See part 1 here.
We set off on day two feeling cautiously optimistic. After yesterday’s chaos with storms, swollen rivers and closed lodges, we figured we were due for some good luck. And sure enough, the skies had calmed. Still windy, but no rain and no apocalyptic skies.
We crossed a few rivers, but nothing like yesterday’s drama.
By mid-afternoon, we reached another wide river. We didn’t cross it, because our next accommodation, the Mkhambathi Lodge, was supposedly just up the hill on our side. Encouraged by the prospect of arriving in daylight for once, we trudged up.
Instead, we found a ghost lodge. A cluster of locked buildings, not a soul in sight. We peered through the windows… nope, no one. It was yesterday all over again, minus the rain and darkness.
Were we even in the right place? Across the river, we spotted scattered buildings in the forest. Maybe that was the lodge?
We scrambled back down the hill to the river and debated our next move. While we stood at the shore, we saw a man with a kayak. Kai and I waved him over, while Andi and Andrea (A&A) coolly got ready to swim across. Brave souls!
On the far bank, we stumbled into a cheerful little lodge called Pondo Beachcamp. They confirmed our suspicion: the Mkhambathi lodge was indeed back on the original side – but we should have gone to the reception gate, which was a kilometre uphill from where we’d been. Because obviously, why make it easy?
While I frantically went off to organise a kayak for our return crossing, Kai and A&A came up with a better plan: stay here.
The woman in charge hesitated. They weren’t supposed to take in unguided hikers, and since no guests were expected, there was no food. “That’s fine,” we said, “we just need beds.” She smiled and agreed – problem solved!
Later, I found out just how close we’d come to another dead end: Mkhambathi Lodge had emailed that same day to say they were closed due to a power outage caused by the storm. With no signal, the message never reached us. In the end, staying at Pondo Beachcamp wasn’t just convenient – it was the only option that would have worked.
We ate our instant noodles and gratefully collapsed into our beds in our tents. With each passing day, our appreciation for warm shelter and running water only grew.
The next day brought a short, pleasant hike to Lambazi Lodge. This one was supposed to have comfy huts and warm food, and we were clinging to that promise like a lifeline.
What we found felt almost surreal: actual beds with linen, cool drinks from a fridge, homemade cake, and bottomless tea and coffee. After three days of trail mix and soggy crackers, it felt like we’d stumbled into a five-star resort.
Robbie, the cook and host, looked alarmed at the sheer speed with which we devoured dinner. “I’ve never seen guests eat this much,” he said, possibly reconsidering his meal plan for future hikers. We went back for seconds and thirds. Then we sank into our cosy beds, happy and (very) full of good food.
We were back on the trail the next day for one of the highlights of the trip: Waterfall Bluff, one of only 19 waterfalls in the world that plunge straight into the ocean. Nearby was a dramatic rock formation known as “The Cathedral”.
That night, we reached Mbotiye River Lodge, a charming setup with thatched pondo huts, and another good dinner.
Day five led us through the village of Mbotiye, where I finally got to hand out the sweets I’d been carrying for local kids. Their smiles made my backpack feel about five kilos lighter.
By now, we were fully in sync with hiking life: the rhythm, the scenery, the stripped-down simplicity. We could have carried on like that forever.
Our final night was spent at Ntafufu, a self-catering lodge where we emptied our packs of every last oat bar and nut packet. Tomorrow, we’d return to Port St. Johns.
The last stretch had a few tricky bits, but A&A got us through. Gradually, signs of civilization appeared: single trails became jeep tracks, scattered rondavels gave way to clustered homes. And then, suddenly, we were in Port St. Johns and back at our cars.
Driving to the shops felt surreal. Crowds, cell phones and shelves packed with options – returning to civilization was a jolt to the senses.
But our adventure had one last chapter: Hole in the Wall, a coastal rock formation with – you guessed it – an actual hole. We’d rented a small cottage nearby, cooked pasta, and enjoyed our final dinner together.
