Wild Child Africa is an adventure tourism company, born on the untouched coastline of Pondoland. We specialize in privately-guided, tailor-made adventures for tourists and corporate groups. Our mission is to safeguard the environments in which we operate through community focused and sustainable eco-tourism.
At the heart of this commitment is our flagship product, The Pondo Trail®—an exclusive, high-end adventure with a low environmental impact. This privately guided and fully supported journey redefines luxury in eco-tourism, offering an authentic and emotive experience for travellers. It is an opportunity to be wild, and free. A digital detox and opportunity to find genuine connection with nature, family and friends.
Wild Child Africa invites you to fall in love with Southern Africa, and develop a deep appreciation for the wild spaces we explore. Our carefully integrated ‘Wild Child touches’ create a series of unforgettable and life-changing moments. Join us on a journey where barefoot luxury meets community development and environmental sustainability.
What you guys have created is a priceless gift – to disconnect from work and to reconnect with each other, to discharge our daily responsibilities, and recharge our batteries. To throw caution to the wind and just say… YES!
Natasha StoneAn incredibly beautiful experience. Honestly one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. Thank you for placing a memory like this in our hearts forever
Ros IveyIt was a life-changing experience. A trip like this opens up a lot of thinking which is what we need
GysIt was seminal, elemental and profoundly healing. We all felt held by you, enough to shed our layers, our grief, our fears and we experience unbridled joy, having returned quite open, raw and changed by it – you have a real gift
Justine Gevisser
Every step you take on our trails is a step towards preserving Pondoland. Through the Pondoland Conservation Trust, your journey supports critical conservation efforts and empowers local communities. Together, we’re safeguarding this wilderness for generations to come. Thank you for being part of the story.
For more info head to; https://wildchildafrica.com/pondoland-conservation-trust/
#pondoland #pondotrail #wildchildafrica
Apr 10
Meet Gert Cronje— our home grown Wild Child Tarzan.
Gert joined our guiding team in June 2024, and if you’ve been lucky enough to experience one of our adventures with him, you’ll know he brings endless energy and enthusiasm, solid leadership and just the right amount of mischief.
Before trading in boots for bare feet, Gert played professional rugby in Spain for 4 years. He’s also coached CrossFit and run his own sportswear brand designing kits for schools and clubs.
After spending two weeks at our Manteku beach camp, where he was attending a friend’s wedding, Gert told his mates that he wanted to live there. A week later, he met the Wild Child team… and the rest is history!
Gert loves biltong, staying active and being surrounded by good people. He dislikes cold water, heights and hadedas!
What draws him to the wild is the space to be still—where the noise quiets, the senses sharpen, and nature takes over.
Gert, we’re so stoked to have you on the team. Dankie vir alles—you’re a legend!
#meettheteam #wildchildafrica #pondotrail #kosiexperience
Apr 6
This unique Pondoland coastline is too fragile to sustain high density tourism.
We have, therefore, crafted our Pondo Trail®️ as an exclusive, high-end product with a low environmental impact. Fully catered and supported, allowing you the freedom to ‘travel light’ and embrace your surroundings.
Behind the scenes, our ground crew will transport your luggage to each overnight stop and to make sure the Champagne is chilled and the fire is dancing upon your arrival.
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #satourism #bucketlist
Mar 24
Wild Child Africa is built on family values and a deep love for the wild. From our family to yours, every journey we craft is created with care, passion, and a personal touch. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your adventures.
#wildchildafrica #ecotourism #adventuretourism #pondotrail #wildcoast
Mar 18
Hiking through Pondoland is one thing—but the Pondo Trail®️ is something else entirely. Purposefully crafted and expertly guided, our trail is a canvas for extraordinary experiences.
From secret waterfalls to tales of shipwrecks and survival, every step is infused with our passion and knowledge of this incredible area.
So much more than a hike!
