Hike, Kayak and Wild Swim South Africa
An epic ramble from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Wild Coast of the Rainbow Nation, paddling and swimming along the way
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides for each section of the tripAll accommodation
2 nights in hotels, 2 nights in mountain lodges, 2 nights in safari-style tents, 2 nights in river lodges and 1 night in a community homestayMeals
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and all dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment & Permits
All your gear for rafting and kayaking, including National Park and Reserve entry fees and permitsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Tackle amazing trails through the iconic rock formations of the Drakensberg, including Sentinel Peak and Amphitheatre
Paddle down the Tugela River and explore the valley on foot, stargazing and wild swimming from your riverbank eco-camp
Hit the stunning Wild Coast for hikes through dunes, beaches and forests to reach secluded waterfall swim spots
Bed down in a village homestay, where tourism is a form of activism in the community’s fight against mining proposals
Key Information
Day 1
Touchdown in Jo'burg
Driving
Arriving at Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport, you'll meet your transfer driver. Settle into the van with your fellow adventurers for a 4-hour road trip through South Africa's interior, to reach the base of the Drakensberg Mountains where you will meet your local host. Check into your hotel, stretch your legs on a nature trail through indigenous forest, or some gentle pilates, with your local host. Regroup at dinner, where you’ll chat about the adventure to come.
Day 2
The hike begins
Hiking
Load up your trekking pack and leave your main luggage at the hotel as you set off for the wild trails of the Drakensberg Mountains. After a hearty breakfast at the Cavern, hit the path with your local guide and hike up and over sandstone cliffs, via Lone Rock with its displays of San rock art. Continue up through a sloping section to reach Sugarloaf Gap and hike along the ridge, bypassing Broom Hill with sublime views across to the former homeland of QwaQwa, while bearded vultures circle overhead.
Day 3
Hike to Tugela Falls and summit Mont-Aux-Sources (3282m)
Hiking
Today’s hike starts with a short 4x4 transfer to where the trail kicks off along a well-trodden path which ascends gradually towards the Witches and Zigzags, taking you to the base of the Sentinel massif. From here you’ll follow the contour path below the Western Buttress, with the land sloping steeply to the north and east giving you wonderful views of the Maluti Mountains in neighbouring Lesotho. The action ramps up after 3km when you reach a network of chain ladders to help you navigate a 35m ascent, followed by a short scramble from there to the escarpment top. There’s the option to summit Mont-aux-Sources (the highest peak in the area at 3282m) before hiking across to Tugela Falls. With a 983m freefall over the escarpment, the Tugela vies with Angel Falls as the highest waterfall in the world.
Day 4
From the 'Berg to the River Valley
Hiking
Rafting
Tuck into breakfast and lap up the last of the views from this epic spot before you set off for the hike down the beautiful Mahai Valley. There are a series of waterfalls and natural swimming pools along the way, so make sure you've packed your swimmers. After around four hours your hike ends, say goodbye to your Drakensberg guide and then transfer to Colenso. Here you’ll be met by your Zingela host and embark on the next chapter of your adventure in the Tugela River Valley.
Keep an eye out for wildlife during your 4x4 transfer into camp. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch on the riverbank before settling into your riverside abodes. The Tugela River program "flows" by the group's desires, and is adapted around weather and seasonality. White-water rafting (or kayaking during lower river levels) down to Warthog Island, is an active offering for the afternoon, but you may also chose to zen-out in a hammock - with the river and birdsong as a meditative backing track. There are also various distanced hiking trails to abseil rock, where a sunset abseil and indelible view with sundowners can be enjoyed from look-out point.
After the pleasure of a warm outdoor shower, gather around the campfire to reminisce about your mountain escapades or the exhilarating white-water experiences of the day. A delicious 3-course dinner by candlelight, enjoyed under star-studded skies, provides a satiating end to the day.
Day 5
Walk with Giraffes & Fun on the river
Rafting
Wild Swimming
Take advantage of the cool early morning with a guided walk around Hippo Hill. Embrace the chance for a close interaction with the relaxed herd of resident giraffe. Picking a path from the multitude of bush trails, you are likely to encounter many types of antelope, warthog and birds on this morning’s trail. Return for a hearty breakfast back at camp, before plotting the rest of the day’s activities.