Looking back on the Wild Coast now, it’s not just the drama – the storms, the locked lodges, the river crossings – that stands out. It’s how the comforts we usually take for granted – dry socks, a hot meal, a working phone connection – suddenly felt like luxuries.
The Wild Coast demands flexibility, humility, and a sense of humour. In return, you get beauty, simplicity, and the rare gift of feeling truly alive in the moment.
I’m joining Runs with Pugs and The Running Teacher’s link-up, Tuesday Topics. I’m also joining Runner’s Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs.
Was für ein Abenteuer !! Man könnte meinen,, du sprichst von einem Film, wirklich Abenteuer pur ! Gut, dass ihr alle alles gesund überstanden habt ! Tolle Bilder, tolle Landschaft, Erfahrungen, die sonst keiner macht !! Gefällt mir !!
Dein letzter Satz spricht für alles : ” you get beauty, simplicity, and the rare gift of feeling truly alive in the moment. “. Schön, dass ihr das erleben konntet, beneidenswert !
Es ist sicherlich auch empfehlenswert, solche Touren nicht ganz alleine zu machen.
Zu Hause angekommen, lernt man das Leben noch mehr zu schätzen ! Danke für das Mitnehmen, liebe Catrina !
Haha, stellenweise fühlte es sich wirklich wie ein Film an – mit einem wildem Drehbuch und vielen nassen Socken 😄 Und du hast recht: Genau solche Erlebnisse bleiben hängen.
Zu viert unterwegs zu sein war Gold wert – ob beim Navigieren, Schwimmen, Essen teilen oder einfach beim gemeinsamen Lachen über all das Chaos. Allein hätten Kai und ich diese Tour sicher nicht gemacht!
Nach so einer Woche bekommt eine funktionierende Dusche und ein gut gefüllter Kühlschrank plötzlich ganz neuen Glanz. Danke, dass du mitgereist bist, liebe Margitta!
Liebe Catrina,
die Strandkühe sind nach wie vor meine absoluten Lieblinge! 😀
Dein Bericht zeigt so deutlich, wie wenig wir brauchen, um glücklich zu sein. Oft hilft das noch weniger vorher, das wenige nachher zu schätzen, wie ihr ja am eigenen Leib spüren durftet/musstet.
Dein Bericht klingt nach einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis – ich bin mir sicher, dass es im Endeffekt so gut funktioniert hat, liegt an eurer Flexibilität und ganz sicher an der Erfahrung, die A+A miteingebracht haben.
Liebe Doris,
die Strandladies waren wirklich ein Highlight – völlig unbeeindruckt von Wind und Wetter lagen sie da und haben ihr Wellnessprogramm durchgezogen 😄
Und ja, genau das haben wir unterwegs gespürt: Wie wenig man wirklich braucht, um zufrieden zu sein – und wie befreiend es ist, den ganzen Überfluss mal loszulassen. A&A waren dabei wirklich unbezahlbar. Ohne ihre Erfahrung und Ruhe wären Kai und ich vermutlich schon an Tag 1 gescheitert – oder gar nicht erst losgelaufen!
Wow! What an adventure! I am glad things worked out for this trip. I agree that many things we take for granted. I am a simple girl, but I don’t think I could handle so many days with limited food, no bed, electricity, and probably no running water.
Thank you, Zenaida! Yes, it definitely pushed us out of our comfort zones. I also thought I was low-maintenance… until I spent a few days rationing trail mix and ramen noodles 😅
But it’s amazing how quickly you adjust when there’s no other option. A proper bed and a cup of hot tea suddenly feel so luxurious!
Das sind unglaublich beeindruckende Fotos einer atemberaubenden Naturlandschaft! Vielen Dank für’s bequeme und pannenfreie “kleine Lesemitnehmen”.
