A WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
PONDO HIKE | TRANSKEI
The Pondo Trail is a guided multi-day hike along South Africa’s Wild Coast, showcasing the untouched beauty of the Pondoland coastline. Expect dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, waterfalls, and authentic local hospitality.
KAYAKING | ORANGE RIVER
We experienced the thrill of adventure kayaking down the Orange River. With high water levels creating plenty of exciting eddies, this trip was just the right mix of challenge and fun for all of our paddlers. Paddling through the stunning, untouched landscapes, with beautiful birdlife, and relaxing at night under clear, star-filled skies free from any light pollution. Evenings we spent around the campfire, sharinging stories and laughter with our fellow adventurers. all in all an unforgettable trip of camaraderie and true wilderness.
LEOPARD TRAIL | BAVIAANSKLOOF
The Leopard Trail is a scenic 4-day hiking route in the Baviaanskloof Wilderness, Eastern Cape. We covered 62 km, it took us through rugged stunnung mountains, valleys, and diverse fynbos, and stunning views along the way. The overnight cabins were very comfortable, some even with plunge pools.
WALKING SAFARI | IMFOLOZI
Umfolozi Walking Safari
An Umfolozi Walking Safari is not for the faint-hearted — it’s an unforgettable way to experience the wild up close, and at times it can be truly intimidating in the best possible way. This guided hike takes place in the Umfolozi section of the renowned Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. On foot, you’ll track wildlife, learn the secrets of the bush, and have the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five in their natural habitat. Expert guides share their deep knowledge and keep you safe while bringing the wilderness to life with fascinating insights and stories.
INFORMATION
We booked this trip with Adventure Kayaking, run and owned by Gavin and Lorna.
The experienced guides made us feel safe during the whole journey, and their sense of humor was contagious
The food on the trip was outstanding (remember, no fridges).
The tent and sleeping bags, etc, are provided by Adventure Kayaking, as well as the transport to the beginning and pick up at the end. We will do it again, we made friends for life.
PROVIDED
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Camping gear
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Kayaks and lifejackets
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Drum for your personal stuff to stay dry
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Where does the Pondo Trail starts and end?The route travels along Pondoland’s stretch of coastal cliffs, forests, rivers, and beaches—beginning around Port Edward / Mtentu River area and ending near Port St John’s / Mbotyi, over approximately 70–140 km depending on the version chosen
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Is the Pondo Trail suitable for beginners?Yes, whit the proper training and moderate fitness level, beginners can tackle the Pondo Trail at their own pace.
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Are guided tours available for the Pondo Trail?Depending on your preference, guided tours led by experienced hikers can enhance your understanding of the trail's history and highlights and the know and show you the route, and can help you with the crossings.
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What is the best season for the Pondo Trail?Best season: April to November (cooler, lower rainfall, good for whale/dolphin sightings) The spring and autumn season offer pleasant weather conditions and vibrant landscapes, making them ideal for hiking.
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Can I bring my pet along for the Pondo hike?Where pets are generally allowed on the trail, it's essential to check the regulations and ensure the safety and comfort of your furry companion.
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Are there any restrictions on camping along the Pondo Trail?Some areas may have specific camping regulations to protect the environment, so it's essential to follow designated sites and guidelines for camping.
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Can I bring my child on the Pondo Trail?The classic Pondo Trail™ is better suited to fit, adult hikers due to long daily distances and some river crossings. That said, the Pondo‑Falls, Pondo‑Hopper, and other family-tailored versions offer shorter hikes, full support, and a wonderful coastal and cultural experience for children of school-going age and older. The trail is coastal-level walking with sandy and grassy paths and minimal elevation gain, making it moderately easy terrain. While fairly flat, some days cover up to 20 km, which might be long for younger kids, especially over multiple days.
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Where can I book the Pondo Trail?Wild Child Africa - wildchildafrica.com Pondo Tours - pondotours.co.za Slackpacker SA - slackpacker.co.za
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What are the highlights along the Pondo Trail?Hidden waterfalls and deep forested gorges in Mkambati Nature Reserve Iconic coastline sites such as Waterfall Bluff, where waterfalls drop directly into the ocean Cathedral Rock and Grosvenor shipwreck site Crossing rivers like Mtentu, Msikaba, and Manteku (wading or short canoe ferry) Rolling grasslands, cattle paths, sandy beaches, and visits to local Pondo villages
Nature’s Magnitude
We couldn’t help but be humbled by the sheer magnitude of nature’s creation. The towering mountains that framed the river seemed to touch the sky, their peaks kissed by the golden rays of the African sun, and the vibrant orange hues of the river mirrored the warmth and energy that radiated from this untouched paradise.
As we continued our journey, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the vibrant culture that flowed through these waters. The Orange River had been a lifeline for generations, providing sustenance and a means of transportation for the communities that thrived along its banks. We imagined the laughter and songs that must have echoed through these waters, the stories and traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Paddling Through Time: Connecting Past, Present, and Future
With each stroke of our paddles, we felt a deep connection to the past, present, and future of this remarkable place. We were not merely visitors passing through; we were part of a larger tapestry, woven together by the river’s currents and the spirit of adventure that brought us here.
Sunset Reflections
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the river, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing. As our time on this incredible journey was coming to an end, our hearts were filled with gratitude and anticipation, as we knew that one day, we would return to this untouched paradise, to once again immerse ourselves in its beauty and be reminded of the profound connection we felt on the majestic Orange River. A trip to remember!
Adventure Kayaking
Orange River
Embarking on the Orange River, an Adventure
As we set off on our adventure kayaking tour down the Orange River near Hopetown in South Africa, we were completely immersed in a world of natural beauty.
The river’s gentle current carried us further into the heart of this hidden gem and revealed breathtaking landscapes and untouched wilderness. As we navigated through the meandering bends, we were greeted by the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of wildlife in the surrounding bushes.
Awe-Inspiring Beauty Around Every Bend
Every bend in the river brought a new surprise and a new moment of awe-inspiring beauty. The towering cliffs that lined the riverbanks seemed to whisper stories of ancient civilizations and the resilience of the people who have called this place home for centuries.
Making camp on the river’s edge, we slept under the stars.
The weather was ideal. Typically, we would have been sunburned, but thanks to the cloud cover, we managed to escape unscathed.
The stillness of the water’s surface as the gentle breeze subsides during the late afternoons creates captivating reflections that stir a sense of tranquility.
As we continued our kayaking journey down the vibrant Orange River, we were greeted by the enchanting melodies of nature. The rhythmic strokes of our paddles echoed through the air, harmonizing with the untouched beauty that surrounded us. As we embraced this extraordinary experience, we couldn’t help but feel humbled and in awe of the untouched paradise that stretched before us.
Our photo gallery
MORE INFORMATION
The river was extremely full, resulting in a significant number of eddies.