Active Escapes - Slackpacking in the Eastern Cape and Wild Coast, South Africa.
The Wild Coast is a hiker’s paradise. Starting from Port Edward in the north all the way down to Cintsa, Active Escape’s offers a full spectrum of hiking & slackpacking trails to suit all levels of fitness, budget and time constraints. From hotel-hopping to overnight’s in traditional village homestays, we’ll tailor-make a hiking trip to suit your needs and interests.
The northern Pondoland section of the Wild Coast, which stretches from Mtamvuna River in the north (Port Edward) to the mighty Umzimvubu in the south (Port St John’s) is our speciality. We offer a fully supported and catered or self-catered version of the Pondoland trail, where you will overnight in East African style tented camps, all in unsurpassed locations.
Highlights of this trail include the deepest estuary in South Africa (Msikaba), the ocean spray spectacular at Luphuthana, waterfalls which plunge directly into the ocean (including the 80 metre high waterfall at Waterfall Bluff), Cathedral Rock, friendly Pondo villages and sweeping vistas. During the annual sardine run (June-July), the ocean is a-frenzy with game fish, dolphins, sharks and myriad seabirds.
On the self-catered version, porters can be arranged if you don’t feel like the schlep of carrying a heavy backpack. The third night of the trail is spent at Mbotyi River Lodge (with dinner & breakfast inclusive) – a welcome bit of pampering along the trail.
**NOT dog friendly**