Vielleicht haben die Planer der Tour es genau so gewollt: dass nach einigen entbehrungsreichen Anfängen alle Teilnehmer Dinge wie “Wärme, Essen und keine Lebensgefahr mehr” angemessen als “Das wahre Paradies” zu schätzen lernen 🤗
“The Wild Coast demands flexibility, humility, and a sense of humour.“
Mir scheint, als wärest du wie geschaffen für diese Wilde Küste 🌊
Gab’s in den Gewässern eigentlich Krokodile? 🐊
Das war tatsächlich ein zusätzlicher Stressfaktor – ich habe diese chaotische Tour für die Gruppe geplant und fühlte mich jedes Mal ein bisschen schuldig, wenn etwas nicht klappte. 😅 Zum Glück sind A&A und Kai unglaublich widerstandsfähig, und zum Glück wurden die Unterkünfte mit jedem Tag besser! Vom Chaos ins Paradies – genau so war es. 🤗
Gute Frage wegen der Krokodile: unsere Flussüberquerungen waren erfreulicherweise krokodilfrei – die mögen das Salzwassergemisch am Meer nicht. Krokodile hätten mir wohl den Rest gegeben!
I got so excited when I saw the word “cake” in the title. And now I find myself craving ramen noodles at 8AM after reading about you having them at the end of your long and brutal hiking day.
I loved getting to come along virtually on your adventures!
Haha, sorry, Birchie! I really should’ve snapped a photo of Robbie’s cake – it was a Chai Milk Tart with Coconut, absolutely incredible!
Kind of like this one: https://www.ladismithcheese.co.za/recipe/chai-spiced-milk-tart/
We devoured it so fast, I didn’t even get a chance to THINK about taking a picture. Pure deliciousness!
Wow! A few days of barely surviving does make you appreciate everything. The variety in the accommodations is intriguing!
That scenery though. Almost worth it. 😉
Absolutely, Coco! After a few days, even simple comforts feel like a luxury. I was definitely glad the accommodations got better – and not the other way around! The variety definitely kept things “interesting”.
And yes, that scenery… well, it almost makes the chaos worth it 😉
Liebe Catrina,
Gottseidank wusste ich ja schon vorher, dass ihr zurückgefunden habt in die Zivilisation. Aber was ihr unterwegs alles erleben “durftet”, oder besser gesagt, bewältigen musstet, das war schon allerhand. Ich wäre der Verzweiflung nahe gewesen!
Aber ihr durftet dann doch auch ein paar Annehmlichkeiten und wunderschöne Natur erleben. Das hattet ihr euch sowas von verdient!
Und, ist schon der nächste Abenteuer-Survival-Trip geplant…?
Liebe Grüße aus dem windigen Rheinland!
Elke
Es ist wirklich verrückt, was erfahrene Begleiter wie A&A ausmachen. Die bleiben völlig unerschütterlich, egal was passiert. Wären Kai und ich allein gewesen, hätte ich schon längst verzweifelt das Handtuch geworfen. Diese Wanderung hat mir viel über Durchhaltevermögen und Optimismus beigebracht: Es geht immer irgendwie weiter, Panik bringt nichts… hoffentlich erinnere ich mich das nächste Mal auch daran! 😅
Als nächstes steht eine ganz zahme, kurze Tour in Berchtesgaden an. Stell’ dir vor: gestern habe ich in der Hütte angerufen, jemand hat sofort abgenommen, und die Buchung war gemacht. So unkompliziert, es war schon fast langweilig! 😂
OMG Catrina, this story sounds like something you would tell your grandkids by the campfire, or something from a movie (did I say this about part 1 too?). Insane! I’m in awe about how brave you are. What a feeling it must have been to get proper food!
But it does look like some breathtakingly beautiful places, and I love the hole in the wall.
Haha yes, you did say it sounded like a movie in Part 1 – and Part 2 clearly kept the same scriptwriter 😄 Just with slightly less panic and slightly more food!
Oh, that first proper meal felt like a five-course feast at a palace. Amazing how good real food tastes after three days of trail mix and ramen noodles!
The landscapes really were breathtaking and Hole in the Wall was the perfect ending. Would totally recommend… as long as you bring a pair of extra dry socks and snacks!