📷: @pickfordwildlifephotography
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #wildchild
Mar 14
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Azile. Azi joined the Wild Child crew in 2021 and has recently started guiding on trail. Born and bred in Pondoland, with his home at Msikaba, Azi carries a deep connection to the area.
After finishing school, he worked as a lifeguard in Pretoria and is an incredibly powerful swimmer with a love for the ocean. When he’s not working, he spends his downtime playing soccer, swimming, hiking, and occasionally tackling a 30km run “for exercise.”
Azi’s quiet strength and gentle guidance on trail make him a firm favourite among guests. His favourite part of the job is sharing his love for and knowledge of the Wild Coast.
Thank you for all you do, Azi. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the team!
#wildchildafrica #meettheteam #pondoland #pondotrail
Feb 26
Community upliftment lies at the heart of what we do. Fundi’s Bead Shop is a shining example of this.
Fundi is an incredible woman who now supports her family through her beadwork. With a little help from Wild Child, she’s been set up with a Zapper code, making her shop more accessible to cashless payments. Thanks to the generosity of BBS Branding, Fundi also has a stunning new sign—a gift that brought a huge smile to her face.
Perched above Mbotjie Lodge, Fundi’s shop is a must-visit on the final day of the Pondo Trail. Every purchase not only allows you to carry a piece of Pondoland home but also supports this incredible local entrepreneur.
#wildchildafrica #bbsbranding #satourism
Feb 21
As we journey through life, we come to understand that time is our most precious resource. In the untouched heart of Pondoland, time slows to a whisper, offering the rare privilege to reconnect—with nature, with yourself, and with the stories of a coastline unchanged for centuries. Step into this timeless sanctuary, where the land heals and the spirit soars.
📷: @pickfordwildlifephotography
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #satourism #adventure
Feb 17
Our adventure starts in Port Edward if you choose the ocean safari transfer, or at Mtentu if you would rather travel by road. The day then offers incredible diversity in a mostly forgotten wilderness through the Mkambathi Nature Reserve; grass plains with a large range of antelope, a picnic lunch beneath a crystal-clear waterfall and finishing with sundowners overlooking the Msikaba estuary. Overnight at Msikaba Beach Camp. Distance +- 15km.
Optional – A boat transfer from Port Edward to Mtentu not only misses out a long and bumpy dirt road but allows for a phenomenal ocean safari to view dolphins, whales and the sardine migration in season. Highly recommended!
An early wakeup will coax you out of bed for a sunrise paddle up the Msikaba estuary for coffee and rusks before returning for breakfast at camp. The trail continues South from Msikaba to Luphatana past the site of the famous Grosvenor shipwreck, conveniently situated beside a protected beach, perfect for a lunchbreak and siesta. Champagne Mile and the famous Wild Coast salt-water-shower marks the end of the day’s walk and bring us to the rustic Luphatana Beach Camp where we will rest our heads for the night. Distance +- 18km.
This day is a mighty one! Filled with majestic landmarks and breath-taking viewpoints. Waterfall Bluff, Bessie’s Cave and Cathedral Rock are only a few of the highlights that can be looked forward to. Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge. Distance +- 19km.
As in every good story, we save the best for last. The short stretch from Mbotyi to Manteku is the epitome of this beautiful coastline; boasting five secluded, Milkwood framed beaches, linked only by secret cattle paths. Manteku’s private beach and estuary offers the perfect end to your life-changing journey. Distance +- 10km.
DAY 5
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and return home sporting the glorious “Pondo Glow”
As in every good story, we save the best for last. The short stretch from Mbotyi to Manteku is the epitome of this beautiful coastline; boasting five secluded, Milkwood framed beaches, linked only by secret cattle paths. Manteku’s private beach and estuary offers the perfect end to your life-changing journey. Distance +- 10km.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and return home sporting the glorious “Pondo Glow”
The perfect balance of luxury, yet rustic, challenging yet manageable for all skill levels; meditative, social, thought provoking and therefore epically profound.
Bron and Bill