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Hi Herman, earlier this year the WEG magazine had a special Kruger edition and according to them the route was stil open, about 48km long and cost R460....I assume per vehicle. No info on the map though, sorry.

Herman , the trail was still open in May . We have done it twice previously . There is no really detailed map available , but you do receive a rough sketch of it when you book it - booking can only be done at Satara on the morning that you actually go on the trail . The " official " start is about 8 km north of Satara on the H1-4 ( there is a sign ) , goes eastwards for about 8 km , then almost due south to the S100 ( another 8 or so kilometers ) . Then follow s100 to S41 , where you turn left on the S41 . About 2 km on , there is another sign where you again enter the "bush " . The trail then follows the Mavumbye river up to where you previously turned south . You may then go back the original way you came , or cross the river , and a few km's on , you join the S90 . You may start onto the trail at any of the points , go in any direction , not necessarily as indicated , but you must remain on the trail at all times

You may get out of your vehicle anywhere , but it is recommended that you do not move more than a few meters away from it . Do not get out of your vehicle within sighting distance of a road - other tourists may see you , and they may think they can also get out of their vehicle . You may also take along a gas cooker to make coffee or cook a brekkie or lunch , but no fires

Enjoy it

Sent you an email Herman

Hi there

I m wondering..... Is this Trail safe to do if you are only one vehicle?

We did Pretoriuskop last year, but we had friends also in a 4X4....

This year we are alone.

Is it a difficult trail?

Stellie, it is quite safe to do with just one vehicle, in fact many folk enjoy it that way.

If is has rained or a chance of rain the trail is usually closed plus the staff will know there is a vehicle still out due to your deposit that is left behind, or hopefully anyway!

Enjoy.

I'd love to do this trail, but am finding it very difficult to determine which SUV's offered for hire are 2x4 and which are 4x4. (renting from Nelspruit MQP airport). Guaranteeing a 4x4 by going up to a Helix becomes cost-prohibitive. (over $3000 compared to $1600 for an SUV)

To be absolutely clear, no 4x2's allowed, correct?

I cannot see why a 4x2 SUV will not manage the route in dry conditions .
A 4x2 pick - up (bakkie) with high ground clearance & diff lock will manage most conditions if the driver knows the correct driving techniques
Surely the car hire companies can tell you the exact model designation , then you could consult the manufacturers website in SA and get the correct info ?

Hi,

has anyone done this Mananga trail for the last few weeks? And has anyone has good sightings ont this trail? Although we are visiting Kruger now for many years, we've never done this trail and I'm thinking of doing it this year during our next vist!?

And can you do the trail 2 times on a day???

Thanks
Ruud

Good advice, ndloti. It looks like my SUV options out of Nelspruit are 2x4 unless I want to sell a kidney for a Hilux.

Still hoping to do the trail. I'll have to see what luck I have vehicle-wise.

ruud,

if ever possible do the trail - It is indeed worthwhile to do - We saw really lots of animals, however, most the common savannah ones but nevertheless had a great time

You can book the trail only on the day when you will do it and can book it between 07.00 - 11.00 o'clock at the receiption. The trail is about 45 km long and can only be driven one way. We started same shortly after booking at 07.00 o'clock and where back in camp around 14.00 o'clock so I would say it is more than impossible to do the trail more than one time.

Hi, I did the trail on Monday. Really enjoyed it being out on your own and having a nice picnic in the wild, completely on your own. We saw ellies and rhino and the normal buck. I spoke to a guy in the camp that did the trail the previous day and they got lions and a leopard at the twin windmill area. I will do it again!!

Isn't the trail broken up into 2 parts? I think I read somewhere (off forum) that a few people to the whole trail once, then the shorter of the 2 parts again.

Yes, it is - It starts nearly half way between Satara camp on the H1-4 and the crossing S90 will lead then straight to the Malihane windmill, then you have to turn right and drive straight again until you will come out on the S100, you then have to follow this road until a bit after Gudzani dam on the S41 where you drive again into the direction of the Malihane windmill and then you drive straight again and will come out on the S90 near Mavumbye

But believe me both parts are so totally different you simply have to do both - It is a thrilling experience

Thanks Pumba Stark and Wildhond

Within a few weeks we'll be in Satara for several days and I think we will do this trail for the first time!
I hope we are a little lucky and have some lions along the track

Ruud

We've done it in both directions at different times . Its great , especially to be totally alone