In July 2007 we set out to hike from Msikaba to Port St Johns situated in Pondoland Transkei. This 90km hike would take us 5 days to complete and was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with a group of friends.
The idea of this trip came about when I met Caine on a previous visit to the Transkei in 2006. Caine is a local guide in the Mbotyi region. He mentioned that he would be able to arrange us a trip from Msikaba south towards Port St Johns. We would be staying with people he knew and they would let us stay in their huts and make us local food every night.
It didn’t take long to get 14 guys together for this trip. Each guy with his own backpack and snacks for the day set out for a truly unforgettable experience.
Caine picked us up with a mini bus and we got dropped off at Rasta’s Spaza Shop. From here we hiked along the coastline south towards Port St Johns covering about 17km a day.
It was a custom that upon arrival every afternoon in the villages we would receive tea which would usually be followed by Samp & Beans and Chicken. Every night passed as we sat next to the fire drinking Black Label Quarts and chatting to the local villagers
We were the first group that Caine had ever taken on such a big trip as he would usually only show people around for day trips. Caine knew every one along the way and was a well educated guide leading the way.
Most Villages we stayed at had never seen hikers stay in their village before, as hikers would either make use of adventure companies like Drifters, camp in campsites or on the beaches. This was therefore an enriching experience to witness other cultures and embrace the beautiful sceneries of the Pondoland coastline.
