The trek in detail

The trek in detail

Everything the main page summarises, set out in full. If you are deciding whether to book, this is the page with the numbers on it.

Who we are

Kululeka Pondoland is a community-based eco-tourism business, founded and owned equally by Donald Paterson and members of the Mbotyi community. That structure is the reason we can take you to cottages and stretches of coast that are not otherwise open to the public, and the reason the money stays here.

The route

A five-day, 57km trek rated moderate to difficult. Daily distances are 3km, 12km, 12km, 20km and 10km, beginning at the foot of Magwa Falls — at 144m, South Africa’s second-highest waterfall, and a stretch no other operator includes — and finishing at Grosvenor.

The short days are often the hardest; the terrain is slower. The long days are flatter than their distances suggest.

There is an optional rest day at Mbotyi. Take it and the walk is 3, 12, 12, 20 and 10. Skip it and the last two days combine into a single 30km stretch.

What it costs

R6,000 per person for groups of 10 to 14. For smaller groups, add R400 per person for every place under ten.

A R5,000 deposit secures your dates. That is for the group, whatever its size.

What is included

  • Three meals a day, local cooking and fresh seafood when the season allows.
  • A local, English-speaking guide for the whole route.
  • Accommodation in rustic Wild Coast cottages and eco-lodges, all bedding provided.
  • Bag transfers. A driver and vehicle move your luggage between every stop. You walk with a daypack.
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee throughout.

What is not

  • Hiking snacks — bring your own.
  • Drinks beyond the water, tea and coffee. You can pre-order and we will have them cold and waiting each day.
  • Food bought in transit if you use our shuttle.

Getting here

Driving yourself: make for Lusikisiki, where we will meet you and bring you in. You do not need a high-clearance vehicle.

Shuttle: R10,000 for the vehicle from Durban or East London airport. Gqeberha adds R4,000.

Ask us anything