The hike to the Manteku Estuary is a 20km round route which although taxing, covers a beautiful stretch of classic Wild Coast shoreline.
We start heading south from Mbotyi along the cattle-made cliff paths. The paths lead us over the famous angling spot known as “Shark Point” and down onto the beautiful Mzimpunzi Beach.
As we round the next corner the beaches become more beautiful and the footprints fewer. The paths carry us alongside the coastal milkwood forests which are a great place for rest and some shade before ascending onto the hill tops.
The massive Colliers Rock otherwise known as “iNtaka Image” which translates into “the stone always with a bird on it” marks the half-way point.
From here, on the left one can see the spectacular drop down the steep hillsides into the sea below and to the right, the impenetrable rainforests which run alongside as far as the eye can see.
Eventually the pristine Manteku Estuary appears before us and we are able to see it winding back up the gorge into the forests from where it came.
Although at low tide you may be able to wade across this river be sure not to spend too long on the other side as at high tide the whole estuary fills with an almost luminescent blue water and you will find yourself searching for a porter to take you back across.
This is a great place to spend some time swimming and enjoying the beach before having to turn for home.
MbotyiOnline 