SANParks.org Forums

Hi Graham

I have done Bushman's and my daughters have done Wolhuters. They cover similar terrain, so they are similar in many respects. The highlight of the Bushmans trails a walk to the bushman's paintings, something quite unique. I think this can be done from the Wolhuters as well, but it is pretty much guarenteed on the Bushmans.

The highlight of my daughter's experience was walking into the middle of a wilddog hunt. The impala escaped by running through the walkers. The wilddog were so confused that they stopped dead and started barking at them.

My daughters said that the Dwarf Mongoose were the darlings of Wolhuters. Not sure if this is still the case. They had pretty much realised that there were lots of interesting things and moved in.

Our rarest sighting was Black Rhino. In actual fact, this is very much Rhino territory.

Both trails meet at Berg n Dal and leave in separate vehicles to their different destininations. I was the last to arrive I was stuck in a traffic jam that was caused by a Lion vs Ellie battle.

Boma where meals were served.



Waterhole at the fence.



the start of a walk



our little huts.



curious onlookers



MM arriving at the last minte



this was half her baggage ended up at Wolhuters but that is another story.

One of the reasons why MM was late.

Thanks for the link Elsa - lots of info! The Honorary ranger trail looks interesting and in great game viewing area! Thanks for the pics MM it looks great. - there was a documentary on the Wolhuter trail on UK tv which I am trying to find on YouTube! How did you find the accommodation?

Is this the one Graham?

Graham - the two trails traverse a very similar adjacent area , with the Bushmans walking area being in a more hilly area .
The fee charged covers all food & accomodation for 3 nights - the only items not included are alcoholic beverages and any snacks which you must bring along with you . The links to the info posted above just about cover all important matters .
I would strongly recommend either of them .

I am tempted by both of them! Thanks for the link Saraf - I remember that documentary.

As we will be further north after the proposed Wilderness trail, what time do the trails finish on the final day?
I would need to work out how far to drive afterwards.
What are the chances of availability on one of the more central wilderness trails becoming available in a months time when people don't pay the deposits (for August 2013)?
I found that this happened with many units in terms of accommodation, but wondered whether people book speculatively in a similar way with regards the trails?!

One usually returns to the tourist camp at around 9 am .
I have been accomodated on the trails due to cancellations , keep checking the status or perhaps email the administrators listed on the links provided , I have been successfiul in this regard .

Graham, no matter which one you do, it will be an experience to hold onto forever.

If you do end up doing the Wolhuter's or Bushman's trail, I would suggest you try to read "Memories of a Game Ranger" by Harry Wolhuter. It brings the area so much more to life.

Hi All

I am interested in doing one of the backpack trails either olifants or mpongholo trail. please can someone tell me where I find the info on the web site

Thank you in advance

Click on Reservations, then Availability, Kruger, and at bottom Wilderness trails. Then you can find a monthly calendar of availability on the trails.

I did it in a semi-official capacity so did not book in the normal way. You may need to actually phone or email rather than book online.

Mphongolo at the moment is very hot and dry. Olifants will be the same, and is hard going with lots of ups and downs and sandy underfoot.

Thank you for that, will try that route and see how that goes

Hi shrew,

Info for Mphongolo Trail

Olifants Backpack Trail

Hi all,

Me and my friends will be doing the Wilderness Trail (Metsi Metsi trail) early next month and were wondering if we should be bringing sleeping bags, or will beds/sheets be provided by the camp?

While on the same subject, anything else that's a good idea to bring?

Thanks,
Janitha

Hi Janitha, you don't need sleeping bags for the conventional trails, in actual fact, you will be thoroughly spoilt with a very comfortable beds, crisp linen and delicious food.

Enjoy

Sleeping bags are only needed for the wilderness walking trails.

Hi Janitha,

I did the Metsi-Metsi in May and I can assure you there is no need for a sleeping bag or any linen etc. You'll love it!! They treat you almost like royalty and the whole experience is just amazing!!!

Enjoy!!!

Awesome! Thanks for the quick responses. Less than a month away, can't wait!