If river levels are right (Jan-Mar) it’s possible to do a longer raft (with return by 4x4), or you can hike to a secret waterfall. Take a refreshing dip in the river, sunbathe, and recharge amongst these tranquil surrounds. A sunset abseil is highly recommended if you didn’t get to this do this the day before. Enjoy a final night around the campfire and open-sky dining before tucking in for the night.
Day 6
Road trip to the coast
Hiking
Driving
Relish one last bush walk before returning for a refreshing shower and leisurely breakfast. A 4x4 transfer returns you to Colenso, where you’ll bid the Tugela team farewell. Settle back into the van, for a five-hour road trip to the Wild Coast. On the way you will reunite with the host from the first few days before reaching Port Edward and your overnight lodge on the Mtamvuna River, border of the Eastern Cape.
Day 7
Hike the Wild Coast to a Community Homestay
Hiking
Time to hit the hiking trail on South Africa's famous Wild Coast. A short boat ride will take you to the river mouth, where you’ll meet your local Pondo guide, and set off along the beach. Following the shore-break, you’ll stop-off at the 'petrified forest' and Mzamba fossils, before reaching the Nyameni River. From here, head inland, over grassy dunes, to arrive with a warm welcome at the Xolobeni community. This is your homestay experience, where you'll gain an insight into local village life and hear how this community uses the income from tourism to fight proposals for prospective mining projects in the area. Enjoy a beer at the local shebeen, or a visit from a traditional healer, before feasting on a traditional Xhosa dinner, and settling down for the night.
Day 8
Xolobeni to Mtentu
Hiking
After breakfast, give thanks and bid farewell to your homestay hosts, hiking back to the beach and on towards Mtentu. You will pass through the red sand dunes, whose rich mineral deposits has seen the Xolobeni Community caught in a heated battle against international mining companies. Your guide will offer deep insight into the cultural and archaeological significance of these dunes, with human occupation dating back to the last ice age, and being an excavation site for numerous stone age tools and middens.
Today’s hike ends at a community owned eco-lodge – your final base for the trip. Perched above the alluring Mtentu River estuary, it’s a short stroll down to the beach, for a refreshing frolick in the waves or a gentler dip in the warm waters of the estuary.
Day 9
Chasing waterfalls and swim spots
Kayaking
Canyoning
Wild Swimming
Today’s adventure will alight the explorer in you. A 3.5km paddle up the cliff lined estuary brings you to a small inlet where you secure your canoes and then you will hike upstream, scrambling and wild swimming your way up the cascading tributary to reach Swallowtail Falls. This majestic waterfall is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of rock and plunges into a deep pool which beckons a rock jump and wild swim. Come prepared to get wet feet which is all part of the fun!
If you feel like taking this final day a little easier, then take a more gentle amble to a viewpoint with a swim at paradise pools providing the perfect end to your time on the Wild Coast.
Back at the lodge, celebrations are the order of the day, as you toast to an epic, adventure-filled 10 days.
Day 10
So long, South Africa
Driving
After the last breakfast of the trip, you’ll be collected for a 4x4 transfer back to Mtamvuna River, to collect bags and then you will shuttle 2.5hrs on to Durban's King Shaka International Airport - in time for onward flights departing late afternoon or evening of this day.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8 – Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts on this trip are usually a combination of fresh fruits, yoghurt and granola and/or the option of a full English breakfast with an African twist (such as crumbly pap served with spicy tomato relish). Morning tea or coffee is almost always accompanied by a homemade rusk (much like a dehydrated cookie), so you can perfect the art of dunking it in your tea for just long enough. Trail lunches tend to be what can be easily carried – rolls or wraps with filling, trail mix and most South African’s favourite snack – biltong or droe-wors (meat that has been salted, cured and hung to dry). Dinners are as diverse as they are flavourful, from Cape Malay curries to rich oxtail stews and no doubt a good South African braai or two. At Tugela Bush camp you’ll sample slow-roasted meat such as a wild boar spit. The braai ‘sides’ are just as important: pap (corn grain made into a stiff porridge) served with chakalaka, five-bean salad, braaied mielies (corn on the cob) and roosterkoek (often garlic bread roasted over the coals) are firm favourites. At the homestay, you'll fill up on warm xhosa pot bread (traditionally made in a heavy cast-iron pot with a lid over an open fire) dunked with chicken curry and locally harvested vegetables – such as wild spinach imfino, roasted butternut tops and samp (dried corn kernels), and sugar beans.
