Your Cart
Your Cart Is Empty
From 28 May – 1 June 2025, runners will once again traverse the untamed beauty of Pondoland’s coastline, valleys, and forests, embarking on a journey that is so much more than a trail run. These adventurers aren’t just exploring—they’re championing a cause. Now, we invite you to play a vital role in their mission.
By donating to The PONDO Trail Run, you’ll directly support two life-changing initiatives:
The Pondoland Conservation Trust, safeguarding one of South Africa’s last untouched natural treasures and fostering sustainable community growth.
Cipla’s Miles for Smiles, funding transformative surgeries for children born with cleft conditions.
In 2024, this event raised over R435,000, funding vital conservation projects, life-altering medical care, and warm clothing for children in need. This year, with your help, we aim to achieve even more.
Your contribution helps preserve a region of unparalleled natural beauty and uplifts the communities that call it home. Together, we can ensure that every step taken by our runners echoes with hope, restoration, and change.
Join our Wild Child Tribe to be the first to hear about our newest adventures
Your Cart Is Empty
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”