Ein wunderbarer und lehrreicher Trip!! Ich mag deine letzten Sätze, das ist es eben, einfach mal zurückschalten und begreifen in was für einem bequemen Luxus wir so leben und immer alles für völlig selbstverständlich hinnehmen.
Ab und zu etwas geerdeter Minimalismus tut uns allen gut. Und sei es nur um diese Kühe am Strand zu sehen 🙂
Sehe ich da Sandalen an deinen Füßen, an der schroffen Klippe??
Und nach wie vor hab ich einen riesen Respekt davor, dass du diesen Trip so kurz nach dem Ultra gemacht hast.
Toller Bericht!
„Geerdeter Minimalismus“ – super gesagt! Trinkwasser, eine trockene Unterkunft, irgendwas Essbares – plötzlich wird alles ganz elementar. Du hast völlig recht: Man vergisst so leicht, in welchem Luxus wir leben.
Ha, die Strandkühe – du hättest sie geliebt! Ich musste sofort an dich denken. Schöne Exemplare auch, mit ihren eleganten langen Hörnern.
SHAMMA-Sandalen, Oliver!! Die waren wirklich genial. Bei jeder Flussüberquerung oder Matsch einfach anziehen. Ich habe sie oft länger angehabt weil es sich sehr gut in denen wandern liess.
Ha, du bist ja auch immer schnell wieder auf den Beinen nach einem Ultra – und hast nicht mal MUSKELKATER! 😂
Wow. You are adventurous. I loved reading this and looking at the photos. But no. I couldn’t imagine doing any of it.
Haha, halfway through I couldn’t imagine doing it either 😄 But I’m so glad you enjoyed reading along – sometimes it’s much nicer to experience these things from the comfort of a dry, warm seat!
definitely!!!
Yowza! I admire you (and your adventure-seeking tribe) for all of this! I love how you persevered through so many roadblocks (literal & figurative) with a true sense of humor. I’m not sure I’d have the same attitude, but it was great experiencing this via your recap. Awesome job, everyone!!
I think you would have persevered with us, Kim! Honestly, without A&A’s experience and calm know-how, Kai and I probably would’ve given up somewhere at day 1! 😅 Their steady presence made a huge difference – and a good sense of humour got us through the rest! There were definitely moments where I was about to give up, but somehow it always worked out. I’m so glad you came along for the ride!
I really admire how go with the flow you are! The way you are able to pivot and deal with adversity on these adventures are very impressive. glad the second half of your adventure went much better for you all
Thank you so much, Deborah! I didn’t always feel go-with-the-flow, but somehow things keep moving forward. Having calm, experienced friends with you definitely helps! 😄 The second half really did redeem the chaos at the start.
Looking back, I’m kind of amazed myself that it all worked out!
Wow wow wow! That scenery! It’s breathtaking! I’m guessing it was worth it! It sounds like a real ordeal, but what a way to discover gratitude for the everyday things. I laughed at this: ” “I’ve never seen guests eat this much,” he said, possibly reconsidering his meal plan for future hikers. ” – hahaha poor guy!
The Cathedral is incredible! I can’t get over those landscapes. And I love the beach cows too.
It definitely felt like an ordeal at times, but that scenery made it all worthwhile. I’m with you, Nicole: Cathedral Rock was my absolute favourite too! Honestly, I found it even more striking than Hole in the Wall.
And yes, poor Robbie – he clearly wasn’t prepared for hikers who’d been surviving on ramen noodles and trail mix for days 😄
The beach cows were the chillest creatures on the entire coast. Total role models in how to handle chaos!
Wow what an incredible adventure you all gad. I guess you were stripped down to the basics and realized what was important in life.
I am amazed at how you all went with the flow and seemed to figure it all out. The other thing that is amazing is how you did this directly after Comrades. Well done.!!
Thanks so much, Ilona! Yes, this trip definitely stripped things down to the essentials – dry socks suddenly became so important, not to mention food and shelter! 😅
You’d love it out there, truly! Next time you visit, you could add Wild Coast on your list. And with the way you’re ramping up your running… maybe you’ll tackle it right after Comrades too? 😃
What gorgeous vistas. And after the big race and then all the drama and inconvenience/discomfort of the first leg of your journey, it must have felt like entering Paradise to have such comfortable beds and nice accommodations.
Rock formations are what awe me the most on Earth, I think. They grandeur and the majestic beauty of something so rugged. And knowing that the various caves and arches were carved out by water over time and without those natural forces we would never get to see in/through them. I’m always humbled and amazed in those settings.
Thank you, Elisabeth! After that chaotic first leg, sinking into a comfortable bed felt like pure luxury. That first sip of freshly brewed tea and a hot shower was absolute heaven.
And yes, those rock formations! I completely agree – there’s something raw and majestic about them. Standing there, knowing they were carved over centuries by water and wind, really puts things into perspective. It’s a bit like gazing up at the stars on a clear night – humbling and awe-inspiring.
The only thing that would have given me concerns were the river crossings. I think A & A were brave considering the current, and who knows what is in that water. I bet there are snakes of various sorts and some underwater predators that could have taken a chomp out of you. Then too there are parasites in those kinds of waters. Wimpy was the good choice for crossing the rivers. I hope A & A don’t get sick! Apart from that the travel seemed enjoyable and challenging without a doubt. Eating a home cooked meal and sleeping in clean beds would have be so welcomed. Finally returning to civilization is indeed a shock after being isolated for such a time. Makes one realize what is necessary and what is not. Great memories with your friends.
You’re right! The river crossings were definitely the most nerve-wracking part. A&A were incredibly brave choosing to swim instead of the kayak. It was a long, cold swim too! As for what might be lurking in the water… I tried really hard not to think about it! 🐍🦦🦞
Interestingly, A&A did get flea bites somewhere along the way, but Kai and I escaped unscathed. Maybe from one of the crossings or just the general bush vibe. Thankfully, no one got seriously sick – even Andi’s foot healed up nicely.
Those delicious meals and clean beds were absolute lifesavers after the rough start. Returning to civilization really hits you. It’s incredible how quickly you start to appreciate the little comforts.
Absolutely great memories, Yves! 🙌🤩
Wow, what an adventure! I can definitely see how that experience can make you appreciate everything we take for granted. It looks like you got to see so many beautiful views!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Yes, after all the accommodation stress and ramen noodles, even a hot cup of tea felt like luxury 😄
And the views truly made it all worthwhile – wild, untouched, and absolutely breathtaking. I’d do it all over again just for those landscapes!
You have the best adventures! I can imagine it must have been a culture shock when you returned to “real life.” So much fun to read.
Thanks so much, Debbie! Yes, total culture shock – people! shops! food that doesn’t come out of a Ziploc bag! 😄
It’s always a bit surreal coming back to “real life” after a trip like that, but I love getting to relive it by writing it all down. So glad you enjoyed reading along!
What a great trip for you, Kai, and the A’s. I admire your spirit of adventure that takes you along rock faces and across roaring rivers. My sense of adventure is a little bit tamer. 😉
How great that things seemed to improve as you went along – definitely my preference if I have a say; although, in your case it was just the luck of the draw.
How did you ease back into regular life? Were you happy to have your creature comforts despite the hustle and bustle or did you miss the simplicity of life outdoors?
Haha, Debbie – your grizzly encounter at Glacier definitely takes the crown for adventure! At least I didn’t have to worry about becoming someone’s lunch. 😳
I was so relieved things started looking up after that chaotic first day. It felt like we’d earned the peace that followed.
Returning to “real life” was a bit of a mixed bag. At first, I revelled in the creature comforts – clean sheets, hot tea, no rivers to cross barefoot. But after a few days, I started missing the simplicity: walk, eat, sleep, repeat. There’s something grounding in that rhythm, even when things to all go according to plan.