Vegetarians are easily catered for on this trip, but fully vegan is a little more tricky in the more rural areas, where dairy and egg alternatives are harder to come by. Other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for. Please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Cavern Resort & Spa
You'll bunk down for one night at the Cavern Resort & Spa in a spectacular spot, following a road trip through South Africa to reach the Drakensberg Mountains. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Nestled in the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area is the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. Sitting at 2285m above sea level, it's the highest lodge in the Northern Drakensberg and overlooks the stunning Sentinel Peak and iconic Amphitheatre. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathroom facilities.
Zingela, Tugela River Valley
Located in between the Drakensberg and the Wild Coast, you'll spent two nights at the beautiful and unique Zingela Bush Camp. Nestled among the diverse ecology of the Tugela River valley, your stay here will be relaxing and restorative, with plenty of hammock time, campfire dinners and stargazing after your active days. You'll stay at the main camp with thatch, stone and canvas dwellings and delightful outdoor showers overlooking the bush.
Xolobeni Community Homestay
On the Wild Coast you'll spend a unique evening at a village homestay, bunking down in traditional mud and thatch-roofed rondavels – a type of African hut. The setup is basic: you'll bed down on single mattresses on the floor (with bedding provided) on a same-sex, multi-share basis, and shared bathroom facilities. This is a real, authentic cultural experience – get to know your hosts, learn about their village life and enjoy a traditional Xhosa dinner.
Mtentu River Lodge
Your final two nights of the trip are spent at Mtentu River Lodge on South Africa's Eastern Cape, which is managed by the local community. Wood-and-thatch accommodation is set in a spectacular natural setting, with wooden walkways meandering around the lodges. You'll stay in same-sex, twin-share rooms with bathroom facilities shared with other members of the group. There is a stunning private beach at the lodge – perfect for evening sundowners.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked throughout the trip for an extra charge, see Optional Extras. Please note this does not apply for the night at the homestay in Xolobeni. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
Overall this is a very manageable trip by anyone with good fitness levels and capable of spending all day on their feet. There's no doubt the toughest section of the trip is at the beginning where you'll be tucking into some meaty elevation and altitude gains to get to the best viewpoints and summits in the Drakensberg, so we suggest doing some warm up day hikes in your local area to make sure you hit the ground running on this trip. The days at the Tugela River and on the Wild Coast are lighter and steadier days, with less elevation to tackle. You won't need any multi-day trekking experience, technical mountain experience, nor previous kayaking or rafting experience.
What will I need to carry?
For your main bag, bring a soft Duffel Bag or Suitcase (55-70L capacity /weight guideline: 15kgs). For your day bag bring a Medium-sized Rucksack (35-45L capacity) to give you enough space to carry enough personal items and changes of clothing for Days 2-4 hiking in the Drakensberg and Days 7-9 on the Mtentu Coastline Hike.
On Day 2, you will be leaving your main bag at the Cavern Hotel after the first night of the trip, returning on Day 4 after two nights spent in the mountains at Witsies Mountain Lodge. Also, for the 3 nights of the Mtentu Explorer hike on Days 7-9 you should plan to hike with just your backpack, while your main luggage will remain in Port Edward to be collected on your return journey as you head up the coast to Durban on the last day.
Please refer to the Kit List for specific suggested items to bring with you. If you have any questions before travelling you host will be able to advise you via your booking.
In the Drakensberg Mountains, during the summer months of December to February, temperatures in the lower elevations can range from 20-30°C (68-86°F), while temperatures in the higher elevations can range from 10-20°C (50-68°F). During the winter months of June to August, temperatures in the lower elevations can drop down to 10-20°C (50-68°F), while temperatures in the higher elevations can drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall.
The Eastern Cape province of South Africa has a varied climate with different regions experiencing different weather patterns. The coastal regions are generally milder and wetter, while the interior regions are drier and have greater temperature extremes.
