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Since the early migration of the Xhosa and Pondo tribes from the African interior to the east coast of South Africa, their livestock have been carving hillside trails. These incredibly rugged, yet perfectly manicured paths along the wild Pondoland Coast pay testament to this.
Mainly due to the political rollercoaster that the Wild Coast has undergone, combined with the huge logistical challenges that this area faces such as scant road infrastructure and river gorges that cut deep into the interior, the coastline has remained largely undiscovered. Only very few pioneers have ventured into this unexplored territory mostly through raw, self-supported missions.
Wild Child Africa, who specialise in fully catered walking trails along this stretch of coastline, hereby present you with their Pondo Trail in a 3-DAY STAGE trail run format. The PONDO is 103km in legs of 36km, 34km and 33km.
This is a paired team event and all teams are to enter, run and finish together. No exceptions will be considered due to the technical nature of the trail and the numerous river crossings along the way. Choose wisely!
This unique coastline is too fragile to sustain high density tourism. Therefore, The PONDO is an exclusive, high-end product with a low environmental impact that strives to educate the fortunate few who grace its shores. May they experience its inner beauty and endeavour to preserve its future.
At its heart, the PONDO is an annual fundraiser for the Pondoland Conservation Trust, with all donations shared equally between the Trust and Cipla’s Miles for Smiles Foundation. Every runner is challenged to rally their community, raise funds for our beneficiaries, and leave the Pondoland coastline better than they found it.
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Wednesday 19th May
15:00 – Registration and room check in opens
18:00 – Race welcome and briefing
19:00 – Dinner
Thursday 20th May
06:30 – Breakfast opens
08:45 – Race briefing
09:00 – Race starts
13:00 – 16:30 – Arrival at Msikaba beach
13:00 – 16:30 – Lunch open and room check in
17:30 – Fines and awards around the fire
19:00 – Dinner
Friday 21st May
06:30 – Breakfast opens and bag drop
08:00 – Day 2 Route briefing
08:30 – Day 2 Start
12:30 – 16:30– Arrival at Mbotyi River Lodge
12:30 – 16:30 – Lunch open and room check-in
17:30 – Fines and awards around the fire
19:00 – Dinner
Saturday 22nd May
07:00 – Breakfast opens and bag drop
08:30 – Day 3 Route briefing
09:00 – Day 3 start
12:30 – 17:00 – Arrival at finish
18:00 – Awards ceremony
19:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Late – Tomorrowland in Pondoland party
Sunday 23rd May
07:00 – Breakfast all runners
09:30 – Transfers back to Port Edward and Durban
Note: There will be no early transfers. Please do not book flights before 4.45pm
Over the 4 nights (Port Edward, Msikaba and Mbotyi) you will be accommodated in a mixture of lodge and tented race village style accommodation. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included at all race venues. A cash bar facility will be available at all venues.
Compulsory Gear – per runner Minimum 2L hydration capacity, Waterproof Layer, Smart Cell Phone and minimum 2500mAh power bank, small Dry Bag for electronics at river crossings, Headlight and spare batteries. We HIGHLY recommend runners to carry at least one device per team, in the form of a GPS watch or hand-held GPS. We will be sending out GPX and FIT files for each day of the Coaster prior to your arrival in Port Edward.
You will be gifted with an incredible race bag from Sealand. This is a 67L duffel and this is the bag that will be transported to the overnight stops each day. Our staff will make sure your bag is in your room / tent each night; however, it will be your duty to return your bag to the bag pound, within the communicated times each morning. Please ensure that all you bring (running gear, snacks, fairy wings etc) is able to fit inside your Sealand Duffel as this will be the only bag permitted to travel with us from Port Edward onwards. Please ensure only soft cases are brought from home to ensure they can fit inside your Sealand duffel when you re-pack in port Edward.
Wednesday 19th May 2027:
14:00 – King Shaka Airport to Port Edward – R500
Sunday 23rd May 2027:
09:30 – (Finish back to Start) Mbotyi River Lodge, to Port Edward – included in package.
09:30 – Mbotyi River Lodge to King Shaka airport – R500 (Please don’t book flights before 16:45)
*Transfers to Mthatha available for JHB bound guests. Please reach out for more info.
Note: There will be NO earlier transfers.