Liebe Catrina,
danke auch für diesen ausführlichen Bericht mit so vielen tollen Bildern. Manches kann man sich dadurch auch noch viel besser vorstellen!
Aber, wohl wahr, mal raus aus dem luxuriösen Leben und eintauchen in solch ‘offene Abenteuer’! – Ich gehe bei mir und uns immer davon aus, dass unser Leben nicht so luxuriös ist und doch haben wir sooo viel Komfort! – Da hat schon das einfache Pfadfinderleben auf Pfingstlagern, oder gar in kalten Winterlagern ordentlich erden können!
Meine ‘abenteuerlichste’ Tour war eine Kanufahrt über 5 Tage auf einem kleinen z. T. reißenden Nebenfluss der Aller. Nur in Zelten geschlafen, eigene Tois gebaut, aufgewärmt am Lagerfeuer, da es um Neujahr war, draußen in der freien Natur, ohne direkte Frischwasserversorgung, nur mit Eigenverpflegung und auf Kanus z. T. gegen starke Strömung flussaufwärts unterwegs. Aber eure Tour ist ja nochmal ein paar Stufen härter gewesen. Da wäre ich auch nie alleine oder nur zu zweit losgezogen. Toll, dass ihr von der Erfahrung von A & A profitieren konntet!
Eine größere Sorge wäre für mich auch immer die wegen der Verständigung. Können sie dort alle so gut englisch, oder könnt ihr inzwischen so viel der Sprache der Einheimischen, dass ihr euch verständigen könnt?
Wie waren die Temperaturen tagsüber und nachts? – Bei guter Ausrüstung, entsprechend gut gepacktem Rucksack (nicht wie beim MegaMarsch), sollte man mit guten und warmen Klamotten gut durchkommen, oder täusche ich mich?
Dieses Lächeln der Kinder hätte ich auch gerne hervorrufen wollen! Ein Highlight, oder?
Aber bitte nicht sagen, dass alle Krokodile kein Salzwasser mögen, die leben allerdings weiter östlich! 😆
Liebe Grüße Manfred
Uff, um Neujahr im Kanu unterwegs und dann auch noch im Zelt übernachten – ohne Frischwasser? Respekt, das ist sehr hart! Für mich wäre die Kälte ein Riesenproblem. Deine Tour klingt wirklich nach echtem Abenteuer!
Im Vergleich dazu war es bei uns sehr angenehm: tagsüber so um die 20 °C oder wärmer, nachts etwa 12 °C. Solange es trocken bleibt, war das ok, aber mit Regen und Wind wird’s eher unangenehm. Zwar hätten wir zur Not uns irgendwo windgeschützt verkriechen können, aber ohne Zelt und Schlafsack wären das wohl ziemlich ungemütliche Nächte geworden. Unsere Kleidung wäre auch ungenügend gewesen – definitiv nicht für Outdoor-Biwaks gedacht. 😅
Gute Frage wegen der Verständigung: Ich war überrascht, wie viele der Einheimischen Englisch sprechen. Die lokale Sprache ist Xhosa (das “Xh” steht für ein Klicklaut). Kai und ich verstehen kein Wort davon – und das mit den verschiedenen Klicklauten muss man von Kindsbeinen an können, als Erwachsener hat man keine Chance (zumindest ich nicht!).
Und ja, die leuchtenden Kinderaugen beim Anblick der Süssigkeiten waren ein echtes Highlight! 🤩
Genau: die Salzwasser-Krokos sind viel weiter östlich – um die mussten wir uns zum Glück nicht kümmern! 😂
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnig-frisch-kühlen Zürich!
You all are the coolest! I would have sat down and cried the minute A&A started swimming LOL! I’m so glad the open lodge was able to accommodate you because OMG!!!! The fact that your original lodge was closed down!!!!!
Chaos and cake are two of my favorite C words, so I’m glad you had a little of each. What an incredible adventure!
Haha, Jenn, I did panic for a second – but I was sooooo glad when I saw that kayak coming towards us! It would have been a long swim!
