SANParks.org Forums

Hi Everyone

Thanks Freda. You summed up 100% EXACTLY how KNP management see the four adventure trails. I am afraid that we have had guests that have been on the trails and thought that they didn't challenge their 4x4 driving skills enough - but we don't believe that is the purpose of a national park.

Besides Freda, is there any other forumite that has done all four trails (just out of interest sake)?

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

I have booked for the park in mid-September and am very keen to explore this route (hopefully it's not booked up!).
I like to research my planned routes thoroughly as this helps us in not rushing, and experiencing the best that each area has to offer, not fly past it being oblivious to what is so special.

Does anybody have a copy of the Mananga route instructions and directions, or even a map or the GPS route pre-planned? If you do please could you scan it in that we could see, or if you prefer, pm me and I'll give you my e-mail adress to mail it to?

Hi and welcome, Riverrat
We have never had a problem with these trails being fully booked, in fact we have only ever seen one other vehicle on the six times we have done the trails.
The only time they close the trails is if there has been heavy rains which is the reason you can't pre-book.
Please see my PM.

Riverrat, I have just done the trail, worth every single cent. Never seen so many animals in one day, and so close up.

Watch my 2 week report coming up, as I have made a comprehensive list of waterholes etc with their coordinates, including Mananga trail.

Hi All / KNP Spokes (Now 40)

Done all four at various times of the year. TOTAL Bush is what I go for. Solitude, hardly ever see another sole or vehicle for that matter, if I happen to see someone ahead, I slow down, if someone approaches from behind, which has happened once or twice, I let them pass. Allways have brunch packed, and the necessary refreshments and beverages.

Memories of the trails
Madlabantu - getting caught in a thunderstorm whilst out on trail, believe me that's why you need 4x4.
Mananga - Wildebeest, zebra, and elephant like a small migration. Photographing a baby boomslang, extreme close ups from the vehicle.
Nonokani - never seen so many Golden Aubs in my life, getting charged by a hippo whilst trying to cross the overflow onto the dam wall en route.
Northern Plains - really big bull elephants, watching tsetsebe running into a dam and "hide" with only their noses sticking out. Sitting at a waterhole/dam, and being enveloped in a buffalo herd 800 strong.

The reason why I haven't reported on them before, I probably want to try and keep it as quiet as possible to enjoy for many years to come. Yes game viewing is generally good, depending what you are looking for, but for a Bush Junkie like myself, plenty to see and explore.

Lebombo Trail - what a way to go.

Hi guys,

Just a quick question. Is a 4x4 a must ? Will a 2x4 with diff lock be ok ? I am going to Satara next month (September) so I guess there won't be much of a chance of rain. I would really love to do the Mananga trail.
Your answers will be greatly aprreciated.

Thanks !
Jean

Jean

Do not be fooled. I just came from Satara,and we had rain one day.Not much, but rain.

Mananga trail can be done with diff lock. The middleman is bit high and the river crossing at the two windmills is a bit tough. The rest no problem.

Sorry 4x4 only

Groovy is correct. Have a look at the page about it.

Just to clarify my statement.

The trail can be done with a 4x2 with diff lock. However Sanparks only allows 4x4 due to impact.

Having done this trail, I would suggest Sanparks maybe look at 4x2 as well, as there is no place on the trail that a 4x2 will cause more 'damage' than a 4x4.

If the trail is wet a 4x4 will have less impact, but so would a diff lock feature. If it is wet the trail is closed anyway.

Not to start a whole debate on this, it is just my opinion.

I am very keen to do one or two of these trails in Dec/Jan. However, I have a very new Prado and would hate for the paintwork to be scratched. Are the trails likely to cause damage or are the roads well cleared of vegetation on both sides? The 4x4 driving part does not worry me.
Which trails are best to start with. We will be winding our way down from Sirheni to Lower Sabie.

HI 50something.

I did the trail with a Jeep Commander ( similar size to Prado).
I left without any scratches. Must add, I did it in August(late winter) so vegetation was no problem.

Summer might be different. The only thing was the middle man was a bit high and some vegetation growing there can scratch the bottom. The only place that was a "tight" squeeze was between the two trees by the waterhole.

Remember when you do this trail, when getting to the first dam, the road you should follow goes behind it, in other words the way you just came from. The road in front is the one that comes by the same waterhole when you return.

If you are conserned about scratches, maybe use disifix or something similar on the sides of the car.

Just remember this trail will in no way test the 4x4 capabilities of your vehicle.

As you can only book on the day you go, and offices only open at 07H00, I do not know if it will be as good as in winter, due to the gates opening at 04H30 in summer and 06H30 in winter.

Witnessed a cheetah killing a waterbuck where the trail intersects with the S100.

LMHO reminds me about the angel who had a new bikini & didn't want to get it wet. Prados are for the big 5 - Canal Walk, Cavendish, Waterfront, Tygervalley and Constantia Village. A Hilux is a real 4x4. I just touch up the paintwork.
Come to the meet on Friday and gimme a verbal klap for being so rude.

Jakoventer, thanks for your helpful comments. I thought that one could also book the trails the night before. Is that wrong? You don't mention which trails you think I should start with. Any suggestions?
Bush Baptist, as for my Prado vs your Hi-lux - shall we put it to a vote which one will tackle all obstacles the best? When my Prado is about 5 years old and full of scratches I will take on your Hilux. It's just too shiny and new at the moment. I would love to come to the meet on Friday to discuss this further but unfortunately I am away from town this week-end. Enjoy.

Sorry we won't meet you 50S, I hope your Prado still works in 5 years time. I always say to people with new cars, 'you stress big time about getting your first ding in it. Save a lot of stress & get it at once!'
Have a good weekend! Next time maybe....