We offer bus tours and hikes of the unspoiled Pondoland in the north of the Transkei.

Pondoland is the home of the amamPondo people, who are part of the Xhosa nation. The people are hospitable and eager to share their rich culture and learn about yours. Your guides are fluent in Xhosa and English.

Routes to and through Pondoland

If you want to travel overland all the way, we leave on the Pure Pondo Adventure Bus from Cape Town, South Africa's vacation capital, through the famous Garden Route to Transkei in the Eastern Cape.

Alternatively, we can arrange your flight from any local departure point to our nearest pickup in the Eastern Cape, where we will drive you to the start of your adventure. 

If you want to travel to Port St Johns on your own (its known as South Africa's best kept secret paradise destination) we'll meet you there (and even help you find the best accommodation before you go.)  

For international travelers, Johannesburg and Cape Town are major destinations for most international airlines. They offer the tourist a huge variety of accommodation in hotels, backpackers and B&Bs. We will arrange your travel from there, or any city you are in, to Pondoland.

In the hills of Pondoland we stay in traditional thatched mud huts which are spacious, cool and comfortable. We sleep in the traditional style on grass sleeping mats. Water from the river is brought up for washing, drinking water is collected in rain tanks. Toilets are "a bush with a view".

Traditional food in Pondoland is largely vegetable and maize based. Chicken, venison or beef are occasionally offered, but always separately so vegetarians can comfortably decline it. 

Fish and shellfish are a local speciality and are frequently available.

At all non-traditional accommodation we can cater for most tastes.

This journey through the ancient shamanic culture offers the unique opportunity to experience a traditional spiritual personal sweat bath called ukufutha. Your visit to the homestead of the Sangomas (shamans) will also give you the chance to have your life situation divined in the ancient Pondo style, and if necessary receive healing through the powerful medicines and magic of Africa.

Traditional handcrafts and beadwork are also available from local crafters.

Your guide is an  experienced tour leader and resident of Pondoland. He and his team  will provide for all your needs, including translation where necessary, and offer unique access to the real community and spiritual life of the area. He is a qualified level 4 guides with the South African tour guide authority THETA.

Chris Ntombemhlophe is a qualified horticulturalist who trained as a Sangoma (Shaman) with the Dlamini clan in rural Pondoland. Part of his calling as a Sangoma is cultural bridging and since 1993 he has guided people into Pondoland to share this beautiful place and its wonderful people

Pondoland lies in a temperate sub-tropical coastal zone rich in rivers, indigenous forest, mangrove swamps, beaches, waterfalls, grasslands and magnificent vistas. The flora and fauna is diverse and abundant including many rare species. Your guides will also introduce you to the array of unique medicinal plants that grow throughout the route. 

Summer weather (September to February) is hot during the day ( up to about 30°C/86°F) and usually warm at night, although it can get cool at night if it rains. Pondoland is a summer rainfall area. 

Winter weather (March to August) is generally warm and dry during the day (from 16°C/61°F  to about 24°C/75°F). Nights can be a crisp 10°C/50°F.

At all times during the year, the amazing spectacle of the Milky Way fills the night sky with an infinity of stars.

No vaccinations are required to enter South Africa. The Pondoland area is free of malaria and tropical diseases. If you take medication, be sure to bring adequate supplies with you. 

Bring shorts, vests, T-shirts, swimming costumes, sarongs, a pair of trousers, a warm jumper.

Sunblock is essential (at least factor 30) and a hat or cap is recommended.

A camera with plenty of film or a large memory card. If you have compact binoculars they are a plus.

Toiletries and sanitary items can be purchased in Cape Town or brought with you.

A towel.

A sleeping bag. We also have sleeping bags for hire if you'd prefer not to carry one all the way from home.

Walking shoes with plenty of thick socks OR Sturdy sandals (recommended.)

Insect repellant.

Torch.

Luxuries of your choice.

A backpack and daypack. 

Try to bring as little as possible because you'll be carrying it! (Although there is a place to leave excess baggage while hiking if really necessary.)

Pure Pondo Adventures operates with adequate public liability. However, clients will not be permitted to join the adventure without their own travel insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. 

While every precaution is taken to preserve the safety of the clients, the company does not hold itself responsible for any accident, injury, death, illness, theft, loss of or damage to any property or delays from any cause whatsoever sustained or suffered by any person, occurring anytime during the tour. The client hereby indemnify and hold blameless the company, its members, helpers and agents from any claims of whatsoever nature.

This contract shall be interpreted according to the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Pure Pondo Adventures reserves the right to alter the route, the transportation or accommodation with or without prior notice, should it be deemed necessary.