Pondo 4-day hike (5 nights) is a fully catered luxury SLACKPACK HIKE in PONDOLAND, the Northern Transkei, from Msikaba towards Port St Johns where you will hike 65km over 4 days in an unspoiled area of the Eastern Cape. Stay at a lodge each night right on the coastline, except one night at a luxury tented camp surrounded with indigenous forest and a beautiful view of the sea. You will have your own en-suite bathroom each night.

The only Luxury Slack-Pack Hike along the Wild Coast of Pondoland, Transkei, Eastern Cape. See the Cape Vulture Colony at Msikaba, 2 of the 7 waterfalls in the world that fall directly into the sea, fresh seafood, cattle on the beach, waves crashing against the rocks, friendly Pondoland people, walking through the Pondoland villages, and the Cathedral Peak Rock standing out from the sea. Experience the Wild coast of Transkei with Trisport and their local guides. Get spoilt each night with great food! Feel alive while hiking in this non-commercial part of Transkei!

Pondo 4-day hike (5 nights) is a fully catered luxury SLACKPACK HIKE in PONDOLAND, the Northern Transkei, from Msikaba towards Port St Johns where you will hike 65km over 4 days in an unspoiled area of the Eastern Cape. Stay at a lodge each night, except one night at a luxury tented camp, but with your own en-suite bathroom each night.

2025 Dates:

• 3 – 8 Feb 2025 (FULL)
• 3 – 8 March 2025 (FULL)
• 8 – 13 March 2025 (FULL)
• 13 -18 March 2025
• 24 – 29 May 2025
• 29 May – 3 June 2025
• 3 – 8 June 2025
• 18 – 23 Jul 2025
• 24 – 29 Jul 2025
• 29 Sept 2025 (FULL)
• 4 – 9 Oct 2025
• 10 – 15 Oct 2025 (FULL)

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
• Luxury each night in your en-suite room
• Fresh seafood
• Experience the friendly Pondo people along the way
• Travelling through small Pondo Villages with the typical bright coloured round chalets
• Swimming in the sea or the beautiful pools along the way
• Hiking on cliff paths and secluded beaches
• Sightseeing of the awesome Cape Vulture colony (more than 100 birds) on the way to Msikaba
• Cattle on the beach
• Ship wrecks
• Fresh sea food (weather permitting)
• Amazing views over the Coastline
• Beautiful secluded beaches

Information

This hike is from Msikaba to Port St Johns. The hike will take you on an exploration of the Wild Coast in Transkei, South Africa. You will see the Cape Vulture Colony at Msikaba, 2 of the 7 waterfalls in the world that fall directly into the sea, Waves crashing against the rocks and the Cathedral Peak Rock standing out from the sea and many more. Experience the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, hike on cattle tracks above the cliffs with dramatic rocks and caves below and experience the culture of the Xhosa when walking through the friendly villages along the way. This is an experience not to be missed.

Venue

Pondoland, Wildcoast, Transkei, Eastern Cape

Distances

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

Fitness level

Fitness level: Intermediate to FIT, not for Beginners

Entry fee and highlights includes

• 4 days of unforgettable hiking along the wild coast
• 5 nights of accommodation
• 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
• 3 meals per day
• Transport from Lambazi to Lupithana
• Transport of your gear/bag to finishing venue each day
• Sundowner snacks each day
• Medical and emergency services on standby
• Generosity and great atmosphere

Entry fee excludes

• Transport to and from Port St Johns, Transkei, Eastern Cape
• Tips
• Drinks
• Dinner on day 1 and day 5 and breakfast day 6 (departure)
• 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.

Schedule

Day 1

14:00 Arrival at Port St Johns, check in at Cremorne River Lodge
18:00 Welcome and Dinner at Cremorne River Lodge

Day 2

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 on route.
11:00 Start of hike at Msikaba village, hike along the coastline on cattle tracks, see the dolphins playing, 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

07:00 Breakfast at Lambazi Lodge
08:00 Transported from Lambazi to Lupithana, and see the crashing waves against the rocks. Hike from Lupithana 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

08:00 Breakfast at Mbotyi.
09:00 Hike from Mbotyi to Ntafufu via Manteku, enjoy the great grassy paths that lead you to amazing views over the sea.
11:00 Lunch on route (packed lunch).
14:00 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.
13:00 Light lunch at Cremorne River Lodge,
18:00 Dinner (own cost)

Day 6

07:00 Breakfast (own cost) 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 Wild coast 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.

Rates:

• R14 500.00 pp – sharing
• R17 900.00 pp – single
• Limited to 20 people

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation