Wild Child Africa is an adventure tourism company, inspired by 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, and to find genuine connection with nature, family and friends.
Tim and Matt Botha, brothers and founders of Wild Child Africa, spent a large part of their upbringing combing Pondoland’s beaches, fishing in the rock pools and cooking their catches under the Milkwoods. Today, they take great pride in inspiring others to embrace this area, and in doing so, enable meaningful benefit to the local communities through their Pondoland Conservation Trust.
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
Our adventure starts at around 8am in Port Edward where, should you choose the ocean safari, you will embark on a phenomenal boat transfer to view dolphins, whales and the sardine migration in season – this option comes highly recommended and cuts out a long and bumpy dirt road to the official start of your adventure near Mtentu. Should you prefer to travel by road, you’ll arrive at Mtentu at around 10.30am. After disembarking, the day then offers incredible diversity in a mostly forgotten wilderness of the Mkambathi Nature Reserve; grassy plains boasting scattered herds of antelope, a picnic lunch beneath an exquisite waterfall, and finishing off with signature Wild Child sundowners overlooking the Msikaba estuary are a few of the highlights. The Msikaba Beach Camp will be your home for the evening. Distance +- 12-15km.

An early wakeup will coax you out of bed for a sunrise kayak up the Msikaba estuary. Resident Cape Vultures circling overhead and rapturous greetings from on-looking baboons punctuate our paddle, before returning for a delicious breakfast back at camp. Setting off for the day’s walk, we continue South from Msikaba with numerous opportunities for a refreshing swim in one of the many streams or a break in a shady spot for a mid-morning snack. Our journey takes us past the site of the famous Grosvenor shipwreck and then on to Lambazi Beach, the perfect place for lunch and siesta under the milkwoods. Champagne Mile and the celebrated ‘Pondo Shower’ marks the end of another spectacular day’s walk and bring us to the Luphatana Beach Camp for the night. Distance +- 19km.

Today is the day Pondoland shows off! Majestic landmarks, breath-taking viewpoints, hidden caves and secret valleys are revealed around each new section. Waterfall Bluff, Cutwini Valley and Cathedral Rock are only a few of the highlights that can be enjoyed as you discover the majesty and mystery of the Pondoland coast. When the ocean allows, freshly harvested seafood can be included in our menu for the day. The journey ends with a final beach crossing before reaching our home for the evening, Mbotyi River Lodge. Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge. Distance +- 20km.

As in every good story, we save the best for last. The essence of this beautiful coastline is captured in the short stretch from Mbotyi to Manteku, and our walk takes us past five secluded, remote and pristine beaches linked only by secret cattle paths. A cheeky last climb presents the perfect viewpoint over a fairy-tale finish line; Manteku’s private beach and estuary.
Spend the afternoon sipping gin, paddling in the Manteku estuary or enjoying a well-earned foot massage, before the final Pondo Trail feast and celebrations later that evening.Distance +- 10km.
DAY 5
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning home sporting the glorious “Pondo Glow”

As in every good story, we save the best for last. The essence of this beautiful coastline is captured in the short stretch from Mbotyi to Manteku, and our walk takes us past five secluded, remote and pristine beaches linked only by secret cattle paths. A cheeky last climb presents the perfect viewpoint over a fairy-tale finish line; Manteku’s private beach and estuary.
Spend the afternoon sipping gin, paddling in the Manteku estuary or enjoying a well-earned foot massage, before the final Pondo Trail feast and celebrations later that evening.Distance +- 10km.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning home sporting the glorious “Pondo Glow”

4-night Kosi Experience with your own hand-picked group of guests.
Please note that our Kosi Experience is unfortunately sold out for 2026. Please find 2027 and 2028 availability below.
Our Kosi Experience is now available year-round and, due to popular demand, we have introduced non-exclusive trips in 2028!
*All non-exclusive trips are pp sharing only, no single supplements.
*All non-exclusive trips are pp sharing only, no single supplements.
The Kosi Experience is a high-end, once-in-a lifetime trail experience which fully encapsulates the essence of Kosi Bay.
Many of our guests prefer to enjoy it with friends and thus book an exclusive departure, while others are very happy to join up with other like-minded adventurers on a non-exclusive departure.
Non–exclusive departure:
4-night Kosi Experience with a mixed group of like-minded individuals, couples or families. (16 – 20 pax). Please note that non-exclusive trips are for min 2 pax sharing (twin or double). We are unfortunately unable to accommodate single person bookings. For odd numbered groups over 3 or families, please email info@wildchildafrica.com before booking as there are family units available.
Exclusive departure:
4-night Kosi Experience with your own hand-picked group of guests. (16 – 20 pax)
Quoted Rates Include:
All accommodation and meals. Local beers, ciders, soft drinks, selected wines and G&T. Private Wild Child Africa guide, all activities, professional turtle guide (in season), conservation levy, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment.
Quoted Rates Exclude:
Transfers to and from Kosi Forest Lodge and non-specified drinks.
*3 Day trips also available, rates on request.
Payment terms:
Quoted Rates Include:
Guided 4 night adventure, accommodation, all meals, vehicle support, luggage handling, snacks, refreshments, G&T, local beer and wine, professional turtle guide (in season), conservation levy, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Quoted Rates Exclude:
Payment terms:
Quoted Rates Include:
All accommodation and meals, beers, ciders, soft drinks, selected wines and G&T. Private Wild Child Africa guide, all activities, professional turtle guide (in season), conservation levy, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment.
Quoted Rates Exclude:
Transfers to and from the lodge and non-specified drinks.
Payment terms:

4-night Pondo Trail with a mixed group of like-minded individuals, couples or families.

4-night Pondo Trail with your own hand-picked group of guests. (20 – 24 pax)

4-night Pondo Trail with your own hand-picked group of guests, premium menu, bar and wines, additional camp comforts and some extra ‘Wild Child Surprises’. (20 – 24 pax)
Unfortunately, our Pondo Trail bookings are sold out for 2026 and 2027. Please select a date for your 2028 departure below.

4-night Kosi Experience with your own hand-picked group of guests.
Please note that our Kosi Experience is unfortunately sold out for 2026. Please find 2027 and 2028 availability below.
Our Kosi Experience is now available year-round and, due to popular demand, we have introduced non-exclusive trips in 2028!

4-night Pondo Trail with a mixed group of like-minded individuals, couples or families.

4-night Pondo Trail with your own hand-picked group of guests. (20 – 24 pax)

4-night Pondo Trail with your own hand-picked group of guests, premium menu, bar and wines, additional camp comforts and some extra ‘Wild Child Surprises’. (20 – 24 pax)
Unfortunately, our Pondo Trail bookings are sold out for 2026 and 2027. Please select a date for your 2028 departure below.
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