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Wild Coast | Pondoland Paradise

When the great African coastline was formed one part of it was left rugged, wild and untamed. This section of our coastline is home to the AmaMpondo People, a sub-Kingdom of the mighty Xhosa speaking group of South Africans.

For 300 years, the Xhosa have been the custodians of this gem in our country, living in their colourful huts that dot this green, pastoral landscape. The area is still very rural, traditional, with a very basic road network. It is on these roads, and many kilometres of legal jeep tracks that we will explore the rugged coastline, shipwrecks, pristine estuaries and crystal waterfalls.

tour duration 7 Days
from R18,125
next trip 28 Mar 2025
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The whole area lends itself to safe walking, mountain biking and wonderful fishing, so bring the toys along as there is time during the tour for these adventure and fun activities.

The area is also well known for it for its coastal hotels and lodges.  Many of these have been owned by the same families for generations.  We will stay at three of these wonderful establishments on our adventure.  Mbotyi River Lodge, The Ocean View Hotel and The Haven Hotel.  These stay overs have been chosen for their unique location, warm hospitality and scrumptious meals.

Included

All meals
Lodge Accommodation
Professional guide

Excluded

Guide Gratuity

Tour Dates

28 Mar 2025 - 03 Apr 2025 - R18,125.00
27 Jun 2025 - 03 Jul 2025 - R18,125.00
24 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2025 - R18,125.00

Day 1

Mbotyi River Lodge

We meet, early afternoon at Mbotyi River Lodge where we will spend the next two nights. 

Mbotyi River Lodge is a nature lover’s paradise and the perfect place for relaxing away from the everyday stresses of life. The Lodge is situated alongside the lagoon overlooking a beautiful beach and indigenous forests teeming with birdlife and many waterfalls with breath-taking views.

The Lodge has an extensive range of facilities which include a swimming pool, mountain bikes, canoes and a multitude of sunny decks for relaxing. The rooms are air conditioned and offer tea & coffee making facilities as well as a fridge for additional convenience.

Day 2

Mbotyi River Lodge

After early morning coffee and rusks there will be a little free time to walk along the beach or go for a paddle along the magnificent Mbotyi Estuary. We all have a big breakfast and get our vehicles ready for the day’s outing. 

Our day trip, with a picnic lunch en route, will take us to a Cape Vulture colony (the rarest vultures in Africa) of over 170 birds nesting on cliffs of a magnificent gorge. We will then head on to the meandering jeep tracks that will take us along the coastline. We will only be using existing legal tracks and never drive along the beach.

We will visit the wreck site of the Grosvenor and get some insight into the unbelievable treasure hunting tactics that people have attempted over the years to get to her alleged secret treasure. En route, there will be ample time to enjoy the nearby beaches.  We visit a number of spectacular waterfalls and find out about so unique Second World War history

We return to the lodge in the late afternoon in time for a beach sundowner before dinner and bed.

Day 3

Ocean View Beach Lodge, Coffee Bay

After breakfast we pack up and head out to our next destination, Coffee Bay – one of the most synonymous names associated with the Wild Coast.

Our route takes into the heart of the rural Wild Coast.  Your guide will use the time on the road to explain more about the cultural background of the area.  We drive through a number of spectacular river gorges lined with indigenous forests.

After a long day on the road our Hotel for the next two nights is the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay right on the beach.

Accommodation at Ocean View is characterised by light airy rooms overlooking spectacular beaches and sea  views. All the rooms are comfortably furnished and have en-suite bathrooms. The Hotel offers a laundry -service, bar facilities, a wellness centre with massage facilities and wonderful friendly staff who are available to  accommodate whatever your need.

After check in, there is time for a late afternoon beach walk, or a cast or two.

Day 4

Ocean View Beach Lodge, Coffee Bay

Today is a more relaxed day.  We enjoy a late breakfast with some time on the beach before we head out to the Umthatha River Mouth.  Weather permitting there is time to go for a short canoe trip of throw a line.

Our lunch today is at a quaint resturant over looking the Indian Ocean.  The White Clay Restaurant is known all over the Wild Coast for its good food.  After lunch and enjoying the view there is time to relax and enjoy the Coffee Bay area.

The Ocean View Hotel dinner is once again something to be marvelled at.

Day 5

The Haven Hotel, Hole in the Wall

After a hearty breakfast, once again pack the vehicles as we head further down the coast to our last destination - The Haven Hotel.

En route we visit the most popular and ionic landmark along the Wild Coast, Hole in the Wall.  This rock outcrop and the surrounding estuary can only be appreciated by seeing it in person, photographs don’t do it justice.

We have a picnic lunch en route and then enter the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve.  The Haven Hotel is situated on the beach in this protected area.

Day 6

The Haven Hotel, Hole in the Wall

Today we enjoy the surrounding Nature Reserves while on foot.  There are a number of hikes you can enjoy depending on your fitness levels.  The Bhejane guide and hotel staff will be on hand to help with routes and guidance.

From coastal forest to estuaries, mangrove swamps and the impressive Mbashe River it can all be visited and is within an easy walk.  There are also horse rides and canoeing trips available from the hotel.  Our last day in this beautiful area is spent taking in the natural surroundings and simply relaxing!

Tonight’s dinner is a seafood banquet that these coastal hotels are so well known for!

Day 7

Departure - Home

Sadly, after breakfast, we say our goodbyes and you have an hour and a half long drive to reach the N2  about 50Km west of Umthatha.

Answer

South Africa - Eastern Cape Province

Answer

Just outside Lusikisiki - an hours drive from Port St Johns

Answer

4 x 4 is required

Answer

Not on this tour

Answer

Safari Tent Style Units
En suite with basin, hot water shower & toilet

Answer

Yes,throughout tour

Answer

Yes - throughout the tour