Trails: Valley of the Olifants, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Nonokani Adventure Trail (Kruger Park)
Trail Type: 4 x 4
Closest Town: Ba-Phalaborwa
Location: Trail starts 11km from the Phalaborwa gate
Description: When you go on the Nonokani Adventure Trial you see the Kruger Park in a different way by driving on ranger's roads, firebreaks and jeep tracks. Not only do you feel like you're the sole vehicle in the park but you're also allowed to leave your vehicle - under certain conditions of course. The drive is five hours and only graded one on difficulty. Book at Phalaborwa Gate on the morning of the Trail. The maximum vehicles allowed are six. Accomodation is available at Letaba which is in the Kruger Park itself.
Neville Grading: 1
Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6509

Timbavati Wilderness
Trail Type: Game walks
Closest Town: Ba-Phalaborwa
Location: Ba-Phalaborwa
Description: 3, 4 or 5 days; easy; circular; guided in game reserve; for reserve guests only; 10 persons max
Enquiries: Mike Buchel and Keith Griffiths
Tel: + 27 (0)31 207 1565
Fax: + 27 (0)31 207 2320

Mapulaneng: Pool
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Bushbuckridge
Description: 12km/1day; difficult; circular; overnight facilities; 16 persons max
Comments: In a forest not far from Graskop
Enquiries: Dept of Environmental Affairs & Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)15 295-3025
Fax: + 27 (0)15 291-2654

Mapulaneng: Red Duiker
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Bushbuckridge
Description: 15km/1 day; difficult; circular; overnight facilities; 16 persons max
Comments: In a forest not far from Graskop
Enquiries: Dept of Environmental Affairs & Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)15 295-3025
Fax: + 27 (0)15 291-2654

Mapulaneng: Trogon
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Bushbuckridge
Description: 16km/1 day; moderate; circular; overnight facilities; 16 persons max
Comments: In a forest not far from Graskop
Enquiries: Dept of Environmental Affairs & Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)15 295-3025
Fax: + 27 (0)15 291-2654

Piesangkop
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Duiwelskloof [Back to Top]
Description: 7km/ 4hours; easy; circular; holiday resort at base with huts and caravan and camp sites
Enquiries: Duiwelskloof Holiday Resort
Tel: + 27 (0)152 309-9651
Fax: + 27 (0)152 309-9419

Selati
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Gravelotte
Location: 4 Hours drive from JHB and PTA: In the heart of the Limpopo Province. Bushveld with huge Boabab trees and lush vegetation.
Description: Selati Hiking Trails offers three circular routes: Sable (7.5 km), ostrich (7 km) and the Giraffe the ( 5 km). Bush camp: five stunning ethnic huts: Bunk beds, mattresses, bedding incl. Fully equipped gas kitchen and braai facilities for (24 hikers). Neat ablutions: hot and cold water showers, flush toilets and hand basins. Bush veld trails and lots of Game (from the smaller Duiker to kudu, giraffe, nyala, zebra etc. and more than 140 species of birds to be seen. Natural rock pools and swimming in the Selati river.
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
e-mail: anvie@iburst.co.za
Web: http://www.anvieventures.co.za

Louis Changuion
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Haenertsburg
Description: 11km/1 day; average; circular; accommodation in Haenertsburg
Enquiries: Reservations
Tel: + 27 (0)15276 4328
Fax: + 27 (0)15276 4328

Louis Changuion
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Haenertsburg
Description: 11km circular; accommodation in Haenertsburg.
Enquiries: Reservations
Tel: + 27 (0)15276 4328
Fax: + 27 (0)15276 4328

Wolkberg Wilderness
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Haenertsburg
Description: There are no facilities apart from a few indistinct tracks that dissect it. The hiker can choose his own route and number of days he spends in the area and pitches his/her tent anywhere they choose. Normally wilderness hiking is undertaken by experienced hikers equipped with tents and everything they may possibly need to cover any eventuality. Map reading skills are essential as is a knowledge of First Aid. Wolkberg is a rugged area and hiking in this area can be classed as strenuous and should be only attempted by those who are fit. The hike leader should be an experienced hiker with strong leadership skills. It is important to plan your route before hand and let someone know beforehand your proposed route, the equipment that you are taking with you, your date of return. Never hike alone, especially in a wilderness area. There are no toilet facilities in the wilderness and provision has to be made to dig a whole and burry the excrement. All waste such a tin cans and plastic must be carried out and disposed of after the hike.
Enquiries: Dept of Environmental Affairs and Touris
Tel: + 27 (0)15 276 1303
Fax: + 27 (0)15 297 8962

Kameelperd
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Hoedspruit
Description: 12km/4 hours; easy; circular; overnight bush lapa; 12 persons max
Enquiries: Matumi Game Lodge
Tel: + 27 (0)1528 32452
Fax: + 27 (0)1528 32743

Tsakane Big Five Wilderness Trail
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Hoedspruit [Back to Top]
Location: Tsakane is based in the privately owned Balule Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park
Description: The Balule Game reserve is part of the Kruger National Park where the Great five are to be found, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant and Leopard. Tsakane Wilderness Trail Camp : comprises 4x dome safari tents,(2 x single beds each) complete with comfortable camp furnishings, hot & cold outdoor shower, flush toilet and central lapa and fire place. Our two experienced Trail Rangers, will not only share there knowledge with you, but encourage you to fully participate during the trail. (24h security in camp). Activities include: guided day trails, game drives and specialist photographic and birding excursions. Night Trails are also available.
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: +27 (0)12 662 1140/ 0586
Fax: 086 548 2348
e-mail: anvie@iburst.co.za
Web: http://www.anvieventures.co.za

Whipalong
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Hoedspruit
Location: Plot 42, Kampersrus
Description: We live at the foot of the Drakensburg in the small town of Kampersrus (Travellers retreat). We ride in the Moholoholo Mountainview Game Reserve. Size of Reserve approx. 4000 hectares. You can expect to see rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, etc., as well as smaller species and birds. We offer horse trails and a volunteer programme.
Enquiries: Kate van Staden
Tel: +27 (0)15 793 1109
Cell: +27 (0)83 626 6324
e-mail: info@whipalong.co.za
Web: http://www.whipalong.co.za

Klaserie Lowveld Trail
Trail Type: Game walks
Closest Town: Klaserie
Description: 5 day; easy; guided; in nature reserve; circular trails from rustic tented camp; catered; return transport to and from Johannesburg included; 5 persons min/ 8 persons max
Tel: + 27 (0)11 814-2855
Fax: + 27 (0)11 814-2855

Mariepskop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Klaserie
Description: Closed
Enquiries: Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry
Tel: + 27 (0)13 767-1833

Sandringham Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Game walks
Closest Town: Klaserie
Description: 3 days; average; guided; various routes in game reserve; tented camp; catered; 8 persons max
Enquiries: S Liversage
Tel: + 27 (0)1528 32449
Fax: + 27 (0)1528 32449

De Neck 4x4 Trail
Trail Type: 4 x 4
Closest Town: Letsitele
Description: Four trails on lowveld plains and mountainous terrain, various accommodation options.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Ndzalama
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Letsitele [Back to Top]
Description: 28km/2 day; average; guide available; various routes in wildlife reserve; hut and lodge; 12 persons max
Enquiries: Ndzalama Wild Life Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386 8714
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386 8699

Ndzalama
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Letsitele
Description: 28km horse trail; guide available; various routes in wildlife reserve; hut and lodge; 12 persons max
Enquiries: Ndzalama Wild Life Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386 8714
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386 8699

Northern Plains Trail (Kruger Park)
Trail Type: 4 x 4
Closest Town: Shingwedzi
Location: Trail starts about 30km north of Shingwedzi on the H1-7
Description: The Northern Plains Trail is a gentle 48km cruise, starting at Babalala picnic spot, 33km north of Shingwedzi. Easy as off-roading goes, but then the focus is on game viewing and seeing the Kruger in a different way. The minuimun time for this easy route is four hours and is not guided. Book at Shingwedzi reception on the morning of the trail. Accomodation is available at the Shingwedzi camp which is in the Kruger Park itself.
Neville Grading: 1
Tel: +27 (0)13 735 4030

Giraffe
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Tzaneen
Description: 33km/3day; easy; circular in Hans Merensky Nature Reserve; hut; 12 persons max. at least one person over 18years
Enquiries: Aventura Eiland
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386-8633/ 386-8759
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386-8632
Game viewing: Breeding area for giraffe and sable antelope, variety of other species.

Legakalameetse
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Tzaneen
Description: 3 days; average; circular route and various day walks in nature reserve; hut and camp site.
Enquiries: Legakalameetse Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386-8633
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386-8632

Letaba
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Tzaneen
Description: 3/ 4/ 7km; easy; circular in Hans Merensky Nature Reserve; overnight facilities available at base; no restriction to number of people; free of charge
Enquiries: Aventura Eiland
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386-8633/ 386-8759
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386-8632

Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Tzaneen [Back to Top]
Description: The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail is situated on the escarpment close to the Limpopo Province town of Tzaneen. The trail offers several options for the hiker from two days up to five days duration. Trail huts along the route take the form of old forestry buildings or modern purpose-built wooden chalets. The area is rich in indigenous forest through which sparkling mountain streams descend. The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail is a very beautiful trail. It needs a certain degree of fitness to complete the trail especially the five day route. The two day routes are less demanding and suitable for family hikers.
Neville Grading: 15.14
Enquiries: SAFCOL
Tel: + 27 (0)13 754 2724
Fax: + 27 (0)13 754 2790
e-mail: ecotour@klf.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za

Mopane
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Tzaneen
Description: 1km; easy; circular in Hans Merensky Nature Reserve; overnight facilities available at base; no restriction to number of people; free of charge
Enquiries: Aventura Eiland
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386-8633/ 386-8759
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386-8632

Waterbuck
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Tzaneen
Description: 11km; easy; circular in Hans Merensky Nature Reserve; overnight facilities available at base; no restriction to number of people
Enquiries: Aventura Eiland
Tel: + 27 (0)15 386-8633/ 386-8759
Fax: + 27 (0)15 386-8632