Pondo Trail – Wild Coast

Moderate to Difficult

Per Person

R9800

Max 12 PEOPLE

R9800

Per Person

Max 12 PEOPLE

Join Trekking Africa if you’ve ever dreamed of hiking one of South Africa’s last truly wild coastlines without carrying a heavy backpack, the Amampondo Trail is for you.

This 73 km journey takes you from Msikaba to the laid-back coastal town of Port St Johns, following remote beaches, hidden waterfalls, ancient rock pools, towering sea cliffs and authentic Mpondo villages.

Every day brings a new adventure, while every evening ends with warm local hospitality, home-cooked meals and a comfortable bed waiting for you.

The best part? This is a fully slackpacking trail. Your luggage is transported between overnight stops, so all you need to carry is your day pack while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

What we Provide

Your Pondo Trail package includes:

  • Fully slackpacking – carry only your day pack
  • Qualified and experienced hiking guide throughout the trail
  • Accommodation before the hike
  • Accommodation during the trail
  • Home-cooked local dinners
  • All meals, Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
  • Delicious home-cooked local dinners
  • Safe parking for guests who are driving
  • Assistance with trail logistics and arrangements
  • Local knowledge, guidance and support throughout the hike

What to Bring

Although this is a slackpacking trail, you still need to bring your personal hiking equipment and clothing.

  • A backpack or duffel bag containing your clothing and personal gear which will be transported between overnight stops
  • A comfortable small daypack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking clothing
  • Warm layer/fleece
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
  • Headlamp/torch
  • Personal toiletries
  • Small first-aid/personal medical items
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Snacks
  • Personal medication
  • Camera/phone
  • Rain jacket or waterproof layer
  • Basic personal essentials

TRAIL RULES

  • No Litter
  • No Music
  • No Alcohol during hike

Distances and Durations

Arrive the night before the Hike.
The trail is 5 days and 4 nights.
The following distances and durations are as follows:

  • Day 1 - Msikaba - Rhole 11km
  • Day 2 - Rhole - Cutwini 21km
  • Day 3 - Cutwini - Manteku 19km
  • Day 4 - Manteku - Noqhewukana 15km
  • Day 5 - Noqhewukana - Port St Johns 7km

Accommodation - Authentic Wild Coast Homestays

Accommodation Before the Hike

We provide accommodation before the start of the hike, giving you an opportunity to arrive, settle in, meet your guide and fellow hikers, and prepare for the trail.

One of the biggest highlights of this trail is experiencing genuine Mpondo hospitality.

  • Single bunk beds
  • Electricity
  • Hot showers (available on some nights)
  • Delicious home-cooked local dinners
  • An authentic cultural experience

Transport Info

If You Are Flying

  • Your flight should arrive no later than 09:00 on the day before the trail starts.
  • We recommend allowing sufficient time for baggage collection and your transfer to the accommodation.
  • Your return flight on the final day should not depart before 19:00 (7:00 PM), as you will need time to complete the trail, transfer to the airport and check in.

If You Are Driving

  • Guests who are driving to the area can leave their vehicle in safe parking at the start of the trail. (Amapondo Backpackers)
  • A shuttle transfer at the end of the trail will then transport you to the starting point of the Pondo Trail, to collect your vehicle.

Distance

20 KM

Duration

1 DAYS

Group

20 PAX
NEXT AVAILABLE DATES

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Cindy Thebe
Cindy Thebe
Thanks for the best trip Ever. Look forward to the next one..
Pamela Mnisi
Pamela Mnisi
The best hike ever!!
Warren Page
Warren Page
I have done it twice, I highly recommend it was the best R&R I have ever had, took my kids with as well