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We did the Napi trail last August...our guide said the age limit was a guideline and that no one had ever been turned away from the trail because of age. He mentioned that activities might be structured accordingly, so going with a group that has similar goals and abilities may be advisable.

Hello Forumites,

we are planning our next trip to South Africa and will (hopefully) have the best at the end...A wilderness trail in KNP.

We will start at Berg-En-Dal. Now questions are coming up:

1. What is the minimum equipment needed?

2. Any restrictions beside the "normal" ones?

3. What kind of "comfort" will we have in the camp? (in means of electricity and bath, shower...)

Probably more questions the closer we come to 1st October...

Thanks

Enni

Hi Eddy and welcome
Here is a thread on the kruger trials which might help
trials

For not Kruger trials please PM Eddy with the information and
the experience you might have.

Txs
Bert

Don't know about Bushmans specific (maybe WTM can help, sure he did it a year or 2 ago) but I did Nyalaland in January and the base camps are supposedly all the same.

We slept in A-frame huts, 2 people per hut. All bedding, towels supplied. (Might not need bedding if it is nice and warm in October) Mosquito nets over the beds.
Running hot water supplied to the showers. Normal flush toilets.
All lighting are provided by lanterns and the fire where you'll spend every night listening to the bush and the trail guides stories.

Take:
Flashlight
Camera/binocs
Lots of drinks, a person gets quite thirsty on the walks.
Amarula (for the sundowners)
Mosquito repellant in summer. If you use something like Bushmans (imported from Australia I think) it can double for ticks and fleas.
Sunscreen
Hat
One warm item of clothing should be enough. In case you're unlucky and it gets bit cold.
Absorbing mind. Listen to everything the guides have to say, they have got loads to share.

Don't take:
Loads of snacks. We did and brought back everything. You end up eating so much you never touch your own snacks.
Bright coloured clothing. (also no whites)
Loud mouth. (Don't know how WTM managed)
Big 5 expectations.

Hi enni,

Have a look at this thread too: Wilderness Trails - FAQ

Hi bigstrontium,

I recommand the "Metsi Metsi trail", in novembre 2006 it was very fabulous, we saw two male lion when we walked 15 m away from us, and the same day a big male lion eating a hippo.

The camp is very nice and a very good feeling of liberty, no car, no noise, etc.....

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Thing is Bigstrontium,
like the rest of the park, 33% luck, 33% planning and 33% UP TO YOU.
Each trail has its own merits.
I have 2 major plans, be warm and don't forget the Chardonnay
The rest I just manage to enjoy.

I would like to know if anybody have comments about Walking Trails in the Kruger. Is it worth the money that you pay and is there any susgestions

Hi Hes, welcome

You might like to read the threads on the walks in the activites forum. Here and here.

Been on the Wolhuter trail twice now. The rangers Johan and John that do the walks/trail there are fantastic. Their knowledge of the bush and wildlife is second to none, and having access to that for a couple of days is worth its weight in gold.
Not only do you get to experience the bush first hand, you and your group are also the only people in the area.. so you dont keep running into other people, which makes the experience so much more special.
The facilities at the small trail camp are comfortable enough (roof over my head and a hot shower is all I ask!) and the food they prepare is always delicious!
If you can manage it, then a walking trail is an experience you'll never forget. The group I took last month certainly wont, after two close encounters with rhino!

Has anyone done a Wilderness Trail in June? And if so-what was it like?

I have done a few in June , I prefer the veld when green , but it is of course cooler in winter , animals tend to be more concentrated around permanent water sources and visibility is better due to the shorter grass thinner vegetation .
Dianne , I assume you are on the way on trail today , please tell us about it if so .

We are doing the Bushman Hike end of March. Does anyone know if the guides and/or base camps are equipped with anti-venom and snake bite kits and do they have training in snake bite treatment? Or is Berg-and-Dal the closest treatment point?

Hi Woodlin,

Yes, they are equipped with a basic snake bite kit and are also trained to give aid. They will also be able to radio in help via a helicopter if the snake bite is bad. No need to worry.

In my opinion you need not be over concerned about snake bites on trail .
I have seen dangerous snakes only 3 or 4 times in about 800 - 1000 km of walking in the KNP .
I stepped over a large puffadder on two occasions in one day on Wolhuter (or was it Bushmans trail) , and saw a long mamba in Nyalaland trail camp , as well as the tail of a cobra disappearing into hole on Metsi trail .