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Josh , I cannot differ with you on those points . The KNP wilderness trails are somewhat removed from the "true" wilderness . I assume Krugers higher predator & other potentially dangerous mammal numbers are the reason for tents being mandatory on the backpack trails .

Though the Mphongholo & Olifants backpack trails are close enough to wilderness .

The Mphongolo trails area is over 140 000 ha exclusive for the trail, no other development within at least an 8km radius around the boundary,

Some famous reserves are not even a quarter of this size.

The night watch heightens your senses , connects you strongly with the wilderness ...
I also believe in the no watch idea !

Katamboega , Mphongholo must be unmatched purity ! I assume the only visible man made structures are the odd drinking crib and reservoir ?

Exactly. While sleeping in a tent (or a-frame) just removes you from the environment.

Fantastic! That was one of my favourite aspect of the Olifants trail. But that's not what I'm comparing.

A tent would be usefull in case of rain ... also it gets cold during the nightwatch and the watchman could fall asleep .

O.k......I've booked the entire Metsi-Metsi trail for end of May 2012.......some hard choices had to be made. Can still change it if I want to because the deposit only has to be in before 4 July 2011. It's amazing how many trails and dates aren't booked yet. I was under the impression that if you wait until even a week after reservations open you won't get the booking you want but it seems that the trails aren't THAT popular. Metsi-Metsi for example is still available for the most of March and April 2012....with all those holidays as well.

interesting.

I was disappointed to see the demise of the "donkey" and the appearance of gas geysers on wilderness trails as far back as the early 90's and when the wood fire for the kettle was replaced with a gas bottle I was devastated - though I do understand that wood must be conserved . As the earlier wilderness trails rangers moved on some of the new generation of trails guides seem to use vehicles more frequently - it seems to me there is more driving than previously .

Rather economise on fossil fuel and allow more wood ?

we have booked out the entire wolhuter trail for later in the year. how strictly is the max age limit of 65 enforced? we have two 72 year olds who would like to partake in this trail. both are very fit (one climbed mount kenya earlier in the year). as we have the whole trail, would they be allowed to participate? any ideas on whom i can contact for an official response?

When there is a group booking the entire trail Sanparks is more lenient regarding the age limit .
I have walked in KNP with fitter 70 yr olds than 20 yr olds !

I have heard that a medical doctors certificate is required for those participants above the max advertised age .

Contact Bridget Bagley at Sanparks head office - direct tel no 012 426 5111 or 012 428 9111

ndloti

thank you very much. I emailed Bridget and got a reply back within seconds, what great service! the over 70s'just need to bring a doctors fitness letter along to attach to the indemnity and they are allowed to walk. great news, Wolhuter here we come!!!

Simonbee You go and enjoy yourself on the trail.
Yes we are over the age and this will be our third one.. The one trail the chappie was 85 and yes he was super fit . and the most unfit was the youngest at 40 she battled .

True! I have a patient who is over 70 and he often walks these trails. He is very fit! I just need to give him a medical certificate every time - and off he goes.

The best part for me is always catching up afterwards and getting to hear about all his sightings... After I consulted with him (which entails long stories about KNP, birds and photography) - I'm always behind schedule...

Hi Guys,

I've started a website about the Kruger Wilderness Trails at www.africaskyblue.com where I've uploaded some of my trail videos and photos . My husband Arno has also written some stories about our experiences if you are interested.

Hi everyone,

in a view weeks we will walk on a Wilderness Trail in KNP and I am afraid to chase away the animals with the shutter noise of my DSLR. I got an superzoom camera as well, which is much less noisy.

Any recommendations which camera to take?