Experience the wildlife on the eco-trails

SOUTH Africa has some of the most scenic landscapes in the world with ample wildlife to admire. What better way to explore the wildlife than to travel with a 4×4-vehicle over an off-beaten route. And with South Africans having a wide choice from various provinces, Review focused on Kruger National Park’s guided tours.

Kruger National park 4×4 eco-trails

On can travel from Phalaborwa to Pafuri through two provincial unfenced reserves from the Kruger National Park. Follow your guide through Mopani bush that becomes baobab country. You will be travelling on rough tracks by day and camp in the wild in the bush at night.

The Kruger Park activities are not short in abundance. This wild, untamed part of Africa is a haven for adrenaline junkies who want to combine their love of nature with their spirit of adventure.

The Kruger National Park, referred to as the jewel in South Africa’s beautiful crown, is home to the world-famous big five, as well as superior accommodation, African sunshine, and loads of exciting outdoor activities.

A Kruger National Park safari is definitely an experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime. These unpredictable trips offer an array of viewing opportunities, from thrilling hunts by nature’s most fierce predators to the simple yet majestic views of Zebra grazing on the horizon as the sun begins to set.

Alternatively, consider the challenging hikes and exhilarating guided walks on offer such as the walking rhino safari.

This package tour combines the best of both worlds with safari drives, as well an array of walking safaris where you can get up close and personal with a number of animals in the presence of qualified and experienced guides. Here you can learn more about the setting around you, as well as interesting facts on the animals that roam the plains.

Other exciting activities you could try at the Kruger Park include sleep-outs where you can hear nature’s actual soundtrack or spending time in an animal hide, which allows you to observe a variety of animals for close-up without them being alerted by your presence.

If you are craving for excitement and adventure, then Dirty Boots can point you in the right direction as they have hundreds of activities for you to choose from, not only the Kruger National Park, but across South Africa. Use our resources now to experience these exhilarating Kruger Park activities for yourself.

For reservations, contact: (012) 428 9111 or 082 233 9111

Lebombo Overland eco-trail

This 4×4-expedition is a great way to explore the beautiful hidden treasures of South Africa’s wilderness.

Experienced and professional guides can lead up to five vehicles on this trail. On the way, you will refuel and replenish supplies in Lower Sabie, Olifants and Shingwedzi Rest Camps before you end five days later at the Pafuri Camp.

The Lebombo Overland Eco Trail criss-crosses over about 525km across the length of the Kruger National Park and follows the Lebombo mountain range from the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp in the south to Pafuri in the north. The trail starts where two countries meet, South Africa and Mozambique, and ends near the meeting place of a third, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

During the five days and four nights you will follow the eastern boundary of the park and spend time in more than 30 different habitats. Each day is filled with the possibilities of wildlife encounters. Your guide will also help with identifying spoor and plant species. At night you will sleep in unfenced camps and cook around the camp fire.

A combination of wildlife encounters and spectacular scenery makes this guided self-drive route one of the most amazing 4×4 trails in South Africa. Note that this route is not a 4×4 obstacle course, but an opportunity for true bush lovers to enjoy unspoilt wilderness.

Contact hesther.vandenberg@sanparks.org or bookings@dirtyboots.co.za or alternatively call (012) 426 5117

Get off the beaten track and explore the Kruger National Park on a 4×4 Adventure Trail. The trails are not a test for your 4×4, but a great one day option for off road enthusiasts, intended to bring you into close contact with some of the parks amazing environments and its wildlife. Each trail is booked at the camp site where it starts.

You can take your pick from:

The Madlabantu (or man-eater) trail, starting at the Pretoriuskop Rest Camp and winding its way southwards and then along the Nsikasi River. This is rhino territory and before you have completed the 46km, chances are that you will also encounter some of the big five if not all of them.

The Managa (or wilderness) trail starts near the Satara Camp and covers 48km of knob thorn, marula savannah and grassland where you can expect herds of grazers and of course their predators.

The Nonokani (or drive slowly) trail starts close to the Phalaborwa gate. This 46km trail heads south along the Olifants River.

The Northern Plains trail begins between Shingwedzi Camp and Pafuri Camp. This 49km trail will take you through Mopane shrub veld and the baobabs of the Sand veld.

For more information, contact (012) 428 9111 or 082 233 9111 or send an e-mail to reservations@sanparks.org or bookings@dirtyboots.co.za.