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"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right"
...Nelson Mandela



South Africa hikes 5N WILD COAST PONDO WALK

Wild Coast Holiday Reservations are proud to introduce an exciting new 5 night 4 day hiking trail covering some of the most spectacular natural wonders to be seen along South Africa's wild coast.

Hikers will be based at the beautifully revamped Mbotyi River Lodge, in the heart of the Pondoland Park, from where the 4 days of adventurous hiking start and return. Mbotyi River Lodge is situated 27 km's from Lusikisiki and is easily accessible by car. There is an excellent 1000m grass runway at Magwa, 7 km from the lodge. Hikers stay at one resort, this is a self drive package. I

The hike entails 2 coastal and 2 inland trails through dense indigenous forests, along rugged cliff tops, crossing sandy bays and through rural and friendly settlements, to view a few of the most breathtaking natural features the wild coast has to offer.
 

This package is inclusive of:

  • 5 night accommodation with all meals provided from dinner on day one to after breakfast on day six.

  • Daily guides and a transfer back from Magwa Falls to the hotel.

Should you wish to spend the night prior to your trail or on completion in East London, we can offer you accommodation at the Meander Inn, a B&B especially designed to accommodate the hiking groups on the night before their trail. The groups can enjoy a social get together, braai, and will be briefed with maps and photographs on the trail. Alternately we can arrange for you to stay at any other venue of your choice.
The Trail is available from Mid-January until early December. Arrangements can be made with ourselves to leave any excess luggage and valuables in safe keeping for you. (Excluding March/April school holidays and Easter weekend Dec/Jan school holidays,)

Itinerary
 

Day 1
Arrive at the resort either by self drive or transfer can be arranged on request. Settle in, relax & enjoy the ambiance of Mbotyi.

Day 2 - 13km:
Ilityyelentaka (the rock of the bird)

This is a relatively short, yet satisfying walk in a southerly direction to a rocky outcrop returning inland past isolated rural dwellings. Hikers climb up to the beacon to the south of the hotel from where one can see for miles around. The path then drops down to the Umzumpunzi river and the first of a few remote tropical white sandy beaches. Each beach encountered is more remote than the previous and we recommend that you relax and enjoy the solitude of this paradise. The walk back through friendly villages is a unique opportunity of meeting and seeing how these friendly Pondo folk live in these truly remote regions.

Day 3 - 16km
Magwa Falls

The route takes hikers away from the ocean and up into the foothills before climbing up through the forest and an escarpment. The walk then meanders through cultivated pine forests and the huge Magwa tea plantations before your encounter with the spectacular Magwa Falls, this 16 km climb although strenuous is only a one way walk. Hikers will be collected by vehicle and return to Mbotyi River Lodge via Fraser Falls. The climb up through the indigenous forest is short and steep but once you summit, from the top of the plateau, one can again enjoy spectacular views while catching your breath. The path then turns in a westerly direction for a walk through pine forests before entering the tea plantation. The natural fault that forms Magwa Falls is a spectacular gorge and it is well worth the effort of crossing the top of the falls and viewing the falls from the west side.

Day 4 - 26km
Waterfall Bluff

This is a relatively long day. The walk takes you northwards and differs topographically and vegetation wise from the other walks. From Mbotyi you walk close to the coast along grassy banks and beach for some 3.5 km before reaching a long sandy beach, Drew’s Camp. In the middle of this stretch is the mouth of the Mkhosi River that feeds Frasers Falls, the huge gorge that you see as you drive to Mbotyi. The route now leaves the beach and hikers ascend up the back of Sugerloaf Hill to a plateau. A highlight along this route is to see one of the endemic Mkambati palms, indigenous to this area. Walking along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean where whales and dolphins abound, you will come across Cathedral Rock, a well known landmark. After crossing Mhlankulu River, a little inland with its pristine pools, the trails leads you down to the coast and Waterfall Bluff. Your guide will take you down, the cliffs form a huge overhanging cave, called Grotto cave and supplies excellent shade for your tasty packed lunch. The return route is slightly inland. The welcome sight of Mbotyi River Lodge and a cold beer will await you in the late afternoon.

Day 5 - 14km
Enxanxazeni (at the waterfall)
Forest/waterfall walk - Certainly not to be missed, this day takes one through rural foothills before entering and climbing up through towering indigenous forests to a waterfall with no name that cascades over the escarpment and drops about 90 meters into a crystal clear pool tucked in a heavily forested kloof. The distance covered is 14 km, one climbs up from the hotel into the foothills and traverses through local villages before entering the dense indigenous forest. The forest is truly overwhelming with birds singing in the canopy and the floor covered with beautiful flowers and strange mushrooms. Although this is a tough climb, a refreshing swim and a spectacular view across the forest sweeping down to the ocean awaits you at the falls.

This is a true wilderness trail and will feed your soul. This is not an easy trail and a fair degree of fitness is required. Good boots and hiking socks are recommended. For the forest - waterfall walk, long pants prevent your legs being scratched. Being a wilderness area there are snakes (Black Mamba country), the summer months can be very hot and humid, winter and spring is the best time to do this trail.

Malaria: This is a Malaria Free area.
Crime: We cannot guarantee that the area is crime free as in every country in the world it is a factor, but there have been no incidents with tourists along this route. We have selected a safe route and a local guide will accompany you.

Please note hikers either carry their own backpacks. Or porters can be hired on a daily basis to carry back packs, we encourage hikers to use porters as this provides much needed employment. Inquire regarding daily costs.

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