6 Day Pondo Falls Trail - Eastern Cape

From R8 600 /pp from 6 – 9 persons (2026 Rates)

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The northern stretch of Wild Coast, affectionately referred to as 'Pondo' is far more than a spectacular hiking destination; it is the ancestral home of the amaMpondo people, whose communities have lived sustainably off this rugged coastline for generations. The footpaths followed by hikers today are not purpose-built trails, but the traditional routes that have long connected villages, grazing lands, rivers and the sea. By choosing a community-based hike in Pondoland, you contribute directly to local livelihoods through accommodation, guiding, transport and support services, helping ensure that tourism benefits the people who have been the custodians of this remarkable landscape for centuries.

The Pondo-Falls trail runs from the Umtamvuna River (the northern boundary of the ‘Wild Coast’) through to Grosvenor- passing many fabled waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. A highlight of the itinerary is the additional day spent at Mtentu. Here, guests can explore the untouched estuary by canoe with a gorge hike to the spectacular Swallowtail Falls, where cascading water plunges into a dramatic natural amphitheatre carved from rock.

Beyond Mtentu, the trail follows the coastline through Mkambati Nature Reserve. Covering more than 7,700 hectares, this protected wilderness is renowned for its rolling grasslands, protected indigenous forest and herd game framed against an ocean vista.

For those drawn to hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear plunge pools and the untamed beauty of the Wild Coast, the Pondo–Falls Trail is an experience that deserves a place at the very top of your bucket list.

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Itinerary

Arrival Day/Day 1
Leaving your vehicle in secure parking at the Wild Coast Sun - today’s hike is mostly along the beach passing remnants of a petrified forest, through to the stunning Nyameni river and on to Xolobeni village for a night in a friendly homestay.

Overnight: Nyameni Village Homestay

Day 2 - Nyameni to Mtentu (14km)
Today’s hike heads out through the cultivated fields of Xolobeni across the grasslands and over the red dunes through to Sikombe and on to Mtentu.

Overnight: Mtentu River Lodge

Day 3 - Paddle-kloof-hike to Swallowtail Falls (self-guided)
Chose between a day of relaxation at the beach, taking one of the shorter strolls to a nearby swimming hole, or if you feeling adventurous - a paddle-kloof to Swallowtail Falls - a rock amphitheatre falls.

Overnight: Mtentu River Lodge

Day 4 - Mtentu – Grosvenor (28km) – through Mkambati Nature Reserve / or 20km – to Msikaba
Secret bays and waterfalls, baboon cave and the beautiful Msikaba estuary. See the vestiges of treasure quests at Grosvenor, before arriving at the lodge tucked away in a milkwood forest.

Overnight: Grosvenor Lodge

Day 5 - Shorter waterfall options (5-10km) or Waterfall Bluff return (20km)
A number of shorter hike options to waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes on the stunning Tezana and Mkweni Rivers (5 – 10km routes) or guided hike to Waterfall Bluff (80m waterfall which plunges into the ocean) and return (20km)

Overnight: Grosvenor Lodge

Day 6 - Departure Day
Breakfast and private transfer (4hr) back to the Wild Coast Sun

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From R8 600 /pp from 6 – 9 persons (2026 Rates)

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Includes

• 5 Nights Accommodation: 1 night at a village Homestay, 2 nights Mtentu Lodge & 2 nights Grosvenor Lodge
• Full Catering / All Meals from dinner on first night to breakfast on departure day (5 dinners, 4 lunches, 5 breakfasts)
• Professional Hiking Guide for 4 hike days – every point-to-point day + a guide for your 2nd day at Grosvenor to explore from here.
• Private Return Transfer from Grosvenor – back to vehicles left at Wild Coast Sun