Pondoland 4-Day LUXURY Slack-pack Hike
PONDOLAND 4-DAY/5-NIGHT LUXURY SLACK-PACK HIKE
COST PP: Sharing R 14 500 | Single R21 900
DATES AVAILABLE
(Register Below by clicking on the date)
PLEASE CONTACT SONJA FOR GROUP BOOKINGS ON SONJA@TRISPORT.CO.ZA
Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing wonders of Pondoland, an extraordinary region nestled within the renowned “Wild Coast” of South Africa. Here, rivers cascade directly into the majestic sea, while cattle gracefully roam along the pristine beaches. Brace yourself for an epicurean delight as you savor the freshest seafood imaginable. Immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of traversing the cattle tracks, gazing down upon the crashing waves against rugged cliffs. Wander through quaint fishing villages, each offering its own unique charm and allure.
Get ready to embark on Trisport’s unparalleled Pondo 4-day hike (5 nights), an unrivaled adventure that epitomizes luxury and indulgence. This luxury SLACKPACK HIKE in PONDOLAND, the Wildcoast, will take you on a remarkable 65km journey over four unforgettable days in the unspoiled Eastern Cape. Each night, revel in the comfort of a lodge nestled right on the coastline, immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of the sea. And for one night, bask in the splendor of a tented camp, surrounded by indigenous forest and boasting breathtaking views of the ocean. Rest assured, each night you will enjoy the convenience of your own en-suite bathroom, ensuring the utmost comfort throughout your extraordinary expedition.
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 65km 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 at great en-suite 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 Ntafufu via Manteku, enjoy the great grassy paths that lead you to amazing views over the sea.
11:30 Lunch (fresh seafood) with a view at Sikha’s place in Manteku, provided by the locals from Manteku
16:00 Arrive at Ntafufu Tented Chalets.
18:00 Dinner at Ntafufu.
Day 5
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Hike from Ntafufu to Cremorne Estate, Port St Johns.
14:00 Arrive at Cremorne, light lunch
15:00 Check in for the last night
18:00 Dinner
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
Cremorne River Lodge x 2 nights
Lambazi Lodge
Mbotyi Lodge
Ntafufu Tented Chalets
Distances
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
21km. Mbotyi to Ntafufu. Time: 7 to 10 Hours
Leg 1 – 9km to Manteku. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and river crossing, short beach sections.
Leg 2 – 9km Manteku to Ntafufu. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and one river crossing, short beach sections.
This is the day when you will experience the indigenous forest and remote beaches. It is a long day but with a seafood lunch break at Manteku village at a local establishment with an amazing view.
Day 5
15km. Ntafufu to Port St Johns River lodge. Time 4 to 6 hours.
Two steep hills, followed by rolling hills through Poenskop village and a last 4km flat beach section.
Difficulty of each day
Day 1
Arrive at Port St Johns – Cremorne River lodge
Day 2 – Difficulty: 1
8km. Msikaba to Lambazi. Time: 2 to 4 hours
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.
Day 3 – Difficulty: 4
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 4
21km. Mbotyi to Ntafufu. Time: 7 to 10 Hours
Leg 1 – 9km to Manteku. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and river crossing, short beach sections.
Leg 2 – 9km Manteku to Ntafufu. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and one river crossing, short beach sections.
This is the day when you will experience the indigenous forest and remote beaches. It is a long day but with a seafood lunch break at Manteku village at a local establishment with an amazing view.
Day 5 – Difficulty 3
15km. Ntafufu to Port St Johns River lodge. Time 4 to 6 hours.
Two steep hills, followed by rolling hills through Poenskop village and a last 4km flat beach section.
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 Mskaba to the start by Taxi
- Accommodation for 5 nights in either a lodge or tented chalet with en-suite bathroom
- All Meals from Breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 5
- Transport from Lambazi to Lupithana
- 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
- 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)
- 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
9km. Msikaba to Lambazi.
Flat with no elevation, on cattle tracks and short beach sections.
Day 3
19km. Lupithana to Mbotyi.
First 4km is flat, then for 10km it is rolling hills and cliff paths, followed by beach section. Waterfalls falling into the sea, Cathedral rock, waterfall bluff, lots of pools, long 5km beach sections.
Day 4
18km. Mbotyi to Ntafufu
Leg 1 – 9km to Manteku. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and river crossing, short beach sections.
Leg 2 – 9km Manteku to Ntafufu. Steep grassy hills with amazing views and one river crossing, short beach sections.
Day 5
17km. Ntafufu to Cremorne River lodge, Port St Johns
One steep hill, followed by rolling hills and 4km flat beach section and a last 3km along a jeep track to the finish at Cremorne River Lodge
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.