The Eastern Cape and Wild Coast area has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The summer months of December to February are generally warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from around 20-30°C (68-86°F) in the coastal regions and 25-35°C (77-95°F) in the interior. The summer months also tend to be the wettest, typically with afternoon rainstorms that pass through quickly. The winter months of June to August are cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from around 10-20°C (50-68°F) in the coastal regions and 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the interior. Frost and occasional snowfall can occur in the high-lying areas of the province during winter.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport
10:30
Ends
King Shaka International Airport, Durban
14:00
Transfers
On Day 1, a group transfer will be arranged from O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the first night's accommodation in the Drakensberg, which is around a 4.5 hour drive. The transfer time will be coordinated based on the latest flight arrival time, so you should aim for an early morning arrival into Johannesburg in time for meeting your group at 10.30am. Your host will provide the transfer driver's contact details in your pre-departure information.
On Day 10, after breakfast there will be a 2hr group transfer to return to Mtamvuna River lodge to collect your main kit bags, followed by another 3hr group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR). Estimated arrival at King Shaka is from 14:00. It is recommended to book connecting flights departing from King Shaka from 16:30 onwards.
A group airport transfer is included on arrival on Day 1 and on departure on Day 10. Given the distance and duration of the arrival and departure transfers it is highly recommended to arrange your flights and onward travel arrangements so that you can take the inclusive group co-ordinated transfers. If required, private transfers can be arranged by your host, subject to driver availability, at an additional cost.
Travel options
There are direct flights to Johannesburg from major hubs in Europe and North America, such as London, New York, Washington, Paris and Amsterdam. Travellers from other start points in Europe and North America can transit through any of the aforementioned hubs.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All equipment for rafting and kayaking
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main Luggage: A Soft Duffel Bag or Suitcase (55-70L capacity /weight guideline: 15kgs)
- Daypack: Medium-sized Rucksack (35-45L capacity) to give you enough space to pack for Days 2-4 hiking in the Drakensberg and Days 7-9 on the Mtentu Coastline Hike - your main luggage will stay at the first accommodation on each section
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack
- Small drybag for the kayaking and wild swimming
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket (lightweight and breathable)
- Waterproof trousers (optional)
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings
- Buff or neck-scarf
- Quick-Dry Shorts or Leggings (for hiking and kayaking)
- Hiking trousers/shorts/skirts and Casual trousers/jeans
- Synthetic Quick-Dry T-shirts (for hiking and kayaking) and Casual T's
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses (polarised recommended due to altitude)
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in) or Hiking Shoes/Trail Running Shoes
- Sandals
- River/beach shoes or old trainers for kayaking, rafting and wild swimming
EXTRA LAYERS FOR WINTER DATES: MAY TO AUGUST
- Base layers (merino is best)
- Windproof & warm fleece
- Warm hat
- Lightweight gloves
OTHER PERSONAL
- Insect repellent
- Suncream (SPF50+ recommended, especially in summer)
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment, anti-inflammatory/anti-nausea/headache & diarrhea medications + antiseptic & anti-sting cream)
- Personal items (biodegradable soap, shampoo and toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry hiking towel and a face cloth
- Alcohol hand-gel
OTHER KIT
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Headtorch or torch
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Reusable water bottles 1Lx2 or a 2L Bladder
- Hiking poles (for the Drakenserg Hike if you normally use them)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Credit Card and Cash (ZAR) for snacks, bar bills etc. which is available from the ATM in O.R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg
Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2024 dates
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2024 dates
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Amazing Views ✅ Wildlife ✅ Great Adventures ✅
This trip is the perfect way to experience a little bit of everything, and most of which is off the well known tourist track! The first part of the trip is a few days in the Drakensberg with the highlight seeing the world’s joint tallest waterfall. You can ascend some ladders to get to the top (which was brilliant fun!) but if you really wanted to avoid this there is a gully route to access the top avoiding the ladders. The accommodation in this leg of the journey is far fancier than I expected for a “mountain” environment. I saw Baboons climbing the rock faces, Cape Vultures swooping overhead, Reedbuck, Elands, Dassies - the list of wildlife goes on. There are also several smaller waterfalls and wild swim spots along the way.
The second part of the trip is a relaxing escape to a wildlife haven further down the Tugela river. On our dawn bush walks the amount of wildlife we saw is too numerous to mention, but being so close to majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a humbling experience. We also kayaked down the river and abseiled off a rock face at sunset. At this site I saw the best nights sky I’ve ever seen. All activities are optional, and even if you do them all there was still plenty of time to relax.
The third part of our trip took us to the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape beside the Indian Ocean. Our guide, Lolo, taught us so much about the nature, geology and community of this environment. The scenery varied from a “tropical” forest type start at Umtavuna, to expansive fossil beaches and onto the grasslands and fruit trees in Xolobeni, past the titanium infused red sand dunes, and across estuaries to our beautiful lodges at Mtentu. In Xolobeni we stayed at a local rondavel (thatched roundhouse) home stay and visited a shebeen (pub/tuck shop), really getting a taste of normal life and enabling sustainable tourism in this quiet corner of South Africa. The last day is one of pure fun and adventure - kayaking up the estuary, and then kloofing (gorge-scrambling) to a impressive wild swim spot beneath a tall waterfall, kloof back down with additional swim and jump spots along the way, then kayak back down the estuary back to our cosy lodges.
Everywhere we stayed there was tasty food, and enough for big eaters like me, but impressively everything was so fresh and healthy despite being at times in quite isolated places. Expect really dark skies, so much wildlife and friendly people along the way. This trip would not have been so much fun without our host Sophie, and our guides and hosts on each part of the trip.
We were a group ranging from 20s to 60s, everyone managed the activities, the “winter” weather meant zero rain and 20-30 Celsius daytime temperatures! My only regret is not taking binoculars. This trip is perfect for anyone wanting a range of African environments, wildlife and activities all packed into one.
Wonderful 10 days trip!
What an amazing trip! 10 days of pure adventure surrounded by beautiful landscapes and doing one of the things I love the most, hiking and enjoying nature. The program is so diverse - berg, bush and the wild coast! Everything was so well organized and the accommodation and food were great too. A special thanks to Sarah and Sophie from Active Escapes who looked after us so well and to all the other local guides - LoLo, Stevens and Jacks! And of course, to my travel buddies, Fiona and Mike who made this trip an unforgettable one. Beautiful non touristic areas of South Africa - highly recommended!
Epic adventure in three parts!
A magnificent adventure that takes you through three different regions of South Africa.
All the accommodations were all amazing, even the homestay had more amenities than we expected - hot shower, proper beds and delicious food. Everywhere catered to my odd allergies and my wife’s vegetarianism too. The first place, The Cavern, was stunning, I wish we had booked a day extra here beforehand to just hangout and play pool or ping pong or lawn bowls or swim! We started our tour with an outdoor yoga/pilates session at the cavern which was a nice way to meet the group and a new addition to the tour - the host Sophie.
The first part of the tour in the Drakensberg mountains was epic; full of dramatic landscapes and a personal highlight of mine - climbing the chain ladders. There’s even a couple of nice refreshing natural pools to cool off in at certain points.
The second part of the tour was at Zingela lodge, a truly special place completely off the beaten track where the tour slows down a little and you get to rest your legs and chill. We also did some fun activities like kayaking and abseiling - I’m scared of the latter but the guide was really good and knew how to keep me calm and got me over and down and I’m thankful that he did. But mostly we just relaxed by the river and played with the dogs here.
The last part of the trip was great too, walking along the copper coloured sand dunes, seeing some huge fossils on the beach but my favourite part of this section was the last day when we kayaked up the river and did a short hike/scrambled to some hidden waterfalls where we could literally jump in the water and swim and bask in the sun.
All the local guides were knowledgeable on local flora and fauna and gave us insight into the local communities too.
Highly recommended. An unforgettable experience.
This is a perfect combination
This is a perfect combination of active days exploring off the tourist trail and then ending with cosy, chilled evenings where you can chat, read, and somedays we even did sunset pilates/yoga before drinks and dinner by the fire.
It's three adventures in one tour, giving you a taster of various landscapes. Hiking the Drakensberg Mountains, followed with days by the lake in the bush being as active (rafting, abseiling, swim, hike) or chilled as you want, then ending by the coast hiking and kayaking properly off the beaten path. I loved hiking these routes and dipping into cool pools of water to refresh the feet and legs.
I was blown away each day arriving at our next accommodation. They were all so special and have been hand picked, each one felt like a secret gem on our travels.
Some days we had a local guide with us who gave us a great insight into the area, local communities, the plants and wildlife. Our host Sophie was also with us throughout the tour and provided us with kit bag suggestions, timings, and making the whole thing run smoothly.
A bonus was as we were exploring South Africa we came across plenty of wildlife including baboon, warthog, giraffe, impala, dassie (very cute) and loads of birds.
Definitely book this tour if you want to experience a different side of South Africa that is very much undiscovered.
Loved this trip - stunning scenery!
This trip was spectacular, it was so good I just wished it was longer!
The trip is broken down into 3 parts and each a different landscape and all wonderful. The hiking in the Drakensberg mountains was stunning, the Tugela River section was very different scenery but allowed a couple of days of more chilled activities. And the best bit probably was the Wild Coast and Mtentu Lodge....our guide Siya was also brilliant, the scenery especially on the second day was incredible, some beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots, and the food at the homestay and lodge was great too.
It's rated accurately - we were all fit hikers and no day was too tough hiking wise. You do find you set off early and make it to lodges for early afternoon so make sure to pack a book / kindle.
This was my first MBA trip, so I didn't notice the lack of "host". I found the guides and drivers all showed up where they needed to be and everything was very organised, so no problems doing it without one host all week.
The pack list is pretty accurate - you do have to carry your own stuff for a few days, so you learn to be good at packing / repacking bags!
This was a really fun
This was a really fun and varied trip, and I had a fantastic time!
The itinerary is basically split into mountains, river and coast, and I loved all three parts. The Drakensberg mountains were spectacular. The accommodation on the Tugela River was fantastic and the food was amazing there. However, I enjoyed the homestay and Mtentu the most, as I haven’t done much hiking on the beach before. Very tiring on the sand but rewarding! The scenery surrounding the lodge is stunning. We did rafting on the Tugela, which was very fun. Even saw loads of giraffe in the surrounding unfenced reserve, which I wasn’t expecting from the trip!
One thing to be aware of is that unlike some other MBA trips, there is a remote host for the overall trip, and you’re greeted by different onsite guides throughout the experience. This isn’t a problem. They were all lovely, especially Siya at Mtentu. All the transfers ran smoothly, and the trip is very well organised.
A few other things to know beforehand! The transport to Zingela is an open-topped jeep for about a hour and a half in the heat of the day. Also be aware you have to carry a pack for 2 days in the Drakensberg, and another pack for 3 days on the wild coast, otherwise all the luggage is transported. This is outlined in the trip info. In hindsight, I’d have brought a mosquito net for the lodge. And pack plenty of sunscreen if you’re going in summer. More than you think you’ll need!
Overall, a really active and enjoyable trip. Prepare to be exhausted and super fulfilled all at once. Thank you, Sarah, and team, for a wonderful experience in South Africa.
Overall a fantastic trip exploring
Overall a fantastic trip exploring 3 very different regions of South Africa
Fantastic way to see parts
Fantastic way to see parts of South Africa and the guides are brilliant during the walks. Zingela safari where we kayaked down to is a wonderful experience. unfortunately we didn't abseil but in exchange we seen the Giraffes and some wildlife. I went in November so please be aware of how hot and strong the sun will be, advice for the walk along the beach pack light and if you walk barefoot keep applying suncream to your feet they will constantly be wet and in and out of the sand - maybe neoprene socks would be a good choice to prevent burnt feet, I missed the last couple of days due to this. Please also be aware of long car journeys and book enough time to get back on your last day to the airport.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 582kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
£5/$6/€6 per day.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Your host will provide clean drinking water throughout the trip and the tap water in South Africa is generally safe in most of the areas you'll be visiting. Make sure to bring along a reusable water bottle to keep with you throughout the adventure.
As this trip starts in Johannesburg and ends in Durban, you won't be able to leave any excess luggage at the start of the trip.
Please read the FAQ titled "Do I have to carry all my stuff for the trip?" regarding how to pack for this trip.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Your host has factored in alternative hiking routes in the Drakensberg and Wild Coast area in case bad weather affects any of the planned routes during the trip. At Zingela, the Tugela River Valley section of the trip, the water levels will dictate which activities you'll take part in: when the water levels are at their highest, groups will raft the river; when they are lower, the river is more suitable for kayaking. If the water levels drop so low as to not allow either rafting or kayaking, your host has factored in an alternative hiking day through the river valley.
On the Tugela River and Mtentu Estuary you'll use double 'sit-on-top' kayaks, which are very stable and easy to paddle for everyone including new paddlers through to experienced paddlers. The rivercraft available at Mtentu, is a mix of sit-on kayaks and mostly canadian-style canoes.
The maximum weight limit for the kayaks is 100kg / 15st 10lb.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday • 17th October 2024
to Saturday • 26th October 2024
