Trail Details

The trail is located on the Pondoland coast in the Eastern Cape

The nearest town to the start is Lusikisiki and the trail finishes at Port St Johns

The trail is a long way from any transport hub. A shuttle can be arranged from Durban (6 hours) or East London (5 hours) or self-drive. Transport from Port St John’s to the start is included in the cost.

Option 1: 3 nights / 3 days of hiking
Option 2: 5 night / 5 days of hiking

Extra nights at Misikaba or Port St Johns by arrangement.

Start: Msikaba River Mouth – Adventure Camp – GPS: 31˚32’11.88 S / 29˚96’54.61 E

Finish: Port St Johns – GPS: 31˚62’19.57 S / 29˚54’67.19 E

Day 1: 16km    Day 2: 18.5km    Day 3: 11km 
Day 4: 10km    Day 5: 13km

On a grading of grading of Easy-Moderate-Strenuous

This trail should be regarded as moderate with short strenuous sections. There are some steep climbs, mild exposure in places and some coastal rock scrambling.

A good level of hiking fitness required. Recommend regular long hikes in preparation. 

Easy gradient for first 2 days but higher daily distances. More gradient ascent (steeper hill climbs) on Day’s 3 & 4, but shorter days.

Traversing grasslands with deep forest ravines & gorges, rocky headlands, sandy beaches and friendly Pondo villages.

Limited coastal rocky scrambling with some steep, fairly exposed hill climbs and grassy paths with short exposed drop offs. Sheer sections for view look-out points (optional)

1 Night DBB at Mbotyi River Lodge
2 or 4 Nights – Tented Camps -twin bedded safari tents on wooden platforms under thatch boma's – with en-suite ablutions & hot water gas shower. Central dining boma where your meals will be prepared & served.

This is a fully catered & supported trail. 

Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included, own supply can be transported.

A locally trained guide is will lead the group. Maps will also be supplied for interest

Saunset paddle up the Msikaba estuary & a visit to the Vulture Colony; excavation remains from treasure-seekers at Grosvenor, shipwrecks, golden miles of unspoilt beach, incredible spray display at Luphuthana, Waterfall Bluff, Cathedral Rock, Mfhilo Falls, natural swimming pools on the Mlambomkulu, friendly Pondo villages. Breathtaking views.

Canoeing on Msikaba and Manteku Estuaries (canoes available free from the camps), excellent rock & surf fishing, birding, ocean swimming and snorkelling opportunities.

The Pondoland Centre of Endemism is one of the most important centres of plant diversity and endemism in Africa with over 2 253 recorded flora species, 196 of which are endemic to the region.

Mild sub-tropical climate with small seasonal temperature variation. Summer months (Nov – Feb), avg max daily temperatures of around 27-29 degrees celsius whilst winter months (June – Aug) avg 21 deg C. Night temps seldom drops below 10 deg C in winter and average around 15 deg C in summer. Most rain is received from summer thunderstorms (avg of 150mm/month in Nov – Feb), whilst the driest months, June-Aug produce an average of 40mm/month.

Due to its temperate climate, Pondoland is good for hiking all year round. Whilst summer days can be quite sweaty, a refreshing swim in the ocean or river enroute becomes all the more inviting. Summer rainfall is usually in the form of quick thundershowers which pass quickly. Summer is also best for birdlife. The mild weather, sunny days and low probability of rain during winter also make this an excellent time (and a welcome retreat from the biting cold of an interior winter). Spring and Autumn months generally combine the best of all conditions. 

Availability: This fully supported/catered Pondo-Hopper trail can only be offered outside of the peak school holiday periods.

Minimum 2 persons – maximum 24 persons for the tented camps.

5 Night Pondo-Hopper: 
only offered to grps of 4 or more. Final cost subject to individual quote – 
estimate below:

4-6 Persons – R7500/ pp
7 -8 Persons – R7300/ pp
9 -10 Persons – R6900/ pp  

3 Night Pondo-Hopper

2 Persons – R5700/ pp
3 Persons – R5500/ pp
4 -6 Persons – R4900/ pp  

* Children Rates will be quoted based on ratio of full paying adults

• Transfer from Port St John’s (or Mbotyi) to Msikaba trail head
• 3 or 5 Nights Accommodation: 1 Night (DBB) at Mbotyi River Lodge & remainder of nights in private tented camps
• All Meals: Dinner, Breakfast & Packed lunch on hike days
• Local Hiking Guide/pathfinder on all days
• Daily Luggage Transfers & Vehicle Support
• Reserve Permits & Trail Fees
• Emergency Support Service
• Canoes – available at Msikaba & Manteku Camps

Optional Extras: 
Extra day at Grosvenor Inn (splits first hike day into 2) – R1000/pp
Extra night at Mbotyi Hotel – R850 – R1000/pp

Active-Escapes