Wild Coast - Mtentu Adventure
Sat Apr 8, 07:30 - Mon Apr 10, 13:00
Wild Coast Casino
ABOUT
Untouched beaches, spectacular waterfalls, a turtle-filled estuary with Mkambati game reserve along the way, and
friendly locals ready to invite you into their homes and hearts await you at Mtentu.
So shake off the dust of the city, go horse riding along the beach, stay in a local village, swim in the Indian Ocean and
tackle breath-taking hiking trails.
The Mtentu and Mkambati areas offer some of South Africa’s most spectacular local hiking trails, we have everything.
Gorge hikes, beach hikes, game hikes, waterfall hikes and cultural hikes all in one place and waiting to be explored. This is all part of the magical kingdom of Mtentu and Mkambati. Hiking should benefit the community? This is exactly what this initiative is about. Not only is it a 3-day hike, but it also includes a 15km trail on horseback with accommodation and catered meals, all while getting to uplift the local community.
Why you should experience this?
This is more than just a hike, we are educated about the threats the Wild Coast face, we learn about the culture and historical significance of the region we explore, we are shown Mzamba fossils dating back 80 million years ago when the ocean was once a forest, we get an authentic Xhosa cultural experience by making use of homestays.
We make our way back via a shuttle used by the locals. This adds to the authenticity of the cultural experience and it most certainly humbles everyone. Our Wild Coast adventure is truly life changing, this is something everyone living above the poverty line should experience so that we can become more conscious, compassionate and understanding of the daily struggles most of our fellow South Africans face, and through this awakening the possibilities are endless.
ITINERARY
Day 1
- Meet at Wild Coast Sun at 7:30 for a 7:45 start
- Hike a long the coast for 10km (flat and easy)
- Explore Mzamba fossils, petrified forest and a cave.
- The above is tide-dependent, an alternate would be to go via Mzamba bridge (9km)
- Hop on our horse for a 15km trail to our homestay in Mtentu
- Dinner
Day 2
- 7am - Breakfast
- Hike to Mkambati nature reserve and back in a loop (approx. 16km)
- On this day your backpack will be much lighter as you’ll leave all most of your belongings at the homestay
- Explore a shipwreck
- Pin drop or swim in Mkambati falls
- Cliff jump or swim at Strandloper falls
- Take in views of Horseshoe falls
- Dinner
- (Lunch pack included)
Day 3
- 6:30am breakfast
- Pack our overnight bags into the shuttle
- 3km hike to Paradise Pool and Mfundeni View Point with not much weight
- 10am - Local shuttle picks us up from viewpoint (shuttle will also bring our bags)
- 1pm – Arrive at Wild Coast Sun
- (Lunch pack included)
Included
Hiking guide, horse rental with horse handler for the group plus horse helmet (sizes may vary), Mkambati entrance fee, 2 nights’ accommodation at Village Based Homestays, Day 1 (dinner), Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, dinner) , Day 3 (breakfast and lunch pack), transport back to Wild Coast Casino (approx. 2 hour drive back).
Excluded
R20 Parking fee at Wild Coast Sun and R20 cash ferry for 3 river crossings (R60 total) , lunch on first day, tips, porters (available on request at an additional charge). Environmentalist guest speaker (can be arranged at a fee)
HIKING ETIQUETTE
The whole point of a nature conservation is to conserve nature. As humans it is our duty to protect mother nature. Under no circumstances will littering be allowed. Please repack your snacks into zip locks to avoid carrying unnecessary packaging. Please take back all of your dirt in a plastic bag. Guides and other hikers in our group will not be responsible to take your dirt.
Toilet usage
Please do not relieve yourself on the hiking path, in a cave or near a water source. Dig a cat hole and do your business. Cover your waste and place a rock on top of it. We do not want to see your tissues exposed. Animals graze here and they can die consuming your tissue.
Tips for guides
This is not compulsory, however if you had an exceptional time, you are more than welcome to tip our guide. The recommended fee is the same as you would at a restaurant at 10%