WILD COAST HIKE – 6 DAYS

Travel to the South Coast either by driving (8 hours from Johannesburg) or flying to King Shaka Airport in Durban and taking a shuttle (3 hours). Accommodation is in Ku-Buboyi Backpackers lodge with off-street parking. Head into town for dinner or self-cater.

Overnight in Port Edward Backpackers (Self cratering)

Overnight in the Hotel of your choice (B)

The trail starts at the Wild Coast Sun Resort which has covered parking for a fee of R40. You will meet up with your local guide at reception to begin walking at 9am. There are restaurants and coffee shops to get breakfast and buy a sandwich for lunch, and ATMs to draw money if needed.

The first day’s hiking is 14km and is primarily on the beach where you are unlikely to see other people. See petrified forest remains and other fossils and learn of the first shipwreck from 1552. Hike through numerous river mouths and estuaries which might have to be crossed with a canoe ferry or inland depending on the water levels. 

Spend the afternoon swimming at the Mnyameni estuary before heading inland to the first village homestay where afternoon tea, coffee and snacks will be waiting while dinner is prepared. Enjoy a hot water bucket shower and a flushing toilet before retiring on comfortable beds in your own group rondavel.

7/8 HRS HIKE 14KM:

Overnight in Local Village (BLD)

Walk through the famous Xholobeni Red Deserts – the epicentre of the community’s struggle against mining of the Titanium rich sands. Most of the day will be on coastal paths with some beach time, and more gorgeous estuaries where swimming is encouraged.

Pass Thulani’s spaza shop for cold drinks before the final 2kms to Nyavini Village homestay overlooking the grand Mtentu River mouth and Mkambati Nature Reserve. 

7/8 HRS HIKE 17KM:

Overnight in Local Village (BLD)

Cross the Mtentu on canoe and walk the coastal path through the nature reserve, stopping for a swim at the stunning clear pools and waterfalls of baboon cave. See the first of three waterfalls that fall straight into the ocean as well and a shipwreck from 1967 high up on the rocks.

Cross the Msikaba river and swim in the sea before walking inland to the Msikaba Village homestay. One of the bigger days of hiking so take the opportunity to swim along the way in fresh water, drink lots and cover up from the sun.

9/10 HRS HIKE 19KM:

Overnight in Local Village (BLD)

An easy day on a coastal path going post some amazing pools and Khotso’s house – a famous man whose story is full of legend and mystery. Pass the site of the Grosvenor wreck where sailors decided to walk to Cape Town in 1782 after running aground. Only a handful survived, but many stayed behind and integrated with the locals. Learn of Bessie, the young English girl from a different wreck who became very well known, with descendants still alive today.

Relax at Lambazi estuary for the afternoon then walk uphill to Rhole village and enjoy cold drinks and hot bucket showers.

6/7 HRS HIKE 10KM:

Overnight in Local Village (BLD)

The biggest day on the trip with the most amazing scenery. See two giant waterfalls that cascade into the ocean. If you’re lucky you can stand on the beach beneath waterfall bluff and feel the power! Swim at Mlambomkulu pools and explore the river, and see Luphutana coast where waves crash upwards of 20m into the air above you.

A challenging final hill to Cutwini Village homestay for a well deserved beer.

9/10 HRS HIKE 21KM.

Overnight in Local Village (BLD)

One final waterfall before descending through an indigenous forest to Mbotyi beach where you will always find cows waiting. Meet up with the taxi and settle in for a 3 hour drive back to the start – feel free to stop in Lusikisiki for a meal or push through to Port Edward – arriving after lunch (on average). From Port Edward drive to the same backpackers as day 1 or drive back to JHB or the airport via shuttle for your return journey.

Overnight in Port Edward Backpackers (Self cratering)

Overnight in Hotel of your choice (B)

Travel home (C)

• 2 Nights in Port Edward Backpackers before and after hike (optional)
• 5 nights of accommodation on the trail
• All meals from the first night on the trail through to lunch on the last day.
• Local and professional guides
• Community levies and contributions
• River ferries
• Transport back to the start after the hike

• All necessary airport pick-ups / drops by private vehicle or shuttle. Can be arranged and included.
• Accommodation in hotel of choice if you opt out of the backpackers.
• Backpacks and hiking equipment.
• Porters should you not want to, or be unable to, carry your clothes backpack.

N/A

The total distance covered is 85km over 6 days and requires moderate fitness and capability to walk15 km average daily. The terrain is generally flat except for the hills at the end of each day, and some elevation gain/loss on the 21km days

Should you be concerned about your fitness we recommend a porter for R270 per day so that you only have to carry a day pack.

R2500 non-refundable reservation fee is required to confirm a spot. Booking confirmation must be done at least 120 days before the start of the hike. The full amount is due and payable 30 days before the departure. Once payment has been given to providers in the area, for the purchasing of food and supplies, we cannot request it back after cancellations. A signed indemnity form with medical particulars and dietary requirements must be returned no later than 7 days prior to departure.

Homestays prepare locally grown and sourced vegetables with meat stews prepared separately. These are supplemented with a starch such as mielie pap or rice, beans etc. Fish caught from the see is provided when available. Home made steam bread with jams and peanut butter, fruit etc are available at teach homestay to have with tea and coffee. Breakfasts consist of eggs and or sausages with eggs and tomato on fresh bread. Packed lunches consist of self-made sandwiches using the what is available, with fruit, juices and sugary sweets or snacks.

Besides the highly experienced local guides and porters you will be accompanied by Saray Khumalo and Stephen Hoffe, two professional guides with extensive mountaineering, expedition and outdoor experience. 

Stephen has been living, working and guiding in this area for nearly a decade.