OUR RETREATS
The Pondo Wild Man
“An invitation to awaken the wild man.”
The Wild Coast, South Africa
01 - 06 February 2027
The Wild Coast will call you home
You are personally invited to join a highly curated group of men on a four-day adventure in Pondoland on South Africa’s untamed Wild Coast, guided by Matt Botha and hosted by Boyd Varty & Richie Laburn.
On this wild and fragile stretch of untouched coastline, the land moves to its own rhythm, and the tides govern our passage. This place holds magic and mystery in its rare beauty, unique biodiversity, and deep cultural history.
This is an invitation to awaken your wild man in a guided circle of brotherhood - a journey, and perhaps an awakening, to what it means to be truly alive.
Overview
-
This highly curated retreat is for those men who are answering the call to adventure, ready for the discovery of a new aliveness.
Limited to 12 Men
By invitation only
-
An exciting, shared adventure in one of the most remote and wildly beautiful places in Africa.
Expert guides with a deep knowledge and passion for the ecology and cultural history of this land.
Secret waterfalls, rare plant species, unexpected experiences, and campfire storytelling.
An intimate circle of brotherhood.
Fully catered, unmatched South African hospitality.
Community-focused and sustainable eco-tourism.
-
The Pondo Wild Man Retreat is $6000 per person
Registration includes:
Five nights of accommodation, all meals while on the trail, vehicle support, luggage handling (so you hike light), snacks, refreshments and local alcoholic beverages and road transfers.
Registration excludes:
International and domestic flights
Private Charters
Accommodation prior and post the trail
-
01 - 06 February 2027
Pondoland, South Africa: Our adventure starts in at the Estuary Hotel in Port Edward.
-
You will fly into King Shaka International Airport to land by midday on Monday 1 Feburary. A 2 hour road transfer will take you to Port Edward to spend the night at the Estuary Hotel.
The Pondo Wild Man begins in the early morning of Tuesday 2nd February.
When the retreat ends on Saturday 6th February, there will be Road Transfers available back to Durban or Mthatha for departing flights.
-
Boyd Varty
Boyd is the co-founder of Track Your Life. He holds a psychology degree from the University of South Africa. He is a certified Master Life Coach, the author of two books and a TED speaker.
Boyd has been running Track Your Life retreats for the past ten years. Using wilderness as a place for deep introspection and personal transformation, he has taught his philosophy of “Tracking your Life” to companies and individuals all over the world.
Richie Laburn
Richie is the other co-founder of Track your Life. He is a husband, father of 2, Enneagram facilitator, and the Sustainability and Technology Director at Londolozi Game Reserve.
Richie is also an experienced yoga teacher, having developed his practice since 2014. His mission is to reconnect the human spirit back to the natural world.
“As the body finds its oldest expression in movement across landscape, the psyche seems to follow the body out of the confined defined spaces of modern life into more ungoverned terrain.”
“And we find ourself engaged in a deeply relational encounter with life through the mirror of nature.”
“I am always moved by how natural it is for men to bond in wilderness.”
“We find life force in the energy of rivers and waterfalls.”
“The retreat is both a walking meditation and a conjuring of the archetype of the Wild Man.”
A journey, an experience, an adventure
Itinerary
-
01 February 2027 - Arrive at King Shaka International Airport. A two hour road transfer will take you to the Estuary Hotel* in Port Edward to meet up with your hosts, Richie and Boyd, for your first night.
-
Our adventure starts at around 8am in Port Edward where we travel by boat, on a phenomenal ocean safari to view a variety of marine life.
After disembarking, we hike through the mostly forgotten wilderness of the Mkambathi Nature Reserve, picnic beneath a waterfall and enjoy sundowners overlooking the Msikaba estuary.
We spend the night at the Msikaba Beach Camp.
Distance: 7 -9 miles
-
At sunrise, we kayak up the Msikaba estuary, accompanied by resident Cape Vultures circling overhead and baboons along the riverbank.
We hike south from Msikaba to Luphatana, past the famous Grosvenor shipwreck and on to Lambazi beach. The celebrated ‘Pondo Shower’ marks the end of Day 2.
We spend the night at the rustic Luphutana Beach Camp.
Distance: 11.8 miles
-
Today, Pondoland truly shows off. Along the trail, we explore majestic landmarks, breath-taking viewpoints, hidden caves and secret valleys.
We overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge.
Distance: 12.5 miles
-
The essence of the magnificent Pondoland coastline is captured in the last day. Our hike takes us past five secluded and pristine beaches, linked only by secret cattle paths - in a short stretch between Mbotyi and Manteku.
A final climb takes us to a breathtaking viewpoint and the space for reflection - a seminal and healing experience.
-
06 February 2027 - A leisurely breakfast and closing ceremony.
The journey home - sporting the glorious ‘Pondo Glow’ begins, and yet you might find that a part of your heart remains.
Testimonals
-
![]()
Chase
The most incredible hike of my entire life.
We navigated crashing waves, and stood under waterfalls that dropped directly into the ocean, all while volleying around real and meaningful conversations. Over four days Boyd definitely guided us through a death and rebirth rite of passage.
-
![]()
Cal
An adventure along the South African coastline - hiking across the landscape, leaping from cliffs, and engaging in meaningful and revealing fireside conversations. Along this journey there was one primary aspect that we all felt truly touched by: the awakening of our unique wild self.
-
![]()
Tom
The Pondo Trail with Boyd stripped away everything I thought I knew about leadership. Walking the ancient coastline, I found myself face-to-face with a primal energy I'd buried under years of work.
Boyd's approach isn't therapy - it's archaeology of the soul. By day three, the wild man emerged: untamed, instinctual, fiercely protective of what matters. This wasn't about becoming someone new; it was about remembering who I'd always been beneath the armor.
-
![]()
Fernando
With elements of ancient rites of passage, we walked for five days away from civilization and our regular lives…
I feel incredibly grateful for the Pondo Trail, Wild Child, Boyd and the Track Your Life team, as well as all the incredible men who showed up fully for one another during this wild week free from the digital world. May we all make friends with the snake of change, allowing it to follow us on our journey and help us shed what we need to let go of.
=
-
![]()
Yanush
What a truly EPIC trip!
Thank you for creating memories, for meaningful conversations, for good laughs, for fun stories, and most importantly… for brotherly love.
-
![]()
Nick
To me, the wild self walks in a tribe. I believe the wall in the community kitchen at Londolozi says “Ubuntu“ which, as far as I remember means “Together“ or “Interdependence“. So thank you for walking this life together with me and gifting your presence and wisdom.
-
![]()
Josh
This is a core memory for life because of you all and the magical Pondo land. What an incredible week. Thanks for everything and I hope this is the first of many as a squad. And… Boyd and Richie, thank you for pulling this all together, what a gift you gave us all!
-
![]()
Kevin
This trip changed everything. It was my integration step. Couldn’t be more grateful.
Accomodation and Catering
Our first, second and fourth nights are spent in comfortable Pondo Beach Camps chalets - en-suite units that accommodate 2 people (sharing). Our third night is spent at the beautiful Mbotyi River Lodge.
The Wild Child is known for its nourishing and delicious Pondo Trail cuisine - freshly prepared each day. The team takes pride in sourcing locally and utilising much of what we harvest from our journey. The menu is tried and tested and guarantees to be healthy, tasty, and fresh.
During season and when ocean conditions are favourable, delicacies can be sustainably harvested and enjoyed along the way!
About Wild Child Africa
-
After 30 years of exploring the paths of the Wild Coast, Matt and Tim purposefully curated the Pondo Trail - a flagship adventure experience of Wild Child Africa.
The unique and untouched Pondoland coastline is too fragile to sustain high-density tourism. As such, the Pondo Trail is designed with a low environmental impact - merging barefoot luxury with community development and environmental sustainability.
Location
Pondoland | Wild Coast
Eastern Cape Province
South Africa
Retreat Team
-
![]()
Boyd Varty
RETREAT HOST
-
![]()
Richie Laburn
RETREAT HOST
FAQs
-
Guests are accommodated in 2-sleeper units. All units are equipped with an en-suite toilet and hot water shower.
Linen, bath towels (1 per guest) and soap are provided.
Your linen and towel will travel with you to each overnight stop so it’s in your own best interest to preserve your towel as best as possible. Our system ensures that your linen will be moved onto your same corresponding bed at the next camp.
Charging points are available at all camps. However, there are no plug points in the units (they are solar powered).
-
Daily distances range between 10 and 20km which will take us between 5 and 8 hours. Each day presents different challenges and new opportunities. The key is to travel light and to be as mobile as possible as spontaneity is often the key to a hidden secret. River crossings are influenced by tides and may require getting wet or a short swim. The physical and fitness requirements of the walk are not hugely demanding. However, there is no doubt that the fitter you are the more enjoyable it will be. A few nice long walks beforehand will put you on the front foot!
There is very little total altitude gain as the route sticks predominantly to the water’s edge. The Pondo Trail offers magnificent diversity as not a single day is like another.
You need to be able to swim.
-
Back-pack (between 15 – 25 litre). We’ll be walking light with only water, camera, snack-pack, warm top etc.
Duffel bag – for the rest of your equipment that will go with the support van to each overnight stop. Dust-proof / water-proof duffels are highly recommended. Please pack lightly as space is very limited and life is simple in Pondoland.
Comfortable pair of walking shoes that can get wet. Shoes, as opposed to hiking boots, are advised. Trail-Running type shoes are first choice. Avoid leather. Your shoes WILL get wet. Some of our guests enjoy bringing along a pair of lightweight rock shoes for river crossings.
6 pairs of walking socks – if it’s wet you may like to change them at the lunch stop on the longer days.
2 x water bottles or hydration bladder to carry a minimum or 1.5 litres at a time.
Beach towel or sarong to travel in your duffel bag. A small quick dry towel works well in your backpack for drying off after a swim or river crossing.
2 x comfortable, lightweight / quick-dry shorts or tights to walk in.
4 x comfortable lightweight shirts to walk in.
Lightweight waterproof shell jacket to go in your backpack.
Cap / peak / hat
Sunglasses
Walking stick or hiking poles – highly recommended.
Costume / swimming shorts (we’ll swim along the way)
Camera
Casual clothes and a pair of jeans for camp
Slops or comfortable shoes for camp
Warm jumper
Headlight
Toiletries and sunscreen
A roll of 50mm Elastoplast for blisters
Personal medication, including tick and mosquito repellent.
Mask and snorkel if you want to dive for crayfish.
A plastic bag for dirty or wet clothes and socks.
Your guide will have a dry bag for electronics and valuables at river crossings, however, if you have your own, please bring them along
Your guide will have a medical kit with general medication and first aid.
-
The retreat cost is fully inclusive of five nights accommodation (1 - 5 February February), meals and drinks while on the trail.
The cost is exclusive of international and domestic flights, private charters, and pre- and post- hike accommodation.
Travel Insurance, conservation levies and gratuities are not included in the registration fee.
We highly recommend you take travel insurance covering for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, as well as cancellation and curtailment – as your reservation will be subject to cancellation penalties.
Read our Terms and Conditions here.
-
No immunizations are required for Pondoland. If you are travelling anywhere before or after your trip, please consult your health practitioner for information on immunizations you may require.
-
There is very limited cell phone reception along the trail for the first 3 days. Plan on being offline.
There are secret, strategic cell phone reception points that we can reach in case of an emergency on the trail.
At overnight camps, a short walk to reception points will allow you to check in with your loved ones each night. Please understand that the signal in Pondoland is sporadic at the best of times – especially during loadshedding.
We will provide you with an emergency number for your loved ones to be able get hold of you while on the trail.