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3 Day Northern Pondoland Hike: Casino - Mtentu - Return
This is a great option for persons short on time, who want hike the Wild Coast, but within easy accessibility of Durban (just 1.5hrs drive). The hike starts from the Wild Coast Casino – with a transfer back to the casino at the end.
The hike to Mtentu is 2 days - overnighting at a village homestay the first night, and then hiking through to Mtentu Lodge for another 2 nights. The hike goes through the ‘Pondoland Centre of Endemism’ (a specialist plant guide can be organised for botanical enthusiasts), with the Mzamba fossils and the red dunes being other natural highlights. These dunes, and the Xolobeni community in which you overnight, are at the heart of the proposed mining battle.
The village homestay is basic but provides an excellent cultural experience. Mtentu Lodge provides tented accommodation (East African style tents), and all bedding and meals are provided on the trail. On your free exploration day, you can hike into neighbouring Mkambathi Reserve where you can go swimming up to waterfalls and see roaming game. You can also take a canoe up the beautiful Mtentu estuary, go snorkelling, or just enjoy this stunning private beach.
On departure day – we will provide you with a 4x4 transfer back to the Wild Coast Casino where your vehicle has been left.
Trip Duration 3 Night Trail - with option for 2 nights only
Daily Distances Day 1: 14km Day 2: 12-14km Day 3: 10-12km - optional
Trail Grading
Physical Fitness Grade 2-3 – if you wish to make it easier, we recommend porters
Technicality Grade 2– no technical sections. May be some river crossings
Accommodation 1 Night in Village Homestay (traditional rondavel, mattress on floor with bedding & bucket bath)
2 Nights – Mtentu River Lodge (East African style tented camp)
Logistic Support
Catering:
Fully Catered trail from dinner on arrival night to lunch on departure day. Need to supply own lunch for arrival hike day
Guides & Porters:
Hike Day 1 &2- guided by a qualified local guide.
Day 3 is a self-guided exploration day, but can arrange for a guide (extra) if desired.
Porters can be arranged on prior request.
Tour Highlights Mzamba fossils, the red desert, amaXhosa hospitality, Mtentu Estuary, waterfalls & game viewing in Mkambati Nature Reserve
Other Activities Canoeing on Mtentu Estuary, birding, ocean swimming & snorkelling opportunities.
Fauna & Flora The Pondoland Centre of Endemism is one of the most important centres of plant diversity and endemism in Africa with over 2 253 recorded flora species, 196 of which are endemic to the region.
Climate Mild sub-tropical climate with small seasonal temperature variation. Summer months (Nov - Feb), avg max daily temperatures of around 27-29 degrees celsius whilst winter months (June - Aug) avg 21 deg C. Night temps seldom drops below 10 deg C in winter and average around 15 deg C in summer. Most rain is received from summer thunderstorms (avg of 150mm/month in Nov - Feb), whilst the driest months, June-Aug produce an average of 40mm/month.
Seasonality & Best Time Year Due to its temperate climate, Pondoland is good for hiking all year round. Whilst summer days can be quite sweaty, a refreshing swim in the ocean or river enroute becomes all the more inviting. Summer rainfall is usually in the form of quick thundershowers which pass quickly. Summer is also best for birdlife. The mild weather, sunny days and low probability of rain during winter also make this an excellent time (and a welcome retreat from the biting cold of an interior winter). Spring and Autumn months generally combine the best of all conditions.
Availability:This trail is easiest to organise outside of the peak school holiday periods.
Group Size Minimum 2 persons - maximum 12 persons per guide/transfer.
Price / PP Price dependent on group size, but indicative costing:
2 persons – R3800/pp
4-5 Persons - R2900/pp
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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