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Mbotyi - The Secret Place
There are few places with as many astounding secrets to be discovered like Mbotyi. Here you can walk on snow white beaches and be the only person in sight, or marvel at cows that seem to look after themselves. Two of Africa's three waterfalls that plunge into the sea are here (there are only just over 20 in the world!) - and one is such a secret it's not even listed on Wikipedia (yet). Or maybe you would like to walk and experience life in a local village...or eat fresh crayfish for just R10 ($1)...all of this can be done in Mbotyi. However there is only one way to do this. It's not with fancy hotels or travel companies - they either don't exist in this area or don't know the secret places..and charge a lot for their crayfish...It is only with a local guide. This is how you can experience the best of Mbotyi
Meet your guide, Bheki Caine (most people call him Caine), a man who not only has an incredible knowledge of the entire area, but has a fantastic love of the land, and developing tourism here. Caine does not only guide you on the most amazing adventures you will ever go on, he shares his deep knowledge of the area, local customs, plants and animals with you. We found that Visiting Mbotyi with Caine is experiencing the area like a local - and there are some incredible secrets you will discover.
Caine offers a wide variety of adventure activities, we have listed some of them below. While we have not experienced them all, but are planning on returning to do more of them, the ones we have done were amongst the best experiences of our life!
Caine offers a wide variety of adventure activities, we have listed some of them below. While we have not experienced them all, but are planning on returning to do more of them, the ones we have done were amongst the best experiences of our life!
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Cultural & Beach Walk PLUS Drive to 3 Amazing Waterfalls
Caine will take you on a fascinating walk through the local village, even giving you a chance to buy some refreshments at the local Spaza store. Thereafter he will lead you down into a forest near the river and explain many interesting things to you. The walk then crosses over to the beach and walks along the beach and across the beautiful green hills that rise from the beach, presenting stunning views of the vast and majestic Wild Coast. Thereafter Caine will guide you - you need to provide your own vehicle (4x4 preferable) to three amazing waterfalls, each one more majestic than the previous - and only the first one has any signpost, the rest are hidden gems that are truly stunning. The walk in about 2 hours and the drive to the waterfalls is approx. 2 hours. The cost for a party of 5 is only R500 for all of this. Other party sizes or smaller options can be negotiated. |
Cultural Village Tour
This is not just simply a walk through a village but an opportunity to really experience the village. You can taste their food, talk to the people, enjoy singing and dancing, and even experience making fires for herbs and speaking with the ancestors. You get to interact in an authentic way as Caine introduces you to their local lifestyle. Cost R120 p.p.
This is not just simply a walk through a village but an opportunity to really experience the village. You can taste their food, talk to the people, enjoy singing and dancing, and even experience making fires for herbs and speaking with the ancestors. You get to interact in an authentic way as Caine introduces you to their local lifestyle. Cost R120 p.p.
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Hike to Waterfall Bluff and the Secret!
This is the most amazing hike you will ever do. It takes approx. 9 hours but you will get to experience the best of the Wild Coast, and arguably one of the best hikes you can do anywhere in the world. There are only 23 waterfalls in the world that fall into the sea, according to Wikipedia. There are only 2 in Africa. There is only 1 in South Africa...but they have it wrong! There are two in South Africa and the second one, aptly called Secret Waterfall by the locals is even more dramatic than the first (which Wikipedia lists). Both of these are just some of what you will see on this hike. The hike will let you experience the true beauty and awesome, untouched ruggedness of the Wild Coast in a way that only a walk on foot can produce. This is one hike that should be on everyone's bucket list! Cost only R90 p.p. min 5 people. |
Horse Riding on the Beach/Forest
There is nothing quite like a horse ride on the beach, especially when the beach is the Wild Coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape. The beauty of the rugged terrain, framed by the vast sea on the one side and the rolling green hills on the other makes this the place to explore. Caine offers a variety of horse riding options, catering for the experienced and beginner riders. The following are options he offers (and as usual there are more for those who would like to negotiate).
There is nothing quite like a horse ride on the beach, especially when the beach is the Wild Coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape. The beauty of the rugged terrain, framed by the vast sea on the one side and the rolling green hills on the other makes this the place to explore. Caine offers a variety of horse riding options, catering for the experienced and beginner riders. The following are options he offers (and as usual there are more for those who would like to negotiate).
- 2 hour ride - R180 p.p.
- 3 hour ride to Cormorant Rock - R270
- 6 hour ride to Waterfall Bluff (unique waterfall that falls into the sea) - R380
- 3 days - Mbotyi to Port St Johns - 2 nights in huts on toure - R480/day/person + R300 with meals
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AmaPondo Trail
The ultimate guided hike along the epic Wild Coast for 5 days! This is one not to be missed as you experience the amazing untouched beauty of the Wild Coast. Option 1 leaves from Mbotyi and finishes at Port St Johns (3 days) - Min of 5 people per group, R350 p,p, or Option 2 starts at the Wild Coast Casino and finishes at Mbotyi (4 days) - Min of 5 people per group, R350 p.p. This price includes dinner and breakfast and accommodation. Each day you will stay at a local rural rondaval and enjoy a traditional meal for dinner and breakfast with the locals - all away from modern distractions. The cost for everything, excluding transport back to the start (this can be arranged). |
Book your Adventure TOday!
There are many ways that you can experience the Wild Coast, but very few that will allow you to see and experience these places at these prices. This is only possible because of the involvement of the local community. Mbotyi is a special place where the locals work together, and have been trained by NGOs to provide quality tourist experiences. If you want to find out more then contact your local tour guide directly on +27 (0)71-6118288. There are many other options available, such as Weekend Horse Trails and more - talk to Caine, he is professional and willing to tailor a package that will suit your party. NOTE: The prices may change it is vital to book and confirm the pricing with Caine before you arrive.
Support local communities - book direct - and experience Africa like you have never experienced it before!
Support local communities - book direct - and experience Africa like you have never experienced it before!
Port Alfred - SHipwreck Trail - Ultimate Hiking Adventure
If you fancy getting out there and experienced the real beauty of the wild coast for more than just a day, then this is the trail for you. Dave Marais, the trail organiser has put together an epic adventure that is a mixture of stunning beach walks, beautiful coastal forests, wide open grasslands, scenic canoeing, and lots more. It's beauty, solitude, and adventure or rolled into one. There are various options from just a couple of days to the full, and best option of 5 nights and 6 days. You will live in rustic huts, ancient, historic stone cottages, and treehouse high in Yellowwood's canopy. You will shower outdoors, bath in an old claw-style bath, or simply rinse off in a cool stream. You will reconnect with nature and the beauty of the outdoors. Read about our experience here or watch the video below. For more details or to book visit here.
The Shipwreck Trail from Travel Africa on Vimeo.
