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I have a choice between the Metsi Metsi and Napi trails (departure May 2013 God Willing). Any advice on which one I should do?

My advice go on both - do Metsi Metsi first.

I will select Metsi over Napi , in my opinion the Napi camp offers a "traditional closer to wilderness" atmosphere . Metsi area will on average offer more game encounters .



Metsi Metsi camp in 1988 shortly after it opened , the thatch had not yet turned grey ... there was only one shower & one toilet.Notice the water tank on the roof of the shower - for a hot shower you collected water from the wood fired geyser and climbed the ladder with bucket in one hand and added the hot water to the contents of the tank - as far as I remember you also had to make sure there was enough water in the tank before showering - there was no ball valve for automatic refilling.The good old days.



Probably 1989 .

A couple in our group doing the Metsi Metsi trail will be leaving their baby with their parents. In case of an emergency, would there be any way to contact us?

Hi Jenni, you can discuss your concerns with the trail leader. They are often in contact with the nearest camp. They would also need to have access to help in the case of an emergency on the trail. I am sure that some arrangement can be made for touching base every so often.

Thanks MM - they'd just like to be able to reassure the parents that they are contactable if an emergency should arise. Of course they wouldn't physically be able to do anything, but the possibility of phone or radio contact would put their minds at ease. New parents (and grandparents) are apt to worry!

Jenni, I understand. I would also worry.

When I did the Bushman's trail, the ranger was often in communication with Berg n Dal. My luggage was put on the wrong vehicle and went to the wrong camp. That was also sorted out by the rangers. Many people who do the trails might have health conditions, such as diabetes. It would be imperative to be close to help if need be.

The Mestsi Mestsi trail is very popular and I hope that they have a wonderful time. It would be very easy to keep in contact with Skukuza and be given an emergency number.

Yes, they would be able to contact the group should there be a REAL emergency. As suggested ask the trail leader for a telephone number to be contacted.

They will probably give you the section ranger's number, which will be able to make contact in case of emergency.

I doubt whether regular contact will be possible, but should you ask them they will probably be able to inform you whether and where cellphone signal will be available.

Thanks a lot for this information! They will all be relieved.

There is a very weak intermittent cell phone signal on the top of N'wamuriwa hill adjacent to the camp - it would involve a 10 minute drive or an hours walk each time you need to check for messages .

Imberbe wrote ; "They will probably give you the section ranger's number, which will be able to make contact in case of emergency."

The ranger may not allways be at home and his office is not necesarily manned in his absence .

We are considering doing a wilderness trail next August, but availability already looks limited; the only places available are on the Wolhuter and Bushman's trail! Have people done these two south-west region trails? What are they like?

We loved Kruger last month, but we were itching to do some exercise (other than our solitary morning walk on the first day), so it would be great to exhaust our legs prior to the more conventional Kruger driving experience next time!

To book on a trail do you pay the trail fee (R3900 per person) as well as accommodation at the camp the trail is registered to?

Hi Graham,

if you have a read Wilderness Advice you will find lots of great advice and info.

and for more specific info

Bushman's Trail

and

Wolhuter Trail

You really got hooked didn't you?

You could also go on one of these trails: http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/bush-camps

That is with the Honorary Rangers.... And we have one of the organisers on board about daily, he used to be a moderator. (Click the link and you will see his photo.)