HIKING ALONG THE WILD COAST

5-Day Private Hiking Tour

The name Wild Coast invokes images of a romantic, pristine coastline far removed from the rest of the world. A secluded place where one can still find the true beauty of nature and the peacefulness of solitude. Located along the shore of the warm Indian Ocean, South Africa’s Wild Coast delivers all this and much more. It is the ideal place to get active with long, comfortable walks on beautiful sandy beaches and over the green hills of the former Transkei. With an experienced guide at your side and plenty of evenings spent around the campfire, it is the perfect recipe for those who want to slow down and get back to nature.

Don’t be intimidated by the long hiking distances and the sometimes-long hiking times. Many of the longer Wild Coast hiking trails do not have any significant elevation and the hiking times have been calculated according to a comfortable and relaxing walking pace.

 

Wild Coast River mouth

Highlights

Day 1-5; South Africa

  • Wild Coast: Secluded, sandy beaches, untrampled hiking paths and evenings spent around the campfire, hike to the Msikaba Estuary, hike to the impressive Waterfall Bluff and to the Cathedral Rock

Facts

Scheduled safari:
Hiking along the Wild Coast
Tourcode: SAEXP05HIK
From: Durban
To: Durban
Min. number to guarantee tour: N/A
Max number of participants: private hike
Departure day: any day of your choice
Price: on request
Single Supplement: on request

 

Itinerary

Day 1 | Durban/Umdloti – Wild Coast (Pondoland)

Driving distance approx. 400 km; pure driving time approx. 6 hours

If you are from overseas, we recommend flying into Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and staying overnight in an accommodation near the airport. If you prefer, we can book the accommodation for you. The following morning, your guide will meet you at your accommodation. By 9am, you start your experience by driving to the Wild Coast on the Indian Ocean, where secluded beaches and deserted walking trails await. En route, you pass through the stunning KwaZulu-Natal province and the Eastern Cape to arrive at the Lambazi Lodge, just meters from the beach. Check-in, walk barefoot across the beach, and dive in the Indian Ocean. After dinner, listen to the crackling campfire and get lost in the night sky filled with infinite stars. What an unforgettable way to start a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You spend the night at Lambazi Lodge.
Dinner

Day 2 | Wild Coast (Pondoland)

Hiking distance approx. 18 km, hiking time approx. 6-8 hours with hardly any altitude meters

On day two, the second-longest hike on your itinerary awaits. After an optional walk on the beach, followed by breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable day in nature. The destination for the day is the Msikaba Estuary, north of the lodge. Despite the long distance, the walk will be flat and easy. Moreover, your guide will choose a manageable pace for everyone. You will follow a coastal path with stages on the beach, offering views of a wild and romantically beautiful coastline. You pass river mouths, rugged cliffs, and lush green hills with beautiful valleys. There will be plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. You will also learn about the East Indiaman sailing ship Grosvenor, which sank in 1782 and hear about the survivors and the numerous salvage attempts for the valuable treasures from your guide. In the afternoon, you will return to Lambazi Lodge, where you can relax in style while dinner is prepared.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3 | Wild Coast (Pondoland)

Hiking distance approx. 23 km; hiking time approx. 7-8 hours with hardly any altitude meters

Today, you walk south to your next destination, the beautiful beachside Mbotyi River Lodge. The walk is long but beautiful, taking you inland at times, with the highlight being Waterfall Bluff, situated halfway along the route. Waterfall Bluff is unique as it is an 80m high waterfall that plunges into the Indian Ocean. The site is even more dramatic, thanks to the surrounding cliffs. Slightly further on is the second highlight, Cathedral Rock, a pinnacle of rock surrounded by the ocean with a unique arch in one section. You will then arrive at the beach, where cows can be seen regularly. On the final stretch, remove your boots and let the lapping waves refresh you as you walk to Mbotyi River Lodge to find your luggage waiting for you. After an unforgettable day, you relax and relive the adventure with your companions during dinner.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4 | Wild Coast (Pondoland)

Hiking distance according to individual choice

After walking a total of 41 km over the last two days, you have the choice on day four to relax or participate in several activities. Those who want to reward themselves with a well-earned rest can lounge by the pool, sunbathe on the beach, or swim in the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, several hiking trails come and go from the lodge. Other optional activities not included in the price include exploring the Pondoland landscape on a mountain bike or taking to the ocean to explore the beach and cliffs by canoe. Finally, you can enjoy one more night at the Mbotyi River Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5 | Wild Coast (Pondoland) – Durban

Driving distance approx. 350 km; pure driving time approx. 5 hours

After a relaxing day on the Wild Coast and a peaceful night’s sleep, you wake up knowing there’s no rush to get ready. You can take a leisurely walk in the morning light down to the lagoon to enjoy the tranquillity of your beachside location. Here, you have the opportunity to savour this fantastic five-day experience once more. Enjoy a refreshing swim and then a relaxed and delicious breakfast. As you depart for Durban, you feel fit, healthy, and sun-kissed. After dropping you off safely, we bid you farewell and hope to see you again in Africa.
Breakfast

 

Please don’t book any flights from Durban before 4pm.

Alternatively, you can extend this wonderful journey by going on a self-drive tour from Durban onwards or by joining a safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Speak to one of our experienced South Africa Travel Experts for more information.

Includes

  • transport in an airconditioned minibus
  • professional guide
  • 4 nights’ stay in lodges, rest camps and guesthouses (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked
  • meals according to the itinerary
  • activities as per itinerary
  • all national park fees

Excludes

  • flights (international and domestic)
  • meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • alcoholic and soft drinks
  • optional activities
  • tips
  • personal expenses
  • visa fees
  • travel insurance

Map

Hiking along the Wild Coast map

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