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Briefly , mammal sightings are much more frequent on Sweni as it is situated on the grass plains , Nyalaland covers a more rocky mopani veld .

If you want to see lions and lots of other animals do the Sweni trail. I will never forget the night when we were caught in the middle of a huge pride of lions roaring all night around the camp. The cook had to throw pots and pans at 2 females who were hellbent on getting into the camp! You open your door of you A-frame hut and you could smell the damp cat scent all around. It was awesome!

Nyalaland is best for scenery and birds.

I did the Nyalaland and it was great for birding and larger animals such as buffalo and Elephant. The San art was also nice to see.

My next trail will be either Sweni or the Olifants back pack trail.

I have done both ... sweni we only saw one lion and lots of other interesting things but the nyalalnd we saw lions on a kill Hyenas Climbed the "hill" to see dinasor fossilised bones and the magnificent views from the top with another archeogical site at the top .. But both were great

My pal and I are basically and intrinsically lazy - so self-drive holidays in the park usually suit perfectly (next trip only 4 months away ). We are also at the lower end of the fitness scale. Although we love to go (and often go) on short 6 to 10 km day hikes, we've never done an "overnighter" with heavy gear to carry etc.

However, a fitness freak colleague has convinced me that I have not experienced the KNP until I have walked around in it...

I notice the wilderness trails in KNP are all several days long. So advice please:
Which one is not necessarily the most scenic, don't necessarily have the most animal traffic, BUT is the easiest (flat terrain in other words), and offer the most shade in the form of large shade trees (coolest in other words) of all the hiking trails (I mean wilderness trails) in the park? ... First time we don't want to push our luck... And when is the best time of the year to go - Winter I suppose?

Shade is dependent on the foliage & thus the season and the rainfall .
Sweni is the flattest , but generally has the most animals .
Napi will be the coolest as the safari tents have a double roof .

Best book in winter .

Thanks ndloti

Haven't done Sweni but have done Nyalaland twice. By far my favourite of all the trails we've done. Wonderful scenery, beautiful birds and by far and away the best and most isolated atmosphere. And if you're lucky Christopher will be your guide - have seen him develop from assistant to lead trails ranger and he's WONDERFUL!

I agree cathyb that Nyalaland offers that old world isolated atmosphere.
One tends not to expect big 5 sightings , one can concentrate on the scenery , archaeology and all the facets that make a more relaxed wilderness experience.

The Sweni is great, but I can remember some time in the 80's, early 90's when it was hectic with some Lion prides around that had a interest in upright, humanlike forms.

The Nyalaland, well, the fossils are a high point to me.

If you go on the Nyalaland trail, request that you go to Lanner Gorge, the birthplace of the KNP trails, it is here where Mike English sold the concept to Dr. Rocco Knobel the then Exec. Director of the National Parks Board.

Lanner Gorge is by far the most beautiful of all of the KNP.

Nyalaland has retained the mystery of the far far north.

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum and this will be my first trip to South Africa. Therefore I would be glad to get some advice from you.
I will travel with a friend of mine through South Africa in August and we will also stay 10 days at KNP.
We would like to to one 3-4 days Backpacker Trail with camping in the bushes and all this stuff.
I have seen the Olifants Backpaper Trail but unfortunately it is just the two of us and I believe that you need to be a group of 8 to book this trail. Is this correct?
If yes, can you recommend an interesting backpacker trail within the KPN?

I would be very happy to hear from you! Thanks a lot in advance!

Regards,
Max

Maxwell, a very warm welcome to you.

You will not be disappointed in the trails.

I think that its important to decide what is important. Birders often enjoy the Nyalaland trail in the north, the Bushman and Wolhuter trails offer good bush paintings.

The Olifants (not back packers), Sweni, Metsi-Metsi and Napi offer a good wilderness experience. These are southern and central areas.

The telephone number I have is 021-426 5000, but it might be out of date. I hope that someone can help you.

I may be totally wrong but I don't think you have to be an entire group to book on the back-backing trails. I think they just need a minimum number for it to be viable.

hi all

where can i find a list of the trails? thanks!

ww29