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The Pondoland region, located in the northern section of South Africa’s former Transkei, remains one of the country’s most unspoiled and hidden treasures. This area is marked by its pristine coastline, minimal infrastructure, and significant economic challenges. The community is primarily composed of women, children, and the elderly, with subsistence living being the norm. The lack of road access has preserved its natural beauty, but this also means that the region remains largely unprotected from potential environmental threats.
Spanning 103 km from the Mtumvuna River in Port Edward to the Umzimvubu River in Port St. Johns, the Pondoland coastline is a delicate ecosystem. Only a 15 km stretch within the Mkambathi Nature Reserve is officially protected, leaving the rest vulnerable to exploitation. The Pondoland Conservation Trust aims to safeguard this fragile environment by promoting sustainable, high-end, low-impact tourism that benefits the local communities. By involving these communities in tourism, we hope to discourage harmful developments and preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
Through our Pondoland Conservation Trust, we have implemented several impactful projects to date:
Reel Life Gardens
Providing 3 communities with over 500 household gardens which each producing vegetables for a family of 4, every day for 6 months.
Water is Life
drilling of 3 boreholes (wells) with merry-go-round play pumps which provide drinking water to 3 different communities in Pondoland.
Community Cup Soccer Tournament
an annual soccer tournament that brings communities together to celebrate unity, culture and the beautiful land we live in.
Gift of Warmth
an annual, pre-winter delivery to 4 communities consisting of blankets, warm clothing, books and stationery.
Operation Smile
the funding of facial reconstructive surgery and life-changing smiles to over 40 children born with cleft lip and/or palate.
The Pondoland Conservation Trust is a registered not-for-profit organization, with all proceeds directly benefiting the communities of Pondoland. We invite you to join us in our mission to protect and uplift this extraordinary region.
To make your contribution use the banking details below;
Bank Details:
Pondoland Conservation Trust
First National Bank
Acc: 63001916551
Branch code: 220629
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Tax Exemption Number: 1177999248
Postal Address:
PO Box 263
La Lucia
4153
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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”
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: