With idyllic beaches and an unspoiled natural splendor, it’s unimaginable that you could find a more perfect holiday setting than the Wild Coast. But this warm and lush paradise is where the amaMpondo people call home. Experience the ways of the amaMpondo in homestay based accommodation and be humbled by their hospitality.

Day 1: A warm Molweni

This is a whole day affair and things get underway early at 08:30 and wrap up with dinner at 19:00. At 08:30 you’ll meet your guide at the Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino. You’ll leave from here on a 13km beach and inland hike from 09:00. This should take you to 14:00, when you will arrive at the Mnyameni Village Homestay. Once you’ve checked in and you’re settled, you’ll have lunch. If you’re feeling up to it you have the option of going on another hike to the Mnyameni River Gorge at 15:30. If one hike is more than enough for you, you have the rest of the afternoon to yourself and you can take it easy at the homestay. At 18:00/19:00 dinner is served at the homestay.

Day 2: A natural adventure

It’s up and at em early at 07:30 when breakfast is served at the Mnyameni Village Homestay. Once breakfast is done you will depart on a 15km hike, at 08:30, to the Mtentu Village. Highlights of the hike include the shipwreck at Sikhombe River, freshwater beach swimming and Mpondo coconut palm. At 14:00 you’ll check in at the Mtentu Village Homestay. Lunch will be waiting for you after you check in. If you so wish 15:30 to 16:30 is your chance to explore the local natural pools in the Mtentu Village. Dinner is served at 18:00 and the evening’s entertainment will be provided by a troupe of local children at the homestay with an amaBhungu dance performance.

Day 3: Highlights and high notes

Breakfast is served at 07:30 to 08:15 at the Mtentu Homestay. At 08:30 to 12:00 you will hike up to Gwe Gwe beach 5km away. Along the way you’ll cross the Mtentu River by canoe, see the Mkhambathi Natural Reserve, witness the Weolmi shipwreck (Korean ship), see the Mkhambathi falls, the Strandloper caves, the rock pools and waterfalls. At 12:00 you’ll leave Gwe Gwe Beach and head to Mthontsasa Village. You’ll arrive there at 13:00 where lunch will be waiting for you at Wana Johnson organic farm. After lunch you’ll be treated to the Mpondo culture and dancing experience, as well as a craft shop and storytelling.

This will be followed by a visit to Ngquza Hill to learn about the massacre that took place on 6 June 1960 and Holy Cross Mission to learn about O.R Tambo’s formative years. At 16:00 you’ll head back to the Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino.