Hiking in Pondoland

The long awaited re-opening of Mbotyi River Lodge in December 2001 along with the introduction of the Wild Coast Pondo Walk have survived the first 10 years and now look ahead at an exciting future. Just on 4 years ago Mbotyi River Lodge changed its ownership structure and the new investors now manage the lodge. Having made some significant changes with regards to service delivery, the lodge is now ideally placed to offer a wide variety of hiking options. The management and staff have explored , mapped and established a number of hiking routes that will cater to the most experienced hiker down to beginners and young children.

Pondoland is a paradise where tourists can experience a culture very different from their own in an area that is mystical and largely undiscovered. Mbotyi is uniquely nestled at the foot of a conglomerate escarpment blanketed in Scarf forests and bordered by the “Goso Fault”. Overlooking the mouth of the Mbotyi River and the secluded beach with the vast Indian Ocean as a panoramic backdrop, visitors can be forgiven for imagining themselves as the last residents on earth.

The ever changing geology and flora of this paradise take hikers from secluded beaches, up rugged sandstone cliffs where waterfalls tumble to the ocean below onto rolling grasslands before entering unspoilt indigenous forests.

The multitude of waterfalls that abound in close proximity to Mbotyi River Lodge are often en route or the ultimate destination on a number of our scenic hikes.

With all the unspoilt features of this area, bird, butterfly, wild flower and amphibian enthusiasts could well enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

An annual highlight is undoubtedly the famous “sardine run” where millions of sardines migrate along the coast followed by a plethora of marine and avi predators. Hikers who choose the moderate winter months of June and July can expect to witness and experience a phenomenon as yet not completely understood.

Our trails and hikes vary from a 1 hour 3 km stroll to a more challenging 8 -9 hr, 28 km adventure that only the experienced should attempt. With such a wide variety of distances and experiences, we can guarantee a package that will suit all visitors.