WESSA Wild Walk 2014

Transcription

1 WESSA Wild Walk 2014 A Wild Coast Hiking Event South Africa Celebrating biodiversity, one step at a time

2 Celebrate extra-ordinary biodiversity WILD WALK 2014 For the fourth consecutive year, the Wild Walk offers hikers the opportunity to join this 3 stage hiking trail [7 5 2 ] down the Pondoland coastal belt from the Wild Coast Sun to Bulungula. All stages are professionally guided and fully supported by a backup team. Walk light, eat well, sleep peacefully and enjoy one of the globe s most spectacular, dynamic and diverse coastal environments. As a spring walk this year we will be rewarded with an ever active ocean and a high probability of witnessing the frenetic activities of the whale migration, dolphins and other offshore activities. Wild Walk offering a marine, coastal and terrestrial hiking experience unmatched in South Africa WESSA WILD WALK Implemented by African Heartland Journeys as a WESSA event on the Wild Coast and is a celebration of the regions rich biodiversity and highlights conservation work along the coastal belt.

3 Stage 1 Pondoland Highlights: Wild Coast Sun to Port St Johns (7 trail) Approximately 110km [15 21 November] Pondoland s dramatic coastline of secluded beaches, near pristine estuaries, coastal forest and rugged coastal cliffs is an unfolding tapestry of wonder, history and rich beauty. Internationally recognised for its biodiversity, the Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism (PCE) is both the smallest and most vulnerable of the 235 endemic plant centres worldwide and is highlighted in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany critical ecosystems. The hike traverses the PCE, Mkambati Nature Reserve and allows for a relaxed, informed and exciting journey on foot. Wade estuaries, dance on the dunes, swim in the many secluded beaches and pools and wonder through the largest indigenous coastal forest on the Wild Coast. Enjoy the geographical icons of cathedral rock and waterfall bluff. Day Distance Departure Destination Accommodation Difficulty Topical Highlights 1 24km Wild Coast Mthenthu Sun (6-7 hours) Mthenthu River Lodge: a basic Wild Coast Lodge with shared accommodation. 2 14km Mthenthu Msikaba En-suit tented 3 13km Msikaba Luphuthana En-suit tented 4 16km Luphuthana Mbotyi Campsite (shared rondavel dorm or bring a tent) 5 13km Mbotyi Manteku En-suit tented 6 10 Manteku Ntafufu En-suit tented 7 13km Ntafufu Port St Johns Backpackers (shared/twin rooms) Long Easy Easy difficult Short Easy Short Long difficulty - N2 Toll Road and Mining debate verse Tourism. Challenges as to why tourism not working at full potential - Mkambhati Nature Reserve & ECPTA Wild Coast Project - Pondoland Centre of Endemism - Egosa fault, forest complexes and the Cape Parrot - Ntsubane Forest complex - Mangrove swamps and their unique environments - Rocky shore harvesting pressures Mnyameni & Mthenthu Rivers Mkambhati Falls & Msikaba Estuary Luphuthana wall and gorge Waterfall Bluff and Cathedral rock Enjoy one of the coast s most beautiful estuaries and beach camps Ntafufu estuary and its mangrove swamps. A tale of shipwrecks; Mt Thesiger views INCLUDED: - Accommodation 7 nights (see description of each night and facilities above) - Meals (dinner one to lunch 7. Dinner night 7 for your tab as we will eat at a local restaurant) - Lead guide - Support guide - Support 4x4 vehicle - Booking fees and administration - VAT 14% EXCLUDED: - Breakfast & lunch one (pack your snack for the ) - Dinner night 7 (We will eat at a local restaurant, for your own account) - Drinks & between meal trail snacks - Personal insurance/medical insurance Cost of Trail: a sliding scale will be used with an initial deposit of 50% to confirm bookings. Once final numbers are confirmed an invoice will be submitted for the remaining amount as per the pricing scale below. A minimum of 8 hikers will be required to book for the trail to run. 8 9 Hikers: R per person Hikers: R per person Hikers: R per person On booking, a detailed WHAT TO BRING & OTHER SPECIFICS will be circulated.

4 Mthenhtu River from the lodge Luphuthana wall Waaterfall Bluff Cathedral Rock The Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism (PCE) is one of the smallest, hectares, and possibly one of the most vulnerable of the 235 world wide endemic plant centres identified by International Union for the Conservation of Nature as high priority conservation sites. WESSA s work in the PCE is currently focused on the forests and communities of the Ntsubane Forest Complex which sits on the Egossa Interval between Mbotyi and Port St Johns.

