A five-day adventure along the Wild Coast from Chintsa to Mkambati into "the heart of Pondoland", the Wild Coast's most remote region. A participatory tour which combines rural village accommodation and camping, coupled with a range of adventure activities in and around the beautiful Mkambati Nature Reserve.

We have  created tours which combine an exhilarating sense of adventure, a strong conservation ethic and a community upliftment component.

From rural village stays in the south to our tented camp at Msikaba in the heart of the open plains of Pondoland in the north. We journey by 4x4, canoe, mountain bike and foot exploring the canyons, waterfalls and culture of one of Mother Nature’s biodiversity hot spots.

KAYAKING  THE MANGROVE SWAMP            HOME HOSTED IN A XHOSA VILLAGE
                         

Day One
Depart 7:30 am on Wild Coast Explorer.
 Early departure from Buccaneers Chintsa for the former Transkei.
 Historical and political introduction to the region in the dramatic setting of the Kei River Canyon, crossing by foot over the old railway bridge.
 4x4 trek along the banks of the Mngazana River followed a kayaking expedition through the Mangrove swamps to our overnight stop, a rural Xhosa village.
 Xhosa guides will take you to Mngazana coastal caves and explain the intricacies of the mangrove swamps on the estuary.
 Evening spent in Xhosa homesteads hosted by a family from this enchanting village.

Day Two
Entering Pondoland.
 Early morning swim in the “pool” on the rocky shores of the Wild Coast.
 Back road to the summit of Mt Thesiger. Breakfast overlooking the mighty Umzimvubu River “the place of the hippo”.
 Drive through the Magwa Tea plantation to See Magwa [110m] and Fraser’s [200m] waterfalls. Lunching on the cliffs of these impressive gorges.
 Arrive at Cutweni Village our overnight spot. This remote little village set in the most beautiful section of the wild coast will provide the gateway for the next few days of exploration in this heartland.
 Afternoon hike to Cutweni River Mouth, which flows onto a remote beach, we will visit The Gap and Cathedral One.
 Overnight with village entertainment.

Day Three
Cathedral Rock Waterfall Bluff and Luputhana.
 Depart on horseback/mountain bike towards these impressive land features.
 Cathedral Rock an impressive rock feature broken away from the land to form a monument to this section of Coastline.
 Abseil from Waterfall Bluff a 60m free flowing waterfall straight into the Indian Ocean.
 Luputhana an indescribable show of ocean power, caused by the remarkable geology of this region.
 After this spectacular day we will overnight camp on the banks of the Msikaba River.

 
Day Four
Mkambati Nature Reserve.
 Crossing the river with mountain bikes we traverse this exciting reserve with its fascinating flora, fauna and geological landscapes.
 Cycle through the reserve amongst herds of Zebra, Eland, Blesbok, Wildebeest, and Baboons and, if we are in luck a rare sighting of leopard. Kloofing [jumping from rocks and waterfalls into crystal clear pools below], swimming and rock scrambling make up the order of the day.
 Return to our camp overnight.

   KLOOFING AND BIKING IN THE MKAMBATI NATURE RESERVE, PONDOLAND
     

Day Five
Return to Chintsa Southern Wild Coast
 After breakfast relax and spend the morning on the beach
Lunch and pack return journey to Chintsa

Notes: This journey begins and ends at Buccaneers Backpacker Chintsa. Due to the early departures and late returns guests will need to organise accommodation for pre and post tours. Please book with Buccaneers in this regard.

Min of 5 people