive from Port St Johns
- Self Drive: Please note.
NO driving after 5pm in the Eastern Cape, Pondoland or the Wildcoast is advised. There are many animals walking or sleeping on the road.It is not safe to drive at night.
Driving from East London to Port St Johns takes 5 hours.
Venues
Pondoland, Wildcoast, Transkei, Eastern Cape
Your package includes 5 nights of accommodation, all bedding and towels included
Cremorne River Lodge x 2 nights, 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 Home-stay:
Experience a genuine homestay at Manteku View, with accommodation options ranging from shared bathrooms to chalets or a deck tent. Our clients consistently rave about this special night, a delightful change from the rest of the trip
Distances
Day 1
Arrive at Port St Johns – Cremorne River lodge
Day 2
8,5km. Msikaba to Lambazi. Time: 2 to 4 hours
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.
Day 3
23km. Mtukweni to Mbotyi. Time: 7 to 10 hours
The first 8km is flat, then for 10km it is rolling hills and cliff paths, followed by a 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 – Difficulty 2
10km. Time: 3 to 5 Hours
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 – Difficulty 2
12,5km. Time: 3 to 5 hours
8:00 Breakfast
8:30: Hike from Manteku through an amazing secret indigenous forest, then 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.
13:00 Lunch
14: Pick up by the taxis and transported back to Cremorne River lodge
18: Dinner, on your own account
Day 6: Breakfast and Goodbyes
Difficulty of each day
Day 1
Arrive at Port St Johns – Cremorne River lodge
Day 2 – Difficulty: 1
9km. Time: 2 to 4 hours
Msikaba to Lambazi.
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.
Day 3 – Difficulty: 4
23km. Time: 7 to 10 hours
Mtukweni to Mbotyi.
The first 8km is flat, then for 10km it is rolling hills and cliff paths, followed by a 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 – Difficulty 2
10km. Time: 3 to 5 Hours
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 – Difficulty 2
12,5km. Time: 3 to 5 hours
8:00 Breakfast
8:30: Hike from Manteku through an amazing secret indigenous forest, then 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.
13:00 Lunch
14: Pick up by the taxis and transported back to Cremorne River lodge
18: Dinner, on your own account
Day 6: Breakfast and Goodbyes
Entries Available
Limited to 20 entries
Fitness Level
Fitness level: Intermediate to FIT, not for Beginners.
Please Note:
The time the hike will take each day depends on how fit and fast the group is hiking. It is impossible for us as Organisers to determine before the time how fast each person hikes. We can only give the average hours it usually takes from fit to less fit groups.
But we suggest that before you do the hike you must be able to be hiking and on your feet for up to 6 to 7 hours.
Please see “Difficulty of each day” for the average hours per group.
Age
Age: Minimum age 15.
People 65 and older must please send us a letter from their doctor stating that they are OK to hike the distances each day
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 4 days of unforgettable hiking along the wild coast
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Great Goody Bag, with a branded fleece top
- Welcome drinks at each venue on route
- Traditional Pondo lunch, prepared by the Village people at Manteku at a traditional Pondo establishment on day 3 with the most amazing views
- Local guides
- Safe parking at Port St Johns
- Transport from Port St Johns to Msikaba to the start by Taxi
- Accommodation for 5 nights., 4 nights en-suite rooms. 1 night shared bathrooms
- All Meals from Breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 5
- Transport to start of hike at Msikaba and transport back to Cremorne after the hike
- Transport of your gear/bag to the finishing venue each day
- Sundowner snacks at Mbotyi lodge
- Medical and emergency services on standby
- Generosity and great atmosphere
Entry Fee Excludes
- Transport to and from Port St Johns, Transkei, Eastern Cape
- Tips for the local guides or lodges
- Drinks at all the lodges
- Extras at lodges
- Dinner on arrival, day 1, dinner on the last day
- Massages available at Mbotyi River Lodge (optional)
- Massages available at Manteku view Homestay
- Any other extras
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;
- Headlamp;
- Water bottles;
- Sunscreen (SPF50);
- Outer shell jacket (waterproof); and
- Small first aid kit.
Route Information
Day 1
Arrive at Port St Johns – Cremorne River lodge
Day 2
8km. Msikaba to Lambazi. Time: 2 to 4 hours
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.
Day 3
23km. Mtukweni to Mbotyi. Time: 7 to 10 hours
The first 8km is flat, then for 10km it is rolling hills and cliff paths, followed by a 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 – Difficulty 2
10km. Time: 3 to 5 Hours
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 – Difficulty 2
12,5km. Time: 3 to 5 hours
8:00 Breakfast
8:30: Hike from Manteku through an amazing secret indigenous forest, then 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.
13:00 Lunch
14: Pick up by the taxis and transported back to Cremorne River lodge
18: Dinner, on your own account
Day 6: Breakfast and Goodbyes
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
– A medical kit, including bandages, etc.
– An AED (Automatic Electric Defibrillator)
– Epipen
– Radios
– A Garmin InReach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired)
– A helicopter for airlifting, with the understanding that you will be held liable for the cost of evacuation.