A piece of paradise
A few weeks ago we joined our friends from Active Escapes for a ride along the Wild Coast. The Wild Coast is an incredible 300km stretch of virtually pristine coastline from Port Edward to East London. I usually guide their Wild Ride mountain bike tour in the Wild Coast which runs from Kei Mouth to Port St John’s, a 200km ride of sheer fun and fatigue. However I had never visited this northern part of the coast.
Mtentu River Lodge was finally reopened again 7 months ago. Only 25km by foot from Port Edward it makes for a perfect and much-needed overnight stop on any hike or cycle along this part of the Wild Coast.
Active Escapes has now launched their new 3-day mountain bike escape, a return cycle trip from Port Edward to Mtentu with 2 overnights at Mtentu River Lodge and a full day at Mtentu which gives you time to, for example, to explore the magnificent Mkambati reserve and the spectacular Strandloper and Horse Shoe Falls, a 10km return hike.
If you are interested in this cycle tour please contact Sarah Drew at [email protected], cell: 084 240 7277, phone:033 330 6131.
The start of our ride from Wild Coast Sun Resort in Port Edward
Mzamba River mouth - The only river crossing along the way is right at the beginning.
Pushing our way out of the river valley
Sometimes it's better to carry your bike over your shoulders
The Mzamba River mouth
Still pushing up the from valley
And finally on the bikes!
You have to be an skilled mountain biker to ride in this part of the world
Vaughan leading the group, with Sarah and Bridget at the rear.
Vaughan leading the group, with Sarah and Bridget at the rear.
Up again on a rocky and grassy slope
Everybody with their heads down focused on the trail
Finally on a welcomed open road
Beautiful rolling rural landscape
Arriving in Mnyameni Falls
Karen refreshing in the Mnyameni River.
The Mnyameni Falls
Paul Colvin has been riding his bike for many years.
Into signle track again
Bridget competently keeping his bike in the narrow lane
Mtentu Estuary
Mtentu River Lodge where we stayed for 2 nights
The second day we went for a walk to the Strandloper Falls in the Mkambati River
The big pool is completely hidden from the main path
Mkambati River Mouth
Going back to Mtentu River Lodge
Crossing the Mtentu River
Renee and Bridget enjoying the ride, while Dave is hard at work
Vaughan, volunteering as a ferryman
The Mtentu River mouth - The Mtentu River Lodge is right on the oposite shore
The setting of the Mtentu River Lodge is just spectacular
Threatening clouds hovering over the Mtentu River Lodge