1 August 2026 – 31 October 2026 – 75%
1 November 2026 – 31 December 2026 – 50%
1 January 2027 – 28 Feb 2027 – 25%
1 March 2027 onwards – no refund
Please note: No entries will be carried over to the following year. If you cannot run, it is up to you to find a substitution.
Please contact the race director should you wish to do an entry substitution.
The first 70km follows a North to South route, predominantly along cattle paths. In many instances, there will be a high tide and low tide route and this is where you will need to use your initiative and navigational skill to negotiate the best and safest route. Between 70km and 93km, the trail enters the wild coastal forests and leads you slightly inland, before finally turning back north along the coast for the last 10km. Other than in the forest, where additional marking will be in place, our intention is to keep the route as natural and raw as possible so there are few marked sections along the way.
The markings on the first 70km will either be a safety measure or a pointer to a surprise, a challenge or a beautiful view point. For this first 70km, the key is to keep the sea on your left and identify a well-used path heading in a southerly direction as these will generally follow the path of least resistance and keep you on track. Always keep an eye on your GPS to make sure that your chosen cattle path is in fact leading you on the correct route.
Port Edward to Msikaba – 36km
(Aid Station – 25km – Mtentu)
A perfectly timed low tide just after the start time will enable you to stretch your legs along the first 18kms of hard sand and endless beaches till you reach Sikombe Point. From there a short inland section through the rural Pondo villages will bring you to the Aid Station at Thulani’s Shebeen. A river crossing will then take you into the Mkambathi Nature Reserve for the remainder of the day till you reach Msikaba on the southern boundary. The day offers incredible diversity in a mostly forgotten wilderness: grass plains with a large range of antelope, thick indigenous forests, crystal clear waterfalls and numerous shipwrecks on the coast.
Msikaba to Mbotyi – 34km
(Aid Station – 18km – Luphatana)
A fantastic stretch with the perfect mix of grasslands, undulating hills and desolate beaches will take you past the legendary Grosvenor shipwreck and onto the famous Wild Coast salt-water-shower and aid station at Luphatana. We then continue along the majestic Waterfall Bluff section past the spectacular Mlambomkulu Falls and Cathedral Rock view point before dropping down onto a long beach section before our finish at Mbotyi River Lodge.
Day 3 Mbotyi Loop – 33km
(Aid Station – 17km – Cabbage Patch)
From Mbotyi, we leave the coastal trail and head inland through incredible virgin forests, remote valleys and grassy headlands. These are some of the wildest areas left in Pondoland and runners will have a glimpse of a place that has remained unchanged for centuries. ‘Cabbage Patch’ aid station will be an absolute highlight before you embark on 8km of breath-taking trail along the Mzintlava River down to the idyllic Manteku beach. Now heading north, five pristine beaches and the notorious Shark’s Point lie between you and the finish line back the Mbotyi River Lodge.
Aid stations will be stocked with the usual water, coke, juice, fruit, potatoes, sweets and chocolates as well as Toots legendary home baked treats and other surprises along the way. Basic self-help medical kits will be available at these stations.
We will have a medical team on standby during each day. All emergency procedures will be briefed in at race briefing. Please ensure you have all your compulsory equipment and know how to use it.
River safety:
There are numerous river crossings on the route. These rivers vary hugely from year to year, month to month and even daily, depending on rainfall, sea conditions and tides. Although canoes will be positioned at the large river crossing, all runners must be able to swim at least 50m unaided.
Note:
This is a team event. Teams must remain within eye contact of one another at all times. Teams must start, finish and stay together throughout the event. Should one teammate have to withdraw due to injury, the second teammate may continue, but MUST join another team and inform the race officials of this.
Race bibs must be pinned on the front of your body and must be visible at all times.
This year, we’re offering two entry options, with the only difference being your accommodation for the final two nights. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy the same PONDO experience and the full measure of Wild Child hospitality.
A three-stage team event from Port Edward into the remote wilderness of Pondoland, covering 103km of the wildest ‘Wild Coast’ in South Africa.
R18 150.00 pp / R36 300.00 per team
A three-stage team event from Port Edward into the remote wilderness of Pondoland, covering 103km of the wildest ‘Wild Coast’ in South Africa.
R17 350.00 pp / R34 700.00 per team
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: