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50something - hi

We have done the Mananga Trail, and were only able to book it on the morning we wished to do the trail.

We took our brand new Land Cruiser on the Lebombo trail in September this year - it came back sans any scratches. There is something one can paint on vehicles that saves the paint work I believe. (Hope I am not dreaming here!) I asked my SO - and he says he also does not think one is likely to get scratches on the Mananga Trail. It is mostly through open veld.

The booking rule is there for the event of rain. If it rains the trails are closed. And believe me, being there in early August, one does not expect rain, and sure enough we got rain the one day.

I cannot comment on the other trails, have only done Mananga so far. My preference of camps currently limits me to this trail.

Be ready to see loads and loads of animals on this trail. A taste of the numbers we saw is as follows:

1. Giraffe - 30 stopped counting then (one group)
2. Kudu - 20 in one group
3. Zeb 100+
4. Buff 100+
5. Waterbuck Lots of big groups
6. Cheetah 1
7. Lots of eles
8. Not much impis

The day I did the trail, we came across one other vehicle only. Another Jeep as it happened to be. We were alone for 95% of the trail. Took 5 1/2 Hours to complete the 40 odd km's. 15km/h felt like speeding. Stopped in clear places and got out for some cof and bfast. You are allowed to get out on this trail, but subject to certain rules which you receive when you book.

The start of the trail is about 4km north of Satara on the H1-4 and not 11km as stated on the brochure. You then loop to the S100 where you turn right towards S41. Then left on S41 for a km or so and then back on the trail zig zagging back to the S90 close to Mavumbye waterhole where the trail ends.

As you near the S100 there is some very small enclosures on the right, which no one has been able to tell me what it is for. I think there was about 5 of them.

The only place where you must have a 4x4 to pass the trail is when crossing a dry riverbed (I think it is the Mavumbye). They have packed rocks and tied it down with wire to make it easier to cross, but I am sure a normal sedan will struggle or damage something crossing here. But as I said before, no test of capabilities, no need for low range at all. Which is perfectly fine for me.

Hope this wets the tastebuds a bit.

Thanks for the very detailed info. My appetite is now very wet, thanks.

I hope it is not too wet to accomodate a Honda CR-V .
Anyone with advice concerning CR-V 's capability concerning this trail ?

As long as it is a 4x4 ndloti. Not to familiar with the CR-V, more of a american car supporter.

Whats this, crossing over to the enemy camp.

50s I did the Mananga trail in Sept this year. Most of the trail is clear and open but there are parts that branches brush against your car. A little spit and polish afterwards removes everything.

Thanks snoobab. Have you done any of the other trails?

Still got the Landy - you know, to tow the LC

Unfortunately not but some of the other guys have and i'm sure they can give you advice.

Hi 50s. Done the Northern plains & Nononkani at Palaborwa gate. 4x4 needed on both during the rain season due to a few "mud puddles" on the Northern plains similar to the ones on the Mananga, & river crossings on the Nononkani. Dry season the northern Plains could be done with 2x4 but not without some damage to the environment. The Nononkani in the dry season is still going to need 4x4. The Mananga is up next in January if it is open after the rain.

The NP trail has some dramatic Baobab scenery & the N'kani is just brilliant with some very good spots all over to sit in the shade of a tree with only the sounds around. Just watch out for the Ellies, it gets a bit tight.

See trip report of Pieter Steyn,s recent Mananga experience !

Is that the official version or the one related to me by Scipio

BB I think it is the official one, If it was me I would have had to wash more than mud off my clothes.

But seriously I am glad that all came out safe as such an adventure can turn real bad sometimes.

Hawk and I did this adventure trail again and now I am clear on which way to go!!!

When coming to the 'crossway' at the two windmills, keep to the right of the concrete reservoir and take that track to the S100. When upon returning to the same 'crossway' turn right at the windmills and follow the track for a short distance which then leads through the river bed and out onto the last part of the trail.

Has anybody done this trail in the last 2 weeks.......I'm planning on doing it 1 Nov '08 and am curious as to:
1. current thickness of vegetation
2. amount of mud / passability of the water-crossings
3. main focus of bigger game herds at the moment