Duration: 5 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Distance: Approx. 80 km
​Start Point: Mboyti
End Point: Mngazana River, Mqaleni
Cost: R8750 per person
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The Pondo Wildcoast Trail is a 5-day / 6-night slack-packing hike along the breathtaking Pondoland coastline in the heart of the Transkei. The Pondo Wildcoast Trail guides you through dramatic cliffs of Waterfall Bluff, lush coastal forests, multiple river crossings, and pristine, off-the-beaten-track beaches. Each step taking you deeper into one of South Africa’s last truly wild, unspoiled landscapes. Thanks to the region’s remoteness, this stretch of the Wild Coast remains largely untouched—offering an unforgettable hiking experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
We take care of everything so you can focus on the experience — meals, transfers, ferry crossings, permits, and expert local guides are all included.
Our small-group hikes (usually 10–14 people) ensure a personalized experience, and our guides, all from the local amaPondo community, bring the trail to life through stories, traditions, and deep cultural knowledge.
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Please contact us for private bookings and custom rates (This trail can be fully customized)
What's Included
All meals and snacks for the duration of the hike
Support vehicle for logistics, daily transfer of luggage and emergencies
6 Nights accommodation
Two professional guides per hike
All river crossing and permit fees
What's Excluded
Any other recreational activities along the trail (kayak hire etc.)
Personal medication and insect repellant
Beverages and alcohol
Day 1
Mbotyi - Waterfall Bluff - Mbotyi
Distance 26km Elevation Gain 580m
This is the longest day of the trail, but also one of the most spectacular. Expect to see rugged cliffs rising up from the sea, crystal clear rivers with cascading waterfalls and plunge pools to cool off in. Highlights include the impressive sights of Cathedral Rock and Waterfall Bluff that plunges hundreds of meters straight into the Indian Ocean.
Day 2
Mbotyi - Manteku
Distance 13km Elevation Gain 460m
We cross the Mbotyi river and meander along the coastline encountering many beautiful beaches and coves along the way. The last section takes us across a few valleys and hills to a spectacular viewpoint over the Mzintlava river where we cross to the Mentaku village.
The afternoon can be spent going for a swim in the ocean or river, exploring the local village of Mentaku or simply chilling and enjoying the amazing panoramic views of the river and ocean.
Day 3
Manteku - Ntafufu
Distance 11km Elevation Gain 210m
Day 3 of the Pondo Trail starts with a beautiful beach walk followed by rolling hills, pebble coves, thick indigenous forests and remote beaches where you are likely to see traditional Nguni cattle seeking the cool air of the ocean.
We finally cross the Ntafufu river mouth (pronounced in-ta-foof) where we camp for the night.
Those wanting a bit more adventure or an interest in birding can explore the pristine Ntafufu estuary with kayaks.
Day 4
Ntafufu - Port St Johns
Distance 14km Elevation Gain 290m
We start the day traversing the rugged coastal hills, passing over Dome Bluff with spectacular views of the coastline. The trail takes us down to Poenskop beach where we cross the Nkadusweni river and climb back up over Poenskop to grassy plateaus. Our final descent leads us to the longest stretch of beach on the trail (3.5km) and on to the Umzimvubu river, where we cross by ferry to Port St Johns.
Day 5
Port st Johns - Mngazana
Distance 16km Elevation Gain 435m
We leave Port St Johns via the famous Second Beach and through the forests of Silaka Nature Reserve, onto the grass topped cliffs dropping in to the ocean. The topography and vegetation is vastly different this side of the Umzimvubu river with incredible views of the dramatic coastline. A scenic ferry ride across the Mngazi River leads us to the final stretch of beach, where a traditional rowboat crossing over the Mngazana River marks the perfect end to our journey.