I was very grateful for that Beachcamp – especially when I saw the email later on, telling us the lodge was closed!
And you are so right: chaos and cake is the best combo! 😅
This was quite the adventure! My brother in law used to joke that my sisters and I would not make good pioneers. I think you would have fared well as a pioneer! I love hiking but I do love my creature comforts. But look at the rewards of going out of your comfort zone! Thank you for sharing this beautiful and difficult journey.
Thanks, Wendy! I’m laughing at your brother-in-law’s comment! I suspect I wouldn’t have made it far on the Oregon Trail either! 😅
I also love hiking with a warm bed and dry clothes at the end… but yes, this trip reminded me that there’s a strange satisfaction in embracing the discomfort. The beauty (and the absurdity!) made it so worthwhile.
Wow Catrina- this sounds like the adventure of a lifetime. I can see how even with the discomforts and struggles, it would be so, so worth it. The photos are BEAUTIFUL. And you saw things that you could never have seen any other way. You’ll remember this forever!
Thanks so much, Jenny! You’re right – it was totally worth it, even if some moments felt borderline ridiculous at the time 😅.
I keep thinking the best views always seem to come with the worst weather or the trickiest terrain… but that’s probably why they stick with us.
What an amazing part 2, Catrina. It would have been quite deflating to arrive at Mkhambathi Lodge only to find it all locked up. It was good that Pondo Beachcamp allowed you to spend the night. And good that you were self sufficient and did not need food prepared for you. Lambazi Lodge would have been a treat. After all your experiences it really would have felt so good. It would have been a strange feeling returning to civilization.
Thank you, Carl! Yes, that moment at Mkhambathi Lodge was a real low point – after such a tough day, we were so looking forward to a proper bed. Luckily, Pondo Beachcamp saved the day. And yes, Lambazi Lodge felt like absolute luxury after all the chaos!
So strange to come back to “civilization” – flushing toilets and lights felt almost surreal!
What an adventure never to be forgotten.
An amazing follow on from your last post! I’m so pleased to read that things got way better than the start you all had.
Lambazi lodge looks like an absolute winner after your very basic meals and overnight hardships prior. Robbie sure looked proud in that photo 😅
The picture of the stretch of beach and coast line after Mbotiye looks very much like some of our local beaches here in Pembrokeshire (specifically I’m thinking of Marloes sands here).
How were the kids’ reactions to getting sweets? They must have been pretty ecstatic!
Thanks for these posts. I do enjoy reading about your adventures and getting ideas of my own for the future. At this rate you’ve done enough to write a book. I hope you do one day!
Thanks so much, Sean! Yes, after that rough start, things took a definite turn for the better – Lambazi felt like a five-star resort in comparison! And you’re right, Robbie was proud, especially of his “Chai Latte Cheese Cake” that he made for the first time. He was a fabulous host!
I looked up Marloes Sands – you are right! Very similar to Mbotiye – both are very picturesque.
Oh, the kids’ reactions was so sweet. I had the “Fizzers” with me – I’m sure you know these? I noticed that the kids mostly accepted them with both hands, which I thought was a nice little gesture. It was totally worth carrying the extra weight in my pack. 😊
Your family would love Mbotiye and Lambazi Lodge! With the water and the beach, it’s perfect for kids. And you could go for some good trail runs!
That’s amazing.
I remember fizzers so well. They were a classic in our school ‘tuckshops’. The orange ones especially, but then they released the ‘green’ ones some years later that were even better in my opion. Carmen and I have actually ordered them in via a UK South African online store for our kids to enjoy here at home.
Chalking this one up as another for my list of future adventures!
Haha, I had the green ones with me, they were a hit!
So cool that you and Carmen are passing them on to your kids – some treats just deserve to be shared across generations (and continents)!
You would definitely love the Wild Coast!
So glad you had this experience of the beautiful Wild Coast, a place I love passionately!
It’s an amazing part of this planet, Birdie! 🤩