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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.
Introducing Wild Child Guide Emma Beckingham.
Em joined the Wild Child team in January 2023, and she’s been lighting up the trails ever since! Guests who’ve adventured with her rave about her boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and deep-rooted love for Pondoland—the place she proudly calls her childhood home. As a fourth-generation Pondo, Em loves nothing more than sharing stories of growing up in this wild and wonderful corner of the world.
Often seen guiding alongside her hubby, Jet, she is a true force of nature. Em loves being barefoot, having waterfall showers, and helping guests conquer their fears. Dislikes? Goodbyes, an empty wine glass, and finding a squashed banana in her backpack.
When she’s not leading the way on the trails, you’ll find her dreaming up new designs for Kinkin, her clothing brand, which has created some stunning merch for our Wild Child guests.
We are grateful for you Em!
@kinkin_sa @jet_and_em
#meettheteam #wildchildafrica #pondotrail #adventures
Jan 10
There’s nothing ordinary about Wild Child Africa. Our trails are a celebration of wild spaces, local heritage, and unforgettable moments. Every experience, every product, every step you take with us is rooted in conservation, community, and the unrelenting pursuit of adventure. Here’s to exploring deeper, treading lighter, and living wilder.
Here’s to another epic year on trail with our guests 💪
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #adventure #wildcoast #satourism
Jan 8
And that’s a wrap on another unforgettable year on the Pondo Trail. From hidden waterfalls to windswept cliffs, it’s been pure magic sharing this wild coastline with you.
Thank you to every adventurer who walked, ran, swam, explored and danced alongside us in 2024. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.
Wishing you a 2025 full of adventure. Be Wild. Be Free. – With love, the Wild Child team.
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #tourism #barefootluxury #wildcoast
Dec 31
Witness one of nature’s greatest wonders at Bhanga Nek, Africa’s most abundant turtle nesting site. Join our Wild Child team and expert guides for a moonlit walk along untouched beaches, where Leatherbacks and Loggerheads come ashore to nest.
Depending on the season, you’ll marvel at the big females laying their eggs or watch tiny hatchlings take their first brave steps towards the ocean. A truly magical experience awaits.
#kosibay #kosiexperience #wildchildafrica
Dec 11
Meet Captain Chris Vaughan Jones. Known as “Ingonyama” (Male Lion) for his wild mane, Chris is a fourth-generation Pondo with saltwater in his veins. Before joining Wild Child in 2022, he roamed the globe in search of the best spearfishing spots. Now, he’s proudly flying the Wild Child flag.
But don’t think “settling down” has slowed him down! When Chris isn’t guiding trails or skippering boats, he’s back on the paths with his barefoot family—his wife, Hannah, and their four kids under four—fostering a love for the Wild Coast in the fifth generation of Vaughn Jones explorers.
Chris likes secret swim spots on hot days, working barefoot and bare-chested, and being immersed in God’s beautiful creation. Dislikes? North Easterlies and having to cancel boat launches.
If you’ve been lucky enough to take a boat trip with Chris, you know his passion for this coastline is contagious, and he carries the pride of enjoying the same untouched wilderness his great-grandfather did.
#meettheteam #wildchildafrica #pondoland
@thebarefoot_family
Dec 5
Step away from the hustle and dive into four unforgettable days in Kosi Bay. Snorkel protected reefs, wander untouched beaches, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this World Heritage Site. Ready for adventure? Head to our website to snag the last spots for 2025.
#wildchildafrica #kosiexperience #kosibay #ecotourism
Nov 29
Unspoiled beaches, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and stories as old as time—this is the Pondo Trail. It’s not just a hike; it’s a spiritual journey along one of South Africa’s most treasured coastlines.
Barefoot luxury and untamed adventure. Join us and let the Wild Coast call to your wild heart.
#wildchildafrica #pondotrail #barefootluxury
Nov 25
Many guests who have traversed our Pondo Trail wished they had more time to explore the stunning surroundings of our camps. Now, you can enjoy the beauty and adventure of Msikaba, Luphuthana, and Manteku at your own pace, throughout the year, including peak holiday periods in December. Due to a last minute cancellation, we have opened up some dates for booking of individual units at Msikaba this year.
Please e-mail bookings@pondobeachcamps.co.za for more info.
Nov 21
Scott joined the Wild Child crew in April 2023 and holds the honour of guiding more trips than anyone else on the Wild Child team in 2024!
Growing up in the foothills of Lesotho, he is no stranger to adventure. For Scotty, guiding is more than a job—it’s a way of life. Scotty likes fishing, biltong, good music and Viking women. He dislikes cell phone signal, traffic and forgetting the rolls behind for a Pondo picnic.
When he’s not on trail, he’s most likely in a boat and has completed 8 Dusi Canoe marathons, finishing 1st in the U23 category and 5th overall in his last race.
If you’re lucky enough to hit the trails with Scott, you’ll quickly see why he feels right at home in the great outdoors.
#wildchild #pondotrail #wildchildafrica #meettheteam
Nov 18
Our Kosi Experience is based out of the breath-taking Kosi Forest Lodge, creating a partnership that combines a luxurious stay with many of our signature Wild Child Africa surprises and experiences.
Each day, you’ll roll into camp salty, sweaty, and utterly exhilarated.
We’ve spent time exploring every corner of the Kosi area to craft a wilderness journey that captures the very best of this paradise.
Wild, remote, pristine, adventure, and lots and lots of laughs – wanna join us?
📷: @jet_and_em
#wildchildafrica #kosiexperience #adventure #kosiforestlodge
Nov 15
Tim Botha is Wild Child’s other director, guide, host and Matt’s (slightly) more sensible, (slightly) older brother.
Following a long career in education, culminating in 8 years as a Headmaster, Tim left to pursue his dream of teaming up with his younger brother Matt, on their Wild Child Adventure. Tim has explored the jungles of Cameroon, the deserts of Angola (including its infamous “death mile”) and the glaciers of Antarctica. He has guided in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Kenya, and fished virtually every piece of African water south of the equator. His many travels and adventures make him perfect host to ignite your passion for Africa and entertain you with stories about some of its charms.
Tim likes fishing, fishing, fishing and fishing. His pet peeve is not being able to fish.
Tim is passionate about leadership and we are certainly grateful for his guidance at Wild Child Africa HQ.
#wildchildafrica #meettheteam #pondotrail #ecotourism
Nov 12
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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