5 Stage 2 Port St Johns to Coffee Bay (5 trail) Approximately 70 km [22 26 November] Deeply warn footpaths cling to green hillsides which drop and rise from river to river and beach to beach. Dotted along the way by rural villages, the route winds its way past some of the most panoramic Wild Coast views of deep blue ocean and distanced landscapes. Children s laughter and village sounds compliment the ever present rumble of crashing waves and forest calls. Dolphin and whale sightings along this stretch of coast are regarded as some of the best land based viewings in South Africa, with mega pods of dolphins stretching over kilometres and breaching whales a daily entertainer. Around June the natural wonder of the sardine run with its subsequent hive of ecological mania of birds, dolphins and sharks lights up the ocean. Day Distance Departure Destination Accommodation Difficulty Topical Highlights 1 16km Port St Madakeni / Shared hiker s Wild Coast Wild Coast largest Johns Mgazana hut on the beach difficulty Sustainable Villages mangrove swamp. at Mgazana Traditional, cultural cave 2 11km Madakeni Mpande Shared hiker s Short Tourism & coastal Cultural immersion coastal hut in harvesting the village of Mpande. 3 12km Mpande Hluhleka Shared hiker s hut in the village of Hluhleka. 4 18km Hluhleka Mdumbi Shared (double or twin) rooms at the friendly Mdumbi backpackers. 5 13km Mdumbi Coffee Bay Backpacker Lodge (twin room) Short difficulty easy to Wild Coast Project; ECPTA Grassroots development Motor bike impact on lives INCLUDED: - Accommodation 5 nights in shared rustic facilities (see description of each night and facilities above) - Meals (lunch one to lunch 5. Dinner night 5 for your tab as we will eat at a local restaurant) - Lead guide - Local guide - Support guide - Support 4x4 vehicle - Booking fees and administration - VAT 14% EXCLUDED: - Breakfast one (pack your snack for the ) - Dinner night 5 (We will eat at a local restaurant, for your own account) - Drinks & between meal trail snacks - Personal insurance/medical insurance Cultural immersion Cultural immersion Mdumbi village life Mpusi cliffs; Mthatha River Mouth Cost of Trail: a sliding scale will be used with an initial deposit of 50% to confirm bookings. Once final numbers are confirmed an invoice will be submitted for the remaining amount as per the pricing scale below. A minimum of 8 hikers will be required to book for the trail to run. 8 9 Hikers: R per person Hikers: R per person Hikers: R per person On booking, a detailed WHAT TO BRING & OTHER SPECIFICS will be circulated.

6 Stage 3 Coffee Bay to Bulungula (2 trail) Approximately 28km [27 28 November] Two s of magic walking along the hilliest coastal section of the Wild Walk are rewarded with dramatic views, lunch and a swim at the iconic Esikaleni (Hole in the Wall), the quaint and inspirational village of Mbolompo and the stunningly secluded bays nestled at the feet of forested valleys. The trail ends at the world famous Bulungula Lodge and Backpackers, one of South Africa s most successful private-community tourism partnerships and a bastion to living off the grid. Bulungula was awarded second most desirable eco-lodge to visit before you die (Lonely Planet 2013). Although short, hikers can be assured of marine, coastal and terrestrial highlights that will keep your camera clicking and face smiling. As with the first two stages, the timing of Wild Walk 2014 presents a high probability of sardine run activity, dolphin sightings and whale displays which are easily appreciated from the many vantage points along the route. Day Distance Departure Destination Accommodation Difficulty Topical Highlights 1 14km Coffee Bay Mbolompo Rural village home Sustainable Esikaleni or Hole stay at the difficulty livelihoods in the Wall beautiful hiker hut in Mbolompo (shared accommodation) 2 14km Lubanzi Bulungula Bulungula Backpackers - (Shared two to a room accommodation) difficulty Grassroots development Alternative energies, Bulungula Incubator INCLUDED: - Accommodation 2 nights in shared facilities (see description of each night and facilities above) - Meals (lunch one to breakfast 3). - Lead guide - Support guide - Support 4x4 vehicle - Booking fees and administration - VAT 14% EXCLUDED: - Breakfast one (pack your snack for the ) - Drinks & between meal trail snacks - Personal insurance/medical insurance Cost of Trail: a sliding scale will be used with an initial deposit of 50% to confirm bookings. Once final numbers are confirmed an invoice will be submitted for the remaining amount as per the pricing scale below. A minimum of 8 hikers will be required to book for the trail to run. 8 9 Hikers: R per person Hikers: R per person Hikers: R 920 per person On booking, a detailed WHAT TO BRING & OTHER SPECIFICS will be circulated.

7 Esikaleni Hole in the Wall Trail Map From Port Edward to Kei Mouth lies 320km of exceptional coastline the Wild Coast. This year s spring Wild Walk will traverse the Pondoland and central coastal belt. Wild Walk encourages you to be an active participant to this event and we welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you in striving for a better Wild Coast. Share intimate knowledge of this exceptional coastal belt and its vibrant communities, walk alongside specialists and absorb one of our country s most special, diverse and dynamic natural environments. Details & Bookings AFRICAN HEARTLAND JOURNEYS Karen Wannenburg karen@ahj.co.za