Hiking on the Wild Side

With its phenomenal scenery, quite unlike any other area in South Africa, the Wild Coast is a hiker's paradise. Stretching from Port Edward in the north down to Cintsa in the south; the landscape changes from the softer features of KwaZulu-Natal's south coast to that of the rugged, raw beauty synonymous with the Eastern Cape.

Historically, this 300km stretch of coast was dubbed 'wild' due to its notoriously rocky headlands that ended the voyage of many a ship. It is these same headlands, banked by brilliant green hills and sliced by deep rivers, that provide the diverse walking landscape hikers so enjoy.

Unique sights such as waterfalls that drop into the sea, Nguni cattle that roam the beaches and massive caves accessible only by foot, provide fantastic spectacles along the way. Mangrove swamps in sheltered estuaries, indigenous forests and traditionally cultivated fields extend the view, thumb-tacked together by the colourful thatched rondavels of the local amaXhosa people.

Slackpacking, where one's luggage is transported or portered from one overnight stop to the next, is an appealing prospect for those not keen on hauling a pack. For those who prefer the more traditional, staying in backpackers, tented camps or even local homestays; Active Escapes can assist with logistics to ensure a well organised, hassle-free trip.

HIKING & SLACKPACKING PRODUCTS

On the Wilder Side of South Africa's Coastline

Lower Wild Coast Hotel-Hopper

Pristine beaches with hotel comforts at the end of the day

If your idea of a hiking holiday is as much about the chilled wine, a comfy bed and a seafood dinner, then the Lower Wild Coast Hotel-Hopping trail should be right up your alley. We can tailor the hike to your group's time constraints, from a 2 day weekend-break to a 6 night trail starting at Kob Inn and finishing at Cintsa.

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Pondo Falls Hiking Trail

From Port Edward - Grosvenor

If driving from Gauteng or KZN, our 5 Day Pondo-Falls, starting at Port Edward and finishing at Grosvenor, is a good option to consider. Especially, if you wish to have catering provided all the way. With accommodation in a friendly homestay, community and private lodge, this hike packs an authentic mix of experience, and can also potentially be arranged over holiday periods.

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Pondo-Explorer Trails (Self-Catered)

From Msikaba - Mbotyi - PSJ

On this self-catered 3 or 5 night hiking trail, you'll overnight in tent and thatch camps in pristine and wild locations. The camps are well equipped for self-catering so you need only bring your food; and porters can be arranged to lighten your load. On both the 3 & 5 day trails, a night at Mbotyi River Lodge with dinner and breakfast, provides a night of pampering on the trail.

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Pondo Voyager Hiking Trail

From Port Edward - Mbotyi

If driving from Gauteng or KZN, our 5 Day Pondo-Voyager, starting at Port Edward and finishing at Mbotyi, is a good option to consider. With accommodation in friendly homestay's, community-camps, nature reserves & more luxury lodge options in the latter half of the trail, this hike packs an authentic mix of experience along a diverse route.

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Pondo-Hopper Trails (Fully supported)

Catered & supported version of the Explorer: Msikaba - Mbotyi - PSJ

This trail is along the same route as the Pondo-Explorer, but is a fully supported and catered trail where all meals are catered for and your luggage is portered from camp to camp. This hike can be offered to groups of 2-24 persons, outside of the peak school holidays. A great option for groups who'd like to have ALL their planning and logistics taken care of.

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Mtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail

Long weekend getaway to the Wild Coast

Short on time, but wish to walk the Wild Coast, within easy reach of Durban? Our 3 Night Mtentu-Explorer takes you to places of paradise for which the Wild Coast is famed: private beaches, forgotten falls, and pristine estuaries. Overnighting in a village homestay the first night and a joint-venture eco-camp the next two nights. Your stay bolsters the local economy, much needed in the fight against mining here.

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Coffee Bay – Bulungula Hiking Trail

Hole in the Wall, community-driven and eco-friendly

This 3-4 night trail starts out at Coffee Bay, passing the iconic ‘Hole in the Wall’ and the beautiful beach of Mpame, before finishing at Bulungula community eco-lodge. The trail is a mix of backpacker and community-owned accommodation options and is well suited to international backpackers.

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Coffee Bay –– Haven Hiking Trail

Hole in the Wall, eclectic and varied trail

This 5 night trail starts out at Coffee Bay, passing the iconic ‘Hole in the Wall’ and the beautiful beach of Mpame, before finishing at the lovely Haven Hotel. The trail provides an eclectic mix of backpacker and hotel accom and is well suited to adventurous friend and family groups.

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Pondo Wild Camper

Have backpack, tent and cooker … but need some logistics taken care of

So you've heard about Waterfall Bluff, Cathedral Rock and the wild hiking that Pondoland has to offer? Have the tent, gas cooker and are backpacker fit, but looking for a guide, and some logistical support? Active Escapes can arrange 'wild camping' trips from Port Edward through to PSJ, with an overnight or two in friendly village homestays along the way.

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Tailor Made Wild Coast Adventures

You plot, we’ll plan

Having walked every kilometre of the Wild Coast, we can provide sound advice on trail routes and options. If you wanted to hike the entire Wild Coast as a corporate or personal challenge – we can arrange it. If there is a section of coastline that you'd like to hike and is not covered by any of our standard offerings, then why not drop us a line and we'll see if we can